The Thames Path opened twenty years ago on 24 July 1996.
This anniversary year 2016 is being marked by a baton relay from source to beyond the Thames Barrier.
The first walk is from Kemble to Cricklade. There are sixteen stages with the numner of walkers limited to fifty persons.
The start is on Saturday 7 July in order that the climax can come on Sunday 24 July – the actual anniversary.
But this will be marked by arriving at Slade Green Station near Erith because this where unofficially the Thames Path (although not the official national trail) now starts.
The walkers will arrive at the Thames Barrier, where the grand opening took place, on Saturday 23 July.
On that first day twenty years ago those of us who had long worked on the path and written guides, including David Sharp and me, walked from Greenwich to be welcomed at the Barrier. Some houses near The Trafalgar Tavern had decorated their front doors for the occasion.
More details on how to join in any one of the walks forming the 2016 relay led by The Ramblers are here.
The new edition of the Cicerone guide Walking The Thames Path includes the new alternative start at Erith.
For the first time the book comes with a 1:25000 route map booklet which also includes the new section.
The new book is available direct from Cicerone at 25% discount post free until 30 June 2016.