The River Thames begins as a trickle of water flowing through a field in the Cotswolds, 30 miles above Cricklade. From Cricklade the river is a small and wild stream, until at Lechlade the first small motor launches appear and from then on the Thames is managed by a series of locks.
From Oxford to Windsor grand old houses, churches, colleges and, at Windsor, a Castle decorate the banks and are immaculately maintained. For lovers of England's gentler history and countryside, this stretch is hard to beat. The most popular section between Oxford and Windsor lies between Wallingford and Windsor. The full paddle would take three days, though it's easy to take a chunk off the start or end so that you can enjoy a two day trip.
From Windsor the pull of the city is always felt and at Teddington the gentle waters of the Thames mix with the sea as the river becomes tidal.