A journey walking the Thames Path offers a unique perspective on both nature and urban life. This 10-mile stretch from Sonning to Pangbourne, passing through Reading, Caversham, and Mapledurham, captures the essence of the river’s charm.
Table of Contents
For this walk, I chose to document the experience using my trusty Canon AE-1 Program paired with a 50mm lens. The film of choice was Kentmere Pan 400, developed in Rodinal for 25 minutes, giving the images a rich, timeless quality.
Walking The Thames Path – A Long-Standing Ambition
My journey along the Thames Path is part of a larger ambition that began two years ago — to walk the entire length of the path from its source in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London. The path stretches approximately 184 miles (294 km) and offers a diverse experience of rural countryside, historical landmarks, and bustling cityscapes.
In 2023, we completed the section from the Source of the Thames to Clifton Hampden over the course of five days. Since then, we also walked the stretch from Marlow to Sonning. Our next steps will involve walking from Clifton Hampden to Wallingford, followed by the section from Wallingford to Pangbourne. With these smaller sections completed, we will then tackle the remaining journey from Marlow to London in the coming months.
Overview of the Walk
| Section | Distance | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonning to Reading | 3 miles | Picturesque village, riverside views | Ideal for early morning photography |
| Reading to Caversham | 2 miles | Urban landscape, bridges, and reflections | Good contrast between cityscape and river |
| Caversham to Mapledurham | 3 miles | Historic watermill, countryside views | Perfect for black-and-white photography |
| Mapledurham to Pangbourne | 2 miles | Quiet riverside, occasional narrowboats | Tranquil end to the walk |
Upcoming Sections, yet to be Completed
| Section | Distance | Highlights | Notes |
| Clifton Hampden to Wallingford | 7 miles | Scenic riverside views, historic towns | A relaxing countryside stretch |
| Wallingford to Pangbourne | 10 miles | Varied landscapes, nature reserves | Excellent for wildlife and nature photography |
Starting in Sonning
Sonning, a picturesque village, offers an idyllic start to our walk. The Thames flows gently past charming cottages and riverside pubs. Early morning light filters through the trees, casting soft reflections on the water. With the Kentmere Pan 400, the subtle contrasts of the riverbank and narrow boats come to life.
Through Reading and Caversham
As you head into Reading, the urban landscape contrasts with the earlier rural scenes. The bridges and industrial remnants along the waterway offer striking photographic opportunities. Caversham, just across the river, is a bustling area with scenic views of the Thames. The film’s grainy texture complements the reflections of the cityscape in the water.
Onward to Mapledurham
Leaving the city behind, the path winds through more tranquil surroundings. Mapledurham is home to a historic watermill and a manor house, often photographed for their picturesque appeal. The black-and-white tones of Kentmere Pan 400 add a classic feel to this timeless setting.
Arriving in Pangbourne
The final stretch leads to Pangbourne, a quaint riverside village. The peaceful river views, combined with the occasional passing narrowboat, create a perfect ending to the walk. Photographing the calm water and surrounding foliage on film enhances the sense of nostalgia.
Photography Notes
- Camera: Canon AE-1 Program
- Lens: 50mm
- Film: Kentmere Pan 400
- Developer: Rodinal, 25 minutes
This choice of film and development brought out the rich details and textures of the walk. The contrast between urban and natural landscapes was particularly well-suited to black-and-white photography.
If you’re considering a similar journey, the Thames Path offers endless opportunities to capture beautiful scenes. Happy walking and shooting!
