Road Porn

Was thinking of cycling the Thames from outlet to source this summer, but after doing some research found out most of it isn't cycle friendly apparently

The Thames Path more or less runs along the banks all the way from end to end but that certainly isn't cycle friendly. At one point or other I've covered all of that route (running) from Richmond to Lechlade and most of it is just mud track through fields along river banks with plenty of styles/gates etc. That said, although there isn't a dedicated cycle route, I'm sure you could find and follow a very lovely succession of country lanes that took you the entire way. Many of the towns and villages en route are very picturesque indeed :-)