David Fathers

A guide to the Thames Path from Putney Bridge to the Thames Barrier. From 13 September 2022 the second edition will be available, with updated paths and new routes.

A unique and richly illustrated guide to the London section of the Thames Path, which runs along both banks of the river from Putney Bridge to the Thames Barrier. Together, the two paths make up a panoramic 40-mile walk through 2000 years of London's history.

• From the old docks and wharves that primed the Industrial Revolution, through the heart of British Government, Monarchy and Church to the City of London that took its very existence from the river.

• From the site of the Putney Debates at St Mary's Church to Wren's mighty baroque cathedral of St Paul's.
• From the great Victorian engineering works of Sir Joseph Bazalgette and his attempts to clean up a polluted London and the river to the Thames Barrier seeking to protect huge parts of London from rising sea levels.
• From London Bridge, site of the oldest crossing point, to the Millennium Bridge, the Thames' newest crossing.

This book explains the panorama we see today, what came before and how the changes came about. Each double page shows the distance covered so you can plan your own tour of the river.

Written, designed and illustrated
by David Fathers

Published by Frances Lincoln Publishers

Available from Stanfords, Amazon,  Waterstones and all bookshops.

Talking about the River Thames on Deutsche Welle (about 2m 25s into the programme)

REVIEWS

David Fathers has a beautiful way with words and pictures.
Matt Brown, Londonist

It's a lovely piece of design... this guide is a real winner...
Time Out

London-based walker and artist David Fathers has produced a beautifully illustrated guide to the Thames Path… it’s easy to follow and will appeal to ramblers and casual visitors alike
Walk magazine  The Ramblers Association

Numerous publications, several existing books, a selection of maps. Surely there is no room for another on the Thames Path. Wrong. The London Thames Path by David Fathers is described as a “unique richly illustrated walking guide”. That’s not hype - thanks to the author and artist. His beautiful illustrations and accompanying text highlighting fascinating facts about historic buildings, landmarks and features along the river adorn every page.
River Thames News

It is an attractively illustrated narrative to walking alongside the water feature, with every double-page having a map, surrounded by pictures and information factoids about the current section. As such, it’s very pleasant to read even if you are not using it as a guide book.
Mapping London

Listen to N Quentin Woolf and myself walking and talking a section of the Thames (The Barrier to Greenwich) in this Londonist podcast.