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The Source. No gushing spring, just an ash tree, circle of rocks and a Japanese cyclist, but the Thames starts here under a patchy blue sky. Perfect. Cricklade. Good walk today, but a path that often strayed from the river and no water. Hoping for more H2O, boats and river life tomorrow. Lechlade. Ten mile walk, done by lunch, through showery rain. Now in the land of boats and locks. The lonely source seems a long way away. A glorious sunny morning. Full-English. Ten miles. Now, a cider and lunch in a pub at Tadpole Bridge. It seemed wrong to just walk on by. Northmoor. Pudding tasting contest at the pub. Home-grown breakfast eggs at a splendid B&B. I'm a world away from riotous London. Kennington. Oxford rower inadvertantly launches a duck with his oar. Made my day. Duck OK. Hope you're having a quiet night in Londoners. Coffee in Abingdon. Now expert at the subtle nod and greet to fellow river users. Note to self; stop hellos to strangers when back home. Dorchester. Deepest bath I've ever seen. A one hour soak listening to TMS and I'm ready to go again. One third, that's 75 miles, completed. Wallingford. Heavy showers today, but that's OK as I've borrowed waterproofs from my parents. I'm boldly hiking the river in my Mum's coat. Goring Gap, where the river cuts through the Chilterns. Rain gone, sun's shining. It all adds up to make this my favourite stretch so far. Pangbourne. Not the country idyll I'd hoped for. Police in hotel reception. Room shaking high-speed trains thundering by every two minutes. Blot on the landscape; this must be Reading. A bit harsh maybe, but the path's closed so I haven't seen the river for the last three miles. Sonning. Today, a stroll and a quiet pint by the river. Exactly one year from now, grown men in leotards, grappling. It's a funny old life. Henley. It's August, but it felt very autumnal by the river this morning. Exactly one week since the source, so it's one week to the sea. Bisham. For the first time, I found the going a bit hard today. Ice-cream from a boat lifted my spirits. Yes, that really is all it takes. Windsor. Dawn start to my day allowed for lunch of home-made dumplings and Belgian beer with my lovely wife. The stunning sunrise, a bonus. I'm wearing my unflattering, but practical, sun-hat and enjoying a morning stroll through history. Windsor, Runnymede and next, Staines. Old Shepperton. Suddenly, or so it feels, I'm on the edge of London. Sitting by the river in the rain, sounds of barges, cricket and ducks. I've hiked 160 miles to find out that the finest views of the Thames really are at Richmond. Battersea Park. A proper packed lunch, foil-wrapped sarnies, fruit and cake, all prepared by my rock-star sister, lifted a grey London day. Southwark. Sushi with my gorgeous wife. Then, to end a nondescript overcast day, a great sunset. 22 miles tomorrow. It's the longest day. Thames Barrier. End of the Thames Path, so no more chasing acorns. This morning's early hike has been really enjoyable. Now, on to the Sea! Dartford. Too tired to Tweet last night. The day was bracing, brooding and wet, but I shared the trudge and a pint or two with my mate Phil. QEII Bridge. Quite unexpectedly, picking my way through the salt-marsh and industry of North Kent has made this one of my favourite days. 5.30am, two miles out of Gravesend and I'm watching dolphins!? All-Hallows on Sea, which means it's done. Source to Sea, 15 days, 225 miles and, er, 5 full-english breakfasts. Thank you for your support.

Shaun's Full-English Thames Walk

Shaun's Full-English Thames Walk

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