We’re well into the summer and we thought it would be nice to report back on our bag transfer performance. We commit to deliver all bags by 4pm. And, out of, nearly 400 bags delivered this year, we have achieved a score of 99.2%. So, we’re pleased, as are our customers. Thank you.
Conditions underfoot remain firm and dry despite occasional downpours. There’s been quite a bit of rain these last few days so we decided to check on the place on the Thames Path which floods the most: the field before North Meadow, Cricklade. Happy to report that it’s completely dry which tells us that the Path is dry throughout!
Finding the path to the source of the Thames from the Thames Head Inn can be a little tricky. There are a number of ways. We have just posted some guidance on our Thames Path Walkers facebook group page. Why not join this growing band?
If walking from Clifton Hampden to Dorchester, you cannot fail to see the impressive work being done by the Earth Trust with their River of Life II project where a network of ponds, backwaters and channels are being built for the benefit of wildlife. The Thames Path remains open although paths leading away from the Thames Path are sometimes impacted.
And look out for these small window hangings. They are being left by ten year-old Grace WilIiams who is walking the Thames Path for NHS Charities Together. Here’s a link to her justgiving page.
Henley Regatta finishes today. It has been a little quieter this year than usual. However, if you were in town, you will have undoubtedly seen a magnificent display of blazers.
Driving towards Caversham Bridge, we were reminded that Reading Festival takes place on bank holiday weekend (August 27-29). The giant stage is already up. The Path goes right past the festival and diversions are in place but only at night. However, if you are in the area, expect to be able to hear the music at night. Sound has a way of travelling up and down the river!
As reported previously:
The curator of the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham will be giving a talk on September 1 at 5.30pm about notable works from the collection. This will be a zoom webinar and registration is free,
There will be a one day course on Moths and Butterfles in Cricklade on September 11. The program includes a walk through North Meadow. More details here.
Marble Hill, near Twickenham, are hosting Arts in the Park, a series of free live performances every Sunday afternoon until September 19.
Guided walking tours of Reading Abbey are being held every Saturday at 11am. Booking details are here
Southwark Cathedral have put on an exhibition about mudlarking. The exhibition is on display until October 30.
For a list of scheduled events and festivals, see our events page.
Hospitality
The Plough Inn at Kelmscott is no longer serving food on Monday evenings, although the hotel remains open. As there is no other refreshment available, you might want to avoid staying there on those days.
We are pleased to report that the Catherine Wheel in Henley has reinstated its left luggage area. All we need now is Cosenors House in Abingdon to follow suit.
And, for those wanting early starts, watch out for the Red Lion at Cricklade and the Trout at Tadpole Bridge whose breakfasts start at 9am.
Probably the most unusual hotel you can stay at on the Thames Path is the Malmaison in Oxford. Unusual because it is a former prison. The rooms, all ensuite, are formed from the original cells. Don’t be alarmed. They must have sacrificed every other cell to make the rooms a decent size. The hotel is normally beyond the price of what we can afford on the route planner which is why you won’t find it there.
Nature
There are a large number of butterflies out at the moment. It’s worth taking a few moments to watch them at work. The one in the picture below is a Peacock, not to be confused with the commonly-seen Red Admiral.
Much of the hay, barley and wheat has now been harvested. But you can still see a few crops uncut, like this field near the source of the Thames.
And finally…
Perhaps one of the most unusual sights you will see this year on the Thames Path has been that of a quartet of Dominican monks, in their habits, walking the Thames Path. They started their walk in Ramsgate passing through Canterbury to London along the old pilgrims way and then following the Thames Path as far as Oxford. All part of their 800th anniversary. Despite insisting on carrying their own bags, we were still able to assist by driving them from Pangbourne to nearby Douai Abbey where they rested, and back the next morning. You can see more of their walk on twitter and you can also see a short interview with Fr Samuel on our Youtube page.
That’s all folks. See you on the trail.
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