Source to Sea Thames Walk
Source to Sea Challenge: Exploring the Power of Blue-Green Psychology with Jonathan Passmore and Ellie Lloyd-Jones.
In 2025, we invite you to join us on an adventure as we walk the full 215 miles of the Thames Source to Sea route. This year-long challenge, led by Jonathan and Ellie is more than just a walk - it’s an exploration of the transformative benefits of blue-green spaces on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
About the Challenge: The route will be divided into a series of roughly 10-mile sections throughout the year, and we’d love for you to join us along the way. Each walk will take us through different environments, offering a chance to connect with nature and experience its many benefits.
From the quiet, emerging river at its source in Swindon, through the picturesque countryside, into the vibrant city as the river swells, and finally to the vast sea at the estuary in Essex, this journey mirrors our own human journey from birth to maturity. Each segment of the walk offers its own unique beauty and insights.
About us...
Jonathan Passmore is a global leading authority on coaching. He holds a professorship at Henley Business School and has written and published widely. Jonathan is a lover of nature, he keeps bees, gardens and loves to walk, using walking as part of his coaching practice.
Ellie Lloyd-Jones is a certified ILM coach, NLP Master Practitioner and trained Strengths coach, using nature and movement to promote mental fitness and well-being. Based in Cheshire with her family, Ellie loves being outdoors and leads local netwalking events, combining coaching and connection in nature.
The Power of Blue-Green Psychology: A Free Coaching Offer
Jonathan was inspired by a recent pro-bono coaching session with a client who discovered new motivation during a walk along the Grand Union Canal, prompting us to expand this powerful approach to help more people. During our walk, they reflected on how bridges symbolise transitions, how focusing on one aspect can make us miss the beauty around us, and how even in unclear times, the path ahead continues. These insights, combined with the healing environment of nature, illustrate the power of blue-green spaces in coaching.
Who is this for?
For those impacted by job loss, feeling lost in their careers, or in need of a work tonic, we’re offering free coaching sessions throughout the Thames Valley region. If you live in areas from Swindon to London and want to experience the benefits of outdoor coaching, this is your opportunity to join us.
What to Expect:
Connection with Nature: Discover how the changing landscapes along the Thames can inspire new perspectives and enhance wellbeing.
Community and Support: Walk alongside a welcoming group, sharing stories and creating connections.
Contribute to Research: Help gather data on the positive effects of outdoor coaching, supporting our mission to raise awareness of the benefits of nature-based interventions.
How to Get Involved:
Join the Walks: Sign up for one or more of our walks via our Ticket Tailor platform, where free tickets will be available with a waiver included.
Participate in Coaching: If you’re interested in the free coaching offer, reach out to learn more about how to get involved.
Support a Cause: We’ll be partnering with Earth Trust, with donations supporting the preservation of the beautiful landscapes we’ll walk through.
Things to know before you book:
1. Boots and clothing - You will need a pair of walking boots or suitable foot wear - in wet weather the paths may be wet or slippery, and suitable clothing, including a coat in case the weather changes.
2. Equipment - Please bring any medication you need, drinks and food. In the early sections of the walk there are few if any shops, pubs or cafes. You thus need to bring all the food and drink you need for the day and your journey home.
3. Access -You will need to get to the meeting location (the end of the walk). These might be in a remote village without public transport nearly sections of the walk.
4. Car sharing - You must be prepared to partner with someone who will then drive you to the start, and be prepared to drive them back to the start to retrieved their car.
5. Maps - The path is clear - it follows the river and is well signposted. We will share at the start and end points for the group at the start of the day.
6. The walk - Each walk is around 10 miles and takes around 3-4 hours. Be prepared to walk this distance as there is no recovery service or alternative transport options, beyond you calling a taxi or an ambulance.
Ready to Walk with Us? Explore the Thames, connect with nature, and be part of a transformative journey. Check out the map below for the route and the schedule of walks and click on the "Join Us" link to book onto the latest walk. We look forward to sharing this experience with you!
See the route map we will be following and click on the link below for the walk schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the walk?
Anyone is welcome! The event is particularly designed for those in career transition, looking for clarity, or simply seeking the benefits of outdoor coaching. You can join for the experience, to support us, or to participate in the coaching.
How fast will we be walking? Do I need to be very fit?
Our walks are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, with a moderate pace that allows time for conversations, coaching, and soaking in the surroundings. You don’t need to be super fit, but you should be comfortable walking 10 miles in one day. Regular breaks will be factored in to ensure everyone feels supported.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is essential to ensure we have all the necessary details and can plan accordingly. You can book your place by clicking the "Join Us" buttons above that will take you to the Ticket Tailor platform.
How do I get back to my car at the end of the walk?
Since these are point-to-point walks, we encourage car-sharing. Typically, participants park at the end point and share lifts to the start. More details will be provided in the WhatsApp group on the week of your walk date.
Is there a cost to join?
The walks are completely free! However, we encourage participants to consider making a donation to the Earth Trust to support the beautiful spaces we are walking through.
Will there be photos or videos taken during the walk?
Yes, we’ll be taking photos and videos to share the journey on social media and promote future walks. Please let us know if you prefer not to be included in any footage.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We’ll walk rain or shine unless the conditions are unsafe. In the unlikely event of cancellation, we’ll notify participants via the WhatsApp group.
Can I join more than one walk?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to join as many walks as you’d like.
Source to Sea Reflections
I will be capturing reflections from each walk as we go, so if you would like to follow along, head to my Blog page and catch up on how it's all going.