The towpath ends soon after Lechlade and, although navigation is technically allowed as far as Cricklade, only canoes now make it any further upstream as the river is narrow and shallow. In the 1850s it was often full of tall reeds but was cleared by the 1870s which allowed about 3ft of water for some navigation. Today’s walkers have use of a new path, starting opposite Inglesham church, which follows the riverside.
Refreshments
Lechlade: The Tea Chest Cafe, next to Halfpenny Bridge. 9am-5pm.
Lechlade: The Crown Inn, High Street. Open all day.
Lechlade: The Black Cat Restaurant & Tea Rooms, High Street. Open daily 8.30am to 4pm.
Lechlade: Jó Szerencsét (former Red Lion), High Street. Tue-Sat 9am-12.30pm. Coffee, Hungarian cakes & savoury food.
Lechlade: Lynwood & Co cafe, Market Place. Mon-Sat 8am- 4pm;
Sun 8am-2pm.
Lechlade: Monica’s Plaice Fish Bar, High Street: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm & 4.30pm-10.30pm; Sat 11.30am-10.30pm; Sun 4pm-10pm (earlier in summer).
Lechlade: Sourdough Revolution, 2 High Street. 8am-2.30pm. Bread, filled rolls and bread pudding.
Lechlade: Vera’s Kitchen, 10 Burford Street. 8am-4pm (Sun 3.30pm).
Castle Eaton: The Red Lion, The Street. Fri-Sun open all day; Mon-Thu lunchtimes and evenings from 6pm. Riverside garden.
Accommodation
Lechlade: Cambrai Lodge, Oak St, GL7 3AY (01367 253173)
Lechlade: The Crown Inn, High Street GL7 3AE (01367 252198).
Lechlade: Denbigh, Spring Gardens GL7 3AY (01367 252806)
Lechlade: The New Inn, Market Square, GL7 3AB (01367 252296).
Lechlade: Bridge House campsite, GL7 3AG (01367 252348). Mar-Oct.
Lechlade: Riverside, Park End Wharf, GL7 3AQ (01367 252534).
Lechlade: Vera’s Kitchen and B&B, 10 Burford St, GL7 3AP (01367 252677)
Castle Eaton: The Malt House, The Street, SN6 6JZ (01285 810822).
Castle Eaton: The Red Lion, The Street, SN6 6JZ (01285 810280).
Transport
Lechlade: National Rail to Swindon then bus 64 & 74 (Stagecoach)
Cricklade: Bus 51 (Stagecoach) to Swindon then National Rail.
Tourist Information
Swindon: 37 Regent Street, SN1 1JL (01793 530328).
Map
OS Explorer 169 (Cirencester & Swindon) and 170 (Abingdon).