WALK COMPLETE. I have finally finished my Thames Path walk from the source in Kemble, Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier ( I’m nipping back to finish the 7 miles yo Dagenham )

The official distance is 185.2 miles. Over 10 days of walking I recorded

450,675 steps at an average of 45,067 steps a day

315.54 km 196.06 miles on the Path ( includes getting to the Path and to campsites accommodation etc

360.60 km 224.07 miles in total over the 10 days

I’d like to thank my brother Peter Key for walking with me for 3 days, Brett Cash for walking for 2 days with me, Anna Key and Ben Casey for walking the final day with me and Mark Bishton and Paul Littorin for joining me for half a day. Also the numerous people who called or messaged to add their support, you know who you are x

More importantly, I have raised £5,133 for Chestnut Tree Childrens Hospice so thank you to all who generously donated ❤️.

I might put my feet up today….

Day 5 complete. What would have been a tough 30km day was made massively easier by my old friend Brett Cash taking the time out to join me. Catching up on old times & new the Kim’s flew by. 

We walked with 2 lovely ladies for a few miles, Caroline & Dune?

Before long the multi million pound riverside properties gave way to Reading  

Officially 95.1 miles completed. Tomorrow will be my last walking day before a family holiday after which I will return in early / mid June to complete the walk

Day 4 complete . Another shorter day, about 14 miles to a planned campsite near Wallingford. I felt much better today although my feet still get sore quickly.

It was a beautiful stretch of the Thames where some very lucky people had stunning houses on the river bank.

I pitched up a a very friendly campsite, had a lovely hot shower & now enjoying a pint in the town.

Tomorrow my good mate Brett Cash is joining me for the day. It’ll be great to walk with a mate.

I’m not sure exactly where  I’ll be tomorrow night, somewhere near Reading I reckon.

Thanks again for all your support

Day 3 complete  a shorter day but I found it really tough  I was foot sore from the off and felt done in after just 6km  Little sleep the night before & a heavy pack were the culprits .I trudged on bouyed by call from family and friends . A bite to eat at Sandford Lock revived me & I made it to Abingdon where I took a room for the night as the forecast was dreadful ( they were right )

I managed another 27.5km and have a campsite booked for tomorrow at Wallingford 

A nice bowl of pasta & a couple of beers, a bed for the night . Happy days

Day 2 complete  another long day  40km & 55000 steps so far . Walked alone today but the views were fabulous.

I pushed on a bit further than planned & made it to Eynsham Lock. The heavens opened just as I umpacked the tent .

I ran out of water 5 miles before the end point & then the drinking water tap was shut off 🥵 . Still I persevered & made it to the pub

Day 1 complete  42km and 56000 steps so far  quite a tough day  

My brother Pete joined me for the day  we set of at 0620 and got to the pub in Lechlade 1720  LONG DAY!

Now just got to pitch the tent and walk into the village for some grub  

Donations are now over £3700 which is amazing  

Many thanks to all

Dave

A few years ago I walked the South Downs way ( 99 miles ) for this fabulous charity. This year I intend to walk the non tidal Thames from its source in Gloucestershire to the Thames barrier, approximately 220 miles  ( a little longer than the official distance of 184 miles )  I may even walk to Dagenham for obvious reasons to finish with a pint

I will undertake this walk over a few days sections, starting sometime towards the end of May.

On my last charity walk I managed to raise £2050 & I’d really like to improve on this amount ( afterall, I’m walking further 😂 )

I will post regular updates but I really appreciate any donations. 

If anyone would like to join me at all for a few miles walking please get in touch

Many thanks 🙏 

Dave

Chestnut Tree House is a children’s charity providing hospice care and community support for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.There are hundreds of children and young people in your local community who are unlikely to reach adulthood. And even more parents and family members who need care, help and support on their journey, as they do not know how long they will have together.Your help enables families to spend time together. Precious moments that give a lifetime of memories.