Where is the source of the River Thames?

Written by Daily Fix - Published 10-Aug-2022, last updated 14-Dec-2023

The River Thames at 215 miles is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom, but where is the source of the Thames and can you visit the source of the Thames?

Thames Head, the official source of the River Thames, is situated in Gloucestershire in a Cotswold meadow near Kemble and approximately 3 miles southwest of Cirencester. However, Seven Springs, roughly 11 miles to the north, also makes claim to being the ultimate source.

What marks the start of the River Thames?

For a river of such significance and importance the source of the Thames is marked with a simple stone inscribed with the words:

The Conservators of the River Thames 1857 - 1974
This Stone was Placed Here to Mark the Source of the River Thames

The inscription has worn away with time and is quite hard to read, and just as diffucult to capture in a photograph!

Often dry, the spring itself is marked by a ring of stones and there is also a Thames Path sign post telling everyone they are "just" 184 miles from the Thames Barrier in London.

Can you visit the source of the Thames?

If you are in the Cotswolds, you can visit the source of the Thames via a footpath across Trewsbury Mead, but for most of the year no water is visible, just a shallow, dry river bed.

In fact, recent stories suggest that the source of the Thames has actually moved approwimately 5 miles downstream and now lies near Somerford Keynes in Gloucestershire.

Dr Rob Collins, director of policy and science at the Rivers Trust, said:

Following the prolonged dry weather, the source of the Thames in Gloucestershire has dried up, with a weak flow now only just about discernible more than 5 miles downstream (at Somerford Keynes).

It remains to be seen if the source at Thames Head flows again after a period of wet weather, or if the source has permanantly shifted.

What is the Thames Path?

The Thames Path National Trail is a wonderful walking route that follows the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire all the way to the capital. It is a great way to see some of England's finest scenery, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore along the way. The path is well signposted and easy to follow, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike.

Many people take the Thames Path annually, some completing its whole path in one go, and others meandering through the route to break it up into sections and walk them one by one.

How long is the Thames Path?

From the source of the Thames to the Thames Barrier, the Thames Path is approximately 184 miles long (294 kilometres).