LECHLADE-ON-THAMES CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Lechlade to Radcot: a 3–4 hour Thames paddle past locks and riverside footpaths
A 3–4 hour canoe or kayak trip of about 6.3 miles from Lechlade riverside downstream to Radcot, finishing at the Ye Olde Swan Inn.
Lechlade to Radcot: a 3–4 hour Thames paddle past locks and riverside footpaths.
Meet at Lechlade’s riverside base and set out on a focused 3–4 hour paddle downstream under the stone bridge. The route threads through a working stretch of the Thames—past locks and alongside motorised vessels—while the towpath offers steady company from walkers and cyclists in an otherwise rural setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rural Thames with steady river traffic
The downstream section from Lechlade remains rural in character even as it is shared with motorised vessels, offering a mix of quiet banks and active river traffic alongside the Thames footpath.
Pub finish and easy pickup
The Ye Olde Swan Inn provides a welcoming finish line and opportunity for refreshment before you are picked up at your allotted time slot by the operator’s mini bus back to Lechlade.
Canoes and single or double kayaks available
The operator supplies a choice of craft—open Canadian canoes plus single and double kayaks—covering different group and age combinations.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
You will meet at the base on the Riverside to be issued equipment and receive a safety brief before launch. Head downstream from Lechlade under the stone bridge, passing through St Johns, Buscot and Grafton Locks. The section remains rural, with cyclists and walkers on the Thames footpath, but it is also used by motorised vessels, so paddlers must remain alert as they progress toward the Ye Olde Swan Inn finish.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You meet at the operator’s base on the Lechlade Riverside where equipment is issued and a safety brief is given before launch.
Craft and basic equipment are issued on-site and a safety briefing is provided prior to setting off.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The paddle lasts approximately 3–4 hours.
Where do I meet for the trip?
You meet at the operator’s base on the Riverside in Lechlade.
How far is the route?
The route covers about 6.3 miles.
What craft are available?
Open Canadian canoes plus single and double kayaks are available.
Are there age limits?
Yes: single and double kayaks are for ages 14+, and the open Canadian canoe has configurations such as 3 people ages 9+ or 2 adults with 2 children ages 4–8.
Where does the trip finish and how do I return?
The trip finishes at the Ye Olde Swan Inn in Radcot; participants are picked up at their allotted time slot by the operator’s mini bus for the return to Lechlade.