Day 1

Left the Cirencester Guest House at 9.15 and started the walk proper at 9.45 from the source of the Thames. The spot itself is interesting, set in a copse of trees bordering a meadow. The stone erected there to mark the spot give the only clue that this is the start of a mighty river. For starters, there is no water - the spring is dry.  What a start! However. I'm sure Mr Thames plans to collect water from somewhere to justify its existence. Of course we took photographs of ourselves - with full backpacks!

The path ranges from well marked tracks through farmlands and meadows, narrow paths between hedgerows to wide gravel (and sometimes bitumen) roads. It winds around the countryside following the course of the Thames (water to be added a couple of kilometres further). It's easy walking and the path is well sign-posted (although lots of people get lost and have to backtrack). The only hassle we had was a not-too-well-defined detour due to a bridge being repaired.

We were surprised by the absence of birds for most of the walk (no people either - met less than 10 people on the path). What the path had in abundance was blackberries - the hedgerows were loaded with them! Even with all these berries, no birds - don't know why.

We missed the village of Somerford Keynes where we were going to stop for a coffee because of a detour - decided to continue to Ashton Keynes and have lunch there. Good pub, the White Hart - got there around 1.00 and left 1.30.

Around Ashton Keynes for miles and miles are old gravel pits. Rather than be an eyesore, there are now either natural habitats for birds and other wildlife or water sports places. There are lots of signs saying 'Danger - Deep Water'.  They have done a wonderful job with the old gravel pits.

Spending the night in Cricklade - in another pub called the White Hart. Another 20km day tomorrow so early to bed I think!