Thames Path loop from Charing Cross — Greater London

The Thames flows through the heart of London from its source near Kemble in the Cotswolds to the North Sea. This Tour starts at Charing Cross station and runs a loop of the famous landmarks on both sides of the river. Crossing Hungerford Bridge, you’ll see the London Eye upstream and then run past the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal National Theatre. The Millennium footbridge offers a way to shortcut the Tour, but carry on and you’ll pass close to the Globe Theatre and London Bridge. HMS Belfast is moored just before you cross Tower Bridge, to return along the north bank past the Tower of London and Somerset House.

The whole route follows part of either the north or south branch of the Thames Path National Trail. The complete route runs from the Cotswolds to Woolwich in south-east London and is 185 miles (298 km) long if you fancy running the whole thing. The Centurion Thames Path race covers 100 miles (161 km) of the National Trail between Richmond, in south-west London, and Oxford.

This Tour is easy to navigate and can be extended or shortened as you feel by crossing the river early or running to the next bridge and crossing there. Our suggested loop covers 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with very little ascent.

Running in central London means you’re never far from a great cafe or food stop, so there’s plenty of choice within easy reach of this Tour. The closest running shop is Runners Need at Monument underground station.