Lechlade To Kelmscott Walk
This walk takes you along a lovely section of the Thames Path from Lechlade to Kelmscott.
It's just over 3.5 miles along the flat riverside path, so around 7 miles there and back.
On the way you will pass the noteworthy St. Mary's Church at Buscot. The Grade I listed church dates to 1200 and is worthy of further investigation with its stained glass and ancient bells.
Also of interest is the statue of Old Father Thames at St John's Lock. The pretty lock is one of the highlights of this stretch of the river and includes the photogenic statue which dates from 1851 when it was originally comissioned for The Crystal Palace's grounds in London. Near the lock you will also pass the point where the River Cole enters the River Thames.
In Kelmscott you can pay a visit to the historic Kelmscott Manor. The Cotswold stone house was built in about 1570 and was the country home of textile designer, poet, artist and writer William Morris. The manor is open to the public in the summer months. For a fee you can explore the wonderful architecture of the house and enjoy a stroll through the lovely gardens.
You can extend the walk by heading south to another local historical highlight at Buscot Park. Here you can explore the picturesque grounds and gardens surrounding a fine 18th-century mansion.
If you continued east along the river you would soon come to Tadpole Bridge where you'll find a significant 13th century bridge and the popular Trout Inn.
Lechlade To Kelmscott Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Lechlade To Kelmscott Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Lechlade To Kelmscott OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Lechlade To Kelmscott Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Thames Path at Lechlade Bridge
St John's Lock. The name of the lock derives from a priory that was established nearby in 1250, but which no longer exists. The lock was built of stone in 1790 by the Thames Navigation Commission. The main weir is downstream, just below St John's Bridge, where the River Cole and the River Leach join the Thames on opposite banks.
Old Father Thames by St John's Lock. The statue was commissioned in 1854 for The Crystal Palace's grounds, was later moved to the traditional source of the Thames at Thames Head, and then in 1974 relocated to St John's Lock.
Thames watermeadows near Lechlade. St Lawrence's Church, Lechlade can be seen on the other side of the River Thames.
St. Mary's Church, Buscot. The Church of England parish church of Saint Mary was built in about 1200. The bell tower has a ring of four bells, the oldest of which was cast at Bristol in about 1399. It's another historic building to investigate on the walk.
A bend in the River Thames by Cheese Wharf, near Buscot
Buscot Lock
Kelmscott Manor, home of William Morris. Iconic home of the political activist, manufacturer, designer and artist. An engraving of the manor is used on the frontispiece of his novel "News from Nowhere".