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Next Stop - Walton Bridge

Cowey Sale

Audio guide to this location

You are standing at Cowey Sale, a peaceful stretch of riverside meadow with one of the most intriguing stories on the entire Walton Trail.

The name Cowey Sale comes from “Cow Way”, reflecting the area’s historic use as grazing land. The nearby stream, known as the Sale, may have taken its name from the willow trees, or sallows, that once grew along its banks.

But Cowey Sale is perhaps best known for its possible connection to Julius Caesar.

During his second invasion of Britain in 54 BC, Caesar and his army needed to cross the River Thames. For centuries, historians have suggested that this stretch of river may have been the location of that crossing.

The Venerable Bede, writing in the eighth century, recorded that defensive wooden stakes placed in the river by the ancient Britons could still be seen in his time. Centuries later, local fishermen reportedly recovered large blackened timbers from the riverbed, some tipped with iron.

Although there is no definitive proof that Caesar crossed the Thames here, Cowey Sale remains one of the leading candidates. The river has changed course over the centuries, making it difficult to know exactly what the landscape looked like in Roman times.

As you look across the river today, it is fascinating to imagine Roman soldiers, local tribes and ancient defences occupying this same stretch of water more than two thousand years ago.

When you’re ready, continue along the Thames Path towards Walton Bridge.

Cowey Sale

Public Toilets & Cafe

There are public toilets at the car park at Cowey Sale and a a nice café – Wilde Bunch café – open 0830-1600 every day.

Did you know?

  • Julius Caesar invaded Britain twice, in 55 BC and again in 54 BC.
  • Cowey Sale is one of the leading candidates for the site where Caesar crossed the River Thames.
  • The Venerable Bede wrote in the eighth century that defensive stakes placed in the river by the ancient Britons could still be seen. Local fishermen later recovered large blackened timbers from the riverbed, some tipped with iron.
  • The river has shifted its course over the centuries, making it difficult to determine the exact crossing point.
  • The name “Cowey” comes from “Cow Way”, referring to grazing land beside the river.
  • The nearby Sale stream may have been named after the willow trees, or sallows, that once grew there.