Stage 11 - Lechlade to the Source - 18th July 2024
- John Tippetts
- Jul 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 13
The final stage of my 2024 Thames Path challenge to walk from Sea to Source in 11 stages.
This was the first time I’d walk from Lechlade to the Source in one go rather than stopping at Cricklade. For this to work I’d have to start from Swindon where I’d get a bus to Highworth (7) and another one to Lechlade (77). However, since 2024 I’ve noticed there is now a number 64 bus that goes to Lechlade without the need to change at Highworth.
Just after 9:30 I was in Lechlade and ready for the off. This was the weekend of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, so for most of the morning I was treated to a free air display. It slowed me down stopping to watch the aircraft but it didn’t bother me as it was a lovely day.
I reached Cricklade 5 hours later, bought a sandwich at the Tesco store in the high street and ate it at one of the benches at the other end of the high street by the river.
After a short rest I set off again on the final 12 miles of my walk to the Source. As I was walking on this warm and sunny afternoon, I couldn’t help but think back to those people who insist on walking this section in miserable winter weather. Where’s the enjoyment in this?
Anyway, I reached the source at about 19:30, so 10 hours to walk 23 miles; not very quick but so what - I’d completed my challenge to walk 232 miles Sea to Source in 11 stages. This really was something to celebrate, so I walked to the Thames Head for a pint and steak & chips!
I now had to walk to Kemble Station to catch the train back to Swindon. I’d been monitoring the train situation after the line was closed in the late afternoon due to an incident. I ended up sitting on the platform for an hour until a train finally arrived at 22:16! Back in Swindon, I next had to drive to the Premier Inn in Reading where I’d booked to stay overnight. The M4 was closed for much of the journey adding to my transport woes! What a day it had been!
Looking back at this year’s walks, I decided that I’d never be able to better 11 stages whilst at the same time enjoy the actual walking. At the end of the day, you’ve got to enjoy the walking otherwise what’s the point.
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