THE Thames Path National Trail is marking its 30th anniversary with celebrations stretching the length of the river.

A special 24-day walking relay is taking place along the entire 185.2-mile route, beginning in a Cotswold meadow near Kemble, Gloucestershire, on Friday, June 5, and ending at the Woolwich Foot Tunnel in east London on Sunday, June 28.

Hannah Gutteridge, manager of the Thames Path National Trail, said: "We’ve created 24 walks along the Thames Path.

"Each walk will be led by an experienced leader from a community group, several of them from The Ramblers.

"We’re now inviting everyone to join us on the relay.

"We’re delighted to be collaborating with enthusiastic and experienced walk leaders from local Ramblers groups, regular Thames Path users, and the Mayors for a Drinkable Thames."

The Thames Path first opened in July 1996, with the Thames Barrier in Greenwich as its original start or finish point.

In January 2022, the route was extended to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel to connect with the King Charles III England Coast Path.

The relay is a joint effort with the Drinkable Rivers Foundation.

Its founder, Li An Phoa, walked the Thames Path from source to sea in 2023.

Ms Phoa and James Manthel, co-initiator of the Mayors for a Drinkable Thames, are encouraging the public to join the relay and take part in community events along the route.

Li An Phoa and James Manthel said: "During this walk we hope to strengthen the connection between the people and communities along the Thames.

"Therefore, we hope local people and groups will organise community-based events during the Thames Path Relay to celebrate and deepen our love and dedication for our shared Thames."

A series of events and arts projects will accompany the relay.

Poet-in-residence Robert Seatter has written 30 poems for the anniversary, which can be read and heard via QR codes on waymarker posts at 30 locations along the path.

His poetry collection, titled River, will be launched on June 2 in London.

In Henley-on-Thames, artist Vickie Amiralis is painting a mural celebrating the nature and wildlife of the Thames at the Mill Meadows Pavilion.

A photography competition and exhibition are also being organised by the Thames Festival Trust, marking both the 30th anniversary of the trail and the completion of London’s Thames Tideway Tunnel.

Full details of the relay route, events and how to take part are available on the Thames Path website.