<p><em>Please note that this podcast description may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission if you purchase an item through my links. There is absolutely no cost to you and it helps me continue the work of the podcast. Also, I am not a paid spokesperson and all opinions are my own.</em></p><p>Most people probably know some great solo hikers and their accomplishments from books- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307476073/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NTF9OI49S1N2&keywords=cheryl+strayed+wild&qid=1706648156&sprefix=cheryl+strayed+wi%2Caps%2C697&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cheryl Strayed’s <em>Wild, </em></a>detailing her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, or even <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tracks-Womans-Across-Australian-Outback/dp/0679762876/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QBRTQYHD5V35&keywords=treks+davidson&qid=1706648311&sprefix=treks+davidson%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Robyn Davidson’s <em>Tracks,  </em></a>describing her 1700 mile journey across the Australian desert with three camels.</p><p>Maybe you imagine days of wild camping in a tent? Learning to make a fire without matches? Braving wild animals? Getting lost for days on end and having to forage for food?</p><p>Let me set you straight from the start. My hike was NOTHING like that.</p><p>The Thames Path National Trail is a perfect first time long distance hike for beginner hikers (like me).</p><p><strong>Resource List</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thames-Path-British-Large-Scale-Villages/dp/1912716275?crid=5CF332L0TW8X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.u9mPMxaObUBht9LXN_gwpyNuc4TK1XN1WMXIi3zUXQw.Nbrqv0iiRXMlhuAbewca2AhYiqLDgoPRdms1n4jggts&dib_tag=se&keywords=trailblazer+thames+path+national+trail&qid=1736018661&sprefix=trailblazer+thames+path+national+trail%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=overseasandov-20&linkId=35aba87d7acd232c7422df73892dd965&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Thames Path</a>, Trailblazers Guide by Henry Stedman and Joel Newton: My “hiking Bible” because of its detailed maps of the Path and points of interest along the way. I highly recommend the Trailblazers Guides for their comprehensiveness and accuracy.</li><li><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Rambles_by_Rivers.html?id=89tMAAAAYAAJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rambles by Rivers</a> by James Thorne, published in 1857</li><li><a href="https://hikingwithdaveandbarbara.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HikingwithDaveandBarbara.com</a>: Wonderful blog by an English couple who hike all over Europe and Asia. Great videos and text.</li><li><a href="https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/thames-path/trail-information/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Trails</a> website has information for all the National Trails maintained by the UK.</li><li>Joyce Mackie’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Thames-River-Path-Self-Discovery/dp/1508547629?crid=2IFHWTDX9OCP2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KH0rXlTYPPBOWfd7F4kHFncz0MHod2algFuf-IJodYlvm_p4nWDh82xUI36pkXQeedFv2xSXncw9iEwmjjWSMSs1KCjx1c2OFoGXRTDawdOOoyV89ILc-KCg3J36BVEeJakJ16mgMwsK6ZuQxilOKjgPS6YH05c4gHafyZEUfyngz2ltMm2ZJ1pg8eesAW3o.jfVGiH_p4iJZ3jhlwSvIGxSThTI6J31LVmCUh0v2HCc&dib_tag=se&keywords=joyce+mackie&qid=1736022154&sprefix=joyce+mackie%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=overseasandov-20&linkId=3fe0d49d43a61a47b8e719e610c75272&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Walking the Thames Path: One Woman’s Journey of Adventure and Self-Discovery.</a></li><li><strong>From the App Store:</strong></li><li>‘Thames Path Map Lite’ (approx. $5 USD). This is an excellent digital map that kept me on course during my walk. The app also shows public footpaths in... <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://secondacttravels.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">secondacttravels.substack.com</a>