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From Source to Sea
Over the years, authors, artists and amblers aplenty have felt the pull of the Thames, and now travel writer Tom Chesshyre is following in their footsteps. He’s walking the length of the river from the Cotswolds to the North Sea – a winding journey of over two hundred miles. Join him for an illuminating stroll past meadows, churches, palaces, country (and council) estates, factories and dockyards. Seeing some familiar sights through new eyes, and meeting a host of interesting characters along the way, Tom explores the living present and remarkable past of England’s longest and most iconic river.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 8, 2017
24 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Tom Chesshyre
19 books35 followersTom Chesshyre has been writing travel stories for UK national newspapers for over15 years. After reading politics at Bristol University and completing a journalism diploma from City University, he had stints at the Cambridge Evening News, Sporting Life and Sky Sports. During this period he won the Independent's young sports writer of the year competition and was runner-up in the Financial Times young business writer awards. His first travel piece was about England's cricket fans in Barbados for the Daily Telegraph. He freelanced for the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, wrote a column for Conde Nast Traveller, and contributed to the Express, the Guardian, and the Independent, before working on the travel desk of the Times. He has assisted with the research on two books - W. G. by Robert Low, a biography of W. G. Grace, and Carlos: Portrait of a Terrorist by Colin Smith, a biography of "Carlos the Jackal". He has written magazine pieces for Wanderlust, Geographical and Business Traveller - and contributes book reviews to the TLS. His travel writing has taken him to more than 75 countries. He lives in south-west London and was born in 1971.
His first book, How Low Can You Go: Round Europe for 1p Each Way (Plus Tax) was published by Hodder in 2007. To Hull and Back: On Holiday in Unsung Britain was published by Summersdale in July 2010, followed by Tales from the Fast Trains: Europe at 186 mph is published in July 2011.
His first book, How Low Can You Go: Round Europe for 1p Each Way (Plus Tax) was published by Hodder in 2007. To Hull and Back: On Holiday in Unsung Britain was published by Summersdale in July 2010, followed by Tales from the Fast Trains: Europe at 186 mph is published in July 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 19, 2017
Tom Chesshyre happened upon a map of the River Thames in a Bric-a-brac market on his way to the library. It was a reproduction of a map by William Tombleson showing the twists and turns from the source near Cirencester to the mouth on the Kent and Essex coasts. He could not resist buying it, and having done so, an idea formed of walking along the river from the source to the North Sea. The Thames is one of the few rivers including the Nile and the Amazon, with a global presence. Whilst the other rivers are thousands of miles long, the humble Thames is only 215 miles long, making Tom’s walk a gentle stroll compared to the adventurers Ed Stafford and Levison Wood who have walked the other two rivers.
Our most well know river has drawn all types of people through the ages, from artists and authors to those that have used the river to make their living from. It doesn’t have the exotic and dangerous elements that the Nile and the Amazon can boast, it does reflect the rich and diverse history of our country stretching back several thousand years. Passing historical churches, vast country estates and idyllic meadows before walking into the famous skyline that is London. Along the way, Chesshyre meets the great and the good and other people walking the same route as him and the characters that make the river such a dynamic place to live and work. Oh, and there are pubs too, lots of pubs
Travel books should inspire you to move from the comfort of your sofa and go and seek the places yourself. In this delightful book, Chesshyre does that. He engages with the spirit of the river and the places that he walks through, whilst pondering the implications of the recent referendum result. This is a walk that I would like to undertake myself one day as it seems to be a wonderful way to see an iconic part of our country.
Our most well know river has drawn all types of people through the ages, from artists and authors to those that have used the river to make their living from. It doesn’t have the exotic and dangerous elements that the Nile and the Amazon can boast, it does reflect the rich and diverse history of our country stretching back several thousand years. Passing historical churches, vast country estates and idyllic meadows before walking into the famous skyline that is London. Along the way, Chesshyre meets the great and the good and other people walking the same route as him and the characters that make the river such a dynamic place to live and work. Oh, and there are pubs too, lots of pubs
Travel books should inspire you to move from the comfort of your sofa and go and seek the places yourself. In this delightful book, Chesshyre does that. He engages with the spirit of the river and the places that he walks through, whilst pondering the implications of the recent referendum result. This is a walk that I would like to undertake myself one day as it seems to be a wonderful way to see an iconic part of our country.
November 25, 2018
Have you ever wanted to walk the length of the River Thames, from it's source in Trewsbury Mead to where it joins the North sea? Regardless of you answer this book is a must read, if you fancy doing the walk then this is a wonderful guide. Not only does it give you maps, advice on tricky parts that you might get lost and places to stay overnight (with reviews) it also breaks down the route into manageable chunks averaging 17miles a day. If you want to do an epic 21day pub crawl then pick up this book as Tom stops off at a lot of pubs, with some great advice on the ones to avoid. If you have never considered this walk (like myself) then still give this book a go as it might just inspire you to go on an adventure not far from home.
Tom has done this walk for himself, not to raise money or awareness about something, not to follow in somebody else's footsteps, he has done it because he has spent his life near the river but doesn't really know much about it. This makes it a less stressful walk, no schedules to keep, just walk, enjoy the view, speak to anybody you meet and have as many Lime & Sodas as you can. One of my favourite parts of this book is the little snippets of conversation he over-hears, it always makes me laugh trying to figure out what the full conversation was about.
The writing style is easy to read, Tom's wit comes across nicely, his arguments over price's of drinks, small portions of food and trying to not pay for breakfasts he doesn't have never get dull. His commentary on local news and world news make for a fun read too.
I have to admit that I have been inspired, not to do the whole walk in one go but to do it over a number of weekends, just go to find where Trewsbury Mead is now.
Blog review is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...
Tom has done this walk for himself, not to raise money or awareness about something, not to follow in somebody else's footsteps, he has done it because he has spent his life near the river but doesn't really know much about it. This makes it a less stressful walk, no schedules to keep, just walk, enjoy the view, speak to anybody you meet and have as many Lime & Sodas as you can. One of my favourite parts of this book is the little snippets of conversation he over-hears, it always makes me laugh trying to figure out what the full conversation was about.
The writing style is easy to read, Tom's wit comes across nicely, his arguments over price's of drinks, small portions of food and trying to not pay for breakfasts he doesn't have never get dull. His commentary on local news and world news make for a fun read too.
I have to admit that I have been inspired, not to do the whole walk in one go but to do it over a number of weekends, just go to find where Trewsbury Mead is now.
Blog review is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...
January 26, 2023
In the late summer of 2017, Times travel writer Tom Chesshyre set off to walk the entire length of the Thames from its source in a surprisingly dry Gloucestershire field to the Isle of Grain on the Kent side of the river’s wide estuary. It was the summer of the Brexit referendum and although the tensions released by the vote occasionally come to the surface in his encounters along the way, for the most part they are strangely distant. Chesshyre comes across as a rather grumpy and remote walking companion, and, much as I usually enjoy books about solo long distance walks, for the most part I found From Source to Sea a rather prosaic, plodding affair, occasionally enlivened by surprising nuggets of information about the places he passes on the way.
December 5, 2019
A moderately entertaining account of walking the length of the river Thames. There are some interesting descriptions of places, though also some surprising omissions, for instance he describes going to Kingston market, but says nothing about Kingston marketplace, which I have always thought very beautiful. Tom Chesshyre would, I feel, be a trying person to go walking with. He spends a good deal of time complaining about the price of food and drink at the various hostelries he stops at, and arguing with waiters and barmaids. At one hotel he is annoyed to find breakfast is not included in the room charge, and at another he is annoyed to find that it is. He also constantly expresses amazement at the price of riverside properties, though seeing he lives in Mortlake you wouldn’t have thought it would be much of a surprise. Also he is weak on history, he calls Mary Tudor Mary Stuart for some reason, and says she reigned three years (it was actually five). And he has a tendency to go on about Brexit, which is a bit of a bore. It was fairly enjoyable to read once, but I wouldn’t read it again.
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July 5, 2023As a person who has lived near different parts of the Thames I found this book to be both entertaining and informative. Lots of historical facts as well as the author's personal anecdotes and musings.
December 11, 2022
I picked this up to accompany my own Thames Path wanderings and was especially happy to read the sections that I’d already walked. The book made me wish I could take off two whole weeks to keep walking instead of waiting for weather appropriate Sundays! The book was written around the Brexit vote and keep this thread going throughout so I wasn’t able to use this book to numb out of the harsh realities of modern Britain and just meander alongside the river but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
October 7, 2024
A highly enjoyable trip doing the Thames from the extremely readable Tom Chesshyre. He travels the length of the river (beyond the standard end of the Thames Path), meeting interesting characters, staying in variable accommodation and being ripped off for lime & sodas to varying degrees - with good humour.
As a Thames riverside resident nothing especially surprised me but still a very good read. Why not 5 stars? It’s a bit too much of a “period piece” written just post-the Brexit referendum and of course pre COVID. The preoccupation with the time it was written in is understandable but does feel a little oddly dated.
A minor gripe overall though (like the very funny “bread sandwich” discussion…!), it’s a great light read
As a Thames riverside resident nothing especially surprised me but still a very good read. Why not 5 stars? It’s a bit too much of a “period piece” written just post-the Brexit referendum and of course pre COVID. The preoccupation with the time it was written in is understandable but does feel a little oddly dated.
A minor gripe overall though (like the very funny “bread sandwich” discussion…!), it’s a great light read
June 11, 2021
Entertaining pre-Brexit hike/pub crawl along the entire length of the River Thames.
November 13, 2018
This is a must read for anyone contemplating walking the length of the Thames. One reviewer wrote of the book, 'An enjoyable refuge from everyday life'. For those of a more practical mind, there is plenty of learning to be had in preparation for the eventual task of walking from source to sea.
October 11, 2024
Given that I like walking, and that I’ve lived and worked close to the Thames for over 15 years, I think I was probably rather predisposed to like this book.
And like it I did. Very much. It’s an account of a long walk along a river. But it’s also so much more than that. It is poignant and evocative but it’s also very funny and incredibly interesting. Similarly to the author, despite living close by I’ve only ever explored a very small part of the Thames. This book has made me want to walk the whole thing. My dog will be pleased!
And like it I did. Very much. It’s an account of a long walk along a river. But it’s also so much more than that. It is poignant and evocative but it’s also very funny and incredibly interesting. Similarly to the author, despite living close by I’ve only ever explored a very small part of the Thames. This book has made me want to walk the whole thing. My dog will be pleased!
August 30, 2017
This journal of Tom Chesshyre’s, travel writer at The Times (London) no less, has me in two minds. I’ve never knowingly read any of his newspaper articles and I wonder what sort of holidays he writes about and how he writes about them. I got the impression he hadn’t done much walking.
It must be said, writing about The Thames, the length and breadth, has been done. Why do it again? If it is to be done once more, it should be better than the previous books. I’m not convinced it comes close to others I’ve read. It’s brief and quite lightweight, at times feeling like I’m reading an inconceivably long holiday postcard. There’s less humour than I hoped too, and I thought, there’s not enough of the man, what he was going through, his mind and his soul. It’s a bit too much like reportage.
There are things I really didn’t like: what is it with having to detail everyone’s clothing, eyes and hair colour, whether it’s relevant or not? - usually not. And the odd habit of using parentheses, once every third sentence - or so it seemed. There are many other aspects that irked, too many to mention.
Despite this, and not wanting to be too down on Tom Chesshyre, I did read it, all the way from source to sea. A large part of my staying the distance was down to The Thames itself. If I have a river, it is it. I identify as a Londoner, have visited many of the notable places from Tower Bridge to the west, many times - not much eastwards though - and made a home for seven years in “the first village on the Thames” and currently live within walking distance of its source - yes, I’ve walked home from it. Any other river, or long walk, and I’d have probably tossed the book aside. I thought his choice of companions - friends and family - for various lengths of the way, we’re well chosen for their contrasting characters - hints of Jerome K. Jerome maybe.
As it was, during the month of its reading, August, awful weather, and I read mostly during wet lunch breaks, and the odd breakfast before work. There’s plenty of details and addresses at the end of the book for anyone considering treading the path - just like a thorough newspaper article. It’s okay, on the whole, I suppose. I’m giving it three.
It must be said, writing about The Thames, the length and breadth, has been done. Why do it again? If it is to be done once more, it should be better than the previous books. I’m not convinced it comes close to others I’ve read. It’s brief and quite lightweight, at times feeling like I’m reading an inconceivably long holiday postcard. There’s less humour than I hoped too, and I thought, there’s not enough of the man, what he was going through, his mind and his soul. It’s a bit too much like reportage.
There are things I really didn’t like: what is it with having to detail everyone’s clothing, eyes and hair colour, whether it’s relevant or not? - usually not. And the odd habit of using parentheses, once every third sentence - or so it seemed. There are many other aspects that irked, too many to mention.
Despite this, and not wanting to be too down on Tom Chesshyre, I did read it, all the way from source to sea. A large part of my staying the distance was down to The Thames itself. If I have a river, it is it. I identify as a Londoner, have visited many of the notable places from Tower Bridge to the west, many times - not much eastwards though - and made a home for seven years in “the first village on the Thames” and currently live within walking distance of its source - yes, I’ve walked home from it. Any other river, or long walk, and I’d have probably tossed the book aside. I thought his choice of companions - friends and family - for various lengths of the way, we’re well chosen for their contrasting characters - hints of Jerome K. Jerome maybe.
As it was, during the month of its reading, August, awful weather, and I read mostly during wet lunch breaks, and the odd breakfast before work. There’s plenty of details and addresses at the end of the book for anyone considering treading the path - just like a thorough newspaper article. It’s okay, on the whole, I suppose. I’m giving it three.
June 26, 2021
Having walked the Thames Path myself back in 2009, although I finished at the Thames Barrier rather than continuing to the sea as the author does in this book, I was rather looking forward to reading this. After some initial astonishment at the authors lack of research and preparation at the start of the walk - he hadn’t noticed a problem with his rucksack before setting off and seemed bemused at the lack of shops in remote Gloucestershire fields - I began to rather enjoy his ‘tales of the riverbank’. He’s a genial companion and writes with humour and fondness about the people he meets, the pubs he visits and the river history he learns. Like me he was frustrated at some pub prices and the distinct lack of signage in some areas. However also like me he was enchanted by the river views, it’s changing landscape and wildlife and the wonderful history of this longest river in England. This book is an easy read - I finished it in a couple of days - and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves walking, rivers and English history.
March 27, 2018
It was an enjoyable read but, well, a bit pedestrian.
The challenge of walking the Thames is one that on a good day I could imagine myself undertaking. Its a suburban adventure rather than an epic odyssey. Admittedly it’s one that I have yet to embark on so I can’t really be too critical.
He writes in a matter-of-fact way which is refreshing. I think I’d find it annoying to read about the Thames in overly poetical terms but I’d like to think that there are more interesting things to write about than lunch menus and Tesco Metros.
Curiously where the book grabbed my attention most was as he neared the end of his journey, walking east through the industrial landscape of East London, under the Dartford Crossing and out to the marshlands of the Isle of Grain. It was here, away from the willowy Home Counties that his journey took on a grittier edge and explored places I have yet to visit
The challenge of walking the Thames is one that on a good day I could imagine myself undertaking. Its a suburban adventure rather than an epic odyssey. Admittedly it’s one that I have yet to embark on so I can’t really be too critical.
He writes in a matter-of-fact way which is refreshing. I think I’d find it annoying to read about the Thames in overly poetical terms but I’d like to think that there are more interesting things to write about than lunch menus and Tesco Metros.
Curiously where the book grabbed my attention most was as he neared the end of his journey, walking east through the industrial landscape of East London, under the Dartford Crossing and out to the marshlands of the Isle of Grain. It was here, away from the willowy Home Counties that his journey took on a grittier edge and explored places I have yet to visit
February 11, 2022
3.5
I don't know of travel Writting is for me but I keep wanting read it 🤷🏻♀️ that may have lowered the rating , I'm not fond of first person either .
As many have commented, seems to provide more page space to reviewing pics and hotels & menus than some stretches of the walk. Brexit is constantly mentioned however I think that's a fair reflection of the goto small talk of the time. If it was now it would be about covid.
Teddington to kew feels rather baron of description- I can't recall if he was on the other bank, which maybe why . (I recommend walking via the kew gardens side if doing this stretch). Given he lives in Mortlake,perhaps this stretch is familiar to him and didn't feel as worthy of attention?
Worth picking up for a pound or 2 in a charity shop I guess
I don't know of travel Writting is for me but I keep wanting read it 🤷🏻♀️ that may have lowered the rating , I'm not fond of first person either .
As many have commented, seems to provide more page space to reviewing pics and hotels & menus than some stretches of the walk. Brexit is constantly mentioned however I think that's a fair reflection of the goto small talk of the time. If it was now it would be about covid.
Teddington to kew feels rather baron of description- I can't recall if he was on the other bank, which maybe why . (I recommend walking via the kew gardens side if doing this stretch). Given he lives in Mortlake,perhaps this stretch is familiar to him and didn't feel as worthy of attention?
Worth picking up for a pound or 2 in a charity shop I guess
October 4, 2017
I was motivated to read this having completed a five day walk from Oxford to the outskirts of London, along the Thames Path, about 10 years ago.
I really liked the style of writing, with some subtle humour, within the text.
I found the book to be accurate and informative.
In particular I liked Tom Chesshyre's references to the journalism in the local newspapers. Being familiar with several of the titles quoted in the first part of the journey, I can only concur with his comments.
Well worth a read if you like a good travel book, or if you are familiar with any sections of his route.
I really liked the style of writing, with some subtle humour, within the text.
I found the book to be accurate and informative.
In particular I liked Tom Chesshyre's references to the journalism in the local newspapers. Being familiar with several of the titles quoted in the first part of the journey, I can only concur with his comments.
Well worth a read if you like a good travel book, or if you are familiar with any sections of his route.
January 10, 2020
We have walked the Thames Path as part of our mission to complete all the national trails in the Uk. This book really captures the essence of the walk and whilst it’s route and sections differs from the ones we took it is excellently written and triggered many of my own memories of walking the mighty and historical river. I wanted to repeat the walk with this book as a supporting guide, such is the wealth of information it contains. It’s funny, warm and left me with a glow and craving to put there walking again.
May 2, 2020
I wasn’t sure this would be my cup of tea, having no feelings of connection to the Thames. I’ve only been to London a handful of times. I picked it up at the library after enjoying The Salt Path. Now I’m thinking I want to plan a long distance walk, when the kids are bigger! At first I wasn’t sure about the political commentary (it was written in 2016 after the referendum) but it somehow worked to talk about the political landscape as well as the actual landscape. I particularly loved all of the history, some of it completely new to me.
July 1, 2018
I was hoping for a lot more out of this book. Instead, I felt like I was reading one long list and I found a lot of the writing to be quite dismissive of those the author considers 'down-and-outs'. There are some really interesting facts peppered throughout that I enjoyed, especially the references to George Orwell and J. G. Ballard. Overall, it was an okay read but I don't think I would re-read it at any point.
January 10, 2021
An enjoyable and entertaining journey along the river, with a good mix of historical and social comment.Tom Chessyre undertook his walk in the summer of 2016 , so the referendum and Brexit are much mentioned. Reading it now , it seems to come from a very different time ,when Brexit was the biggest thing we had to worry about and we could just go and walk along the river whenever we felt like it.....
June 25, 2023
I have read some of Tom Chesshyre before and enjoyed his writing.
This is about his long walk down the Thames, over a couple or three weeks, and could easily be used to plan your own walk. It could also be used to avoid some pretty grim hotels too! Though he does praise the "Best Tearoom In The UK", which i intend to try and visit! I notice some reviews complain about his "grumpiness" and fixation(?) on house prices and food costs etc, I would think that if you are on a budget for a long trip, then getting ripped off would be a concern ( over £3 for a half pint of soda and lime in one pub - which i was pleased to see he refused to pay - as i would have done - in fact as I HAVE done),
I particularly enjoyed the final part when he is joined by his father, a man i feel sure I would get on with very well. All in all a really enjoyable piece of travel writing.
This is about his long walk down the Thames, over a couple or three weeks, and could easily be used to plan your own walk. It could also be used to avoid some pretty grim hotels too! Though he does praise the "Best Tearoom In The UK", which i intend to try and visit! I notice some reviews complain about his "grumpiness" and fixation(?) on house prices and food costs etc, I would think that if you are on a budget for a long trip, then getting ripped off would be a concern ( over £3 for a half pint of soda and lime in one pub - which i was pleased to see he refused to pay - as i would have done - in fact as I HAVE done),
I particularly enjoyed the final part when he is joined by his father, a man i feel sure I would get on with very well. All in all a really enjoyable piece of travel writing.
June 29, 2018
A nice lyrical ramble along the River Thames, with plenty of interesting characters and local history - both authentic and anecdotal - thrown in to add color to his thoughts and observations.
An enjoyable and easy read, with plenty to stimulate the mind, and possibly stir the spirit to try this as well.
I'll definitely be dipping into his other books as a result.
An enjoyable and easy read, with plenty to stimulate the mind, and possibly stir the spirit to try this as well.
I'll definitely be dipping into his other books as a result.
March 29, 2019
Amble down the Thames in summer, and get away from it all in Merry England. Ideal for a read before work, this delightful title has it all: good and bad hotels, numerous literary references (for example, Three Men in a Boat), beer, culinary analysis, history, architecture, and lots of eccentrics and mishaps.
February 4, 2021
I am not sure that the River Thames Path is the most beautiful itinerary to hike in the UK, but this book is for sure interesting and worth reading because of the mix of history and the author’s down-to-earth way of looking at things. Especially in busy times or times one cannot get to the UK great to read, and very relaxing. I will certainly check other books by this journalist!
July 14, 2021
I read this alongside some theological reading I’m doing. It provided some light relief and allowed me to enjoy the walk with Tom and his friends. I came away feeling that after the initial beauty of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire it became a scenically unattractive walk. Not sure that it’s one that,if I was well enough, I would like to do. But still, some fun facts and info all along the path.
October 6, 2018
Made the walk sound incredibly mundane which is a better bet than the usual surfeit of enthusiasm which usually hampers accounts of such trundles. Might have been better without all of the arranged meetings which gave it the air of a second rate BBC4 documentary.
November 30, 2019
Another inspiring walking book - makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to do all the "walks" I've read about in my lifetime! The author's rather dry style/wit took a little getting used to, but I enjoyed his personal experiences mixed with historical anecdotes throughout.
October 18, 2021
Enjoyable book, although reading it in 2021 there are too many references to the Brexit referendum. Some funny moments but not full of laughs (if his Dad had walked the whole route with him it would probably have been funnier!). Overall a good book with useful information and insights
March 1, 2022
A great companion and a lightweight account of the writer’s journey along the Thames over 21-days comparing prices of lemonade (?) or another drink. Not a large time like Peter Ackroyd’s Thames, but it has its charms.
February 13, 2024
Loved the journey. The anecdotes, the history, the descriptions (e.g. rose-coloured orbs that were his setting sun), the truths (prices, accommodation, people, signage…)
Didnt talk about the blisters though…!! Just about the weight of the backpack.
Didnt talk about the blisters though…!! Just about the weight of the backpack.
May 5, 2024
Great book if you want to walk the Thames path from the comfort of your chair! So many interesting facts and snippets of encounters with people along the way. Almost makes you feel like you are there but with added benefit of a knowledgeable and confident friend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews