As our season draws to a close, we’ve started collating testimonials received throughout the year. This is a bit of a painstaking job as they come in all forms: emails, texts and facebook posts. But the nicest of all, particularly in this digital age, was a thank you card received through the post. Sometimes the old ways are the best!
A reminder that we are no longer taking bookings beyond October 31. We will start again in April (exact date to be determined) but we will be available over the winter to take bookings for next year.
The weather has certainly changed in the last few days and we would anticipate the Path to start to become a little soggy in places. We’ve had no reports of any significant disruptions. If you are on the Path and you find any issues, do email us. Or, better still, join our Facebook Group and tell us there.
The Thames Trot will be taking place this coming Saturday. Starting at 8.30am in Iffley near Oxford, this is a 47 mile Ultrathon along the Thames Path as far as Henley.
A guided sleep narration of the River Thames from source to sea has been published by Irish singer-songwriter Niall Horan in collaboration with adventure writer/broadcaster Phoebe Smith. It lasts about 20 minutes. So, if struggling to sleep, try this instead of counting sheep!
Whilst walking the Thames Path in the upper stretches you cannot but notice the series of pillboxes which formed part of World War II defences. One of these has been painted with an RAF Spitfire. Although we haven’t seen this ourselves, we suspect it is seen across the river between Benson Lock and Wallingford. It might even be the one pictured below. Note that most pillboxes are not legally protected by being listed.
London Rivers Week runs from October 23 to 31. Guided walks, talks, practical participation events and online seminars are underpinned by three main themes: access to nature, health and wellbeing, and climate resilience.
Hampton Court Palace is providing halloween-themed tours to co-incide with half-term (October 23-31). The Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey but usurped by Henry VIII, is said to be haunted by some of his wives, in particular his fifth wife,Catherine Howard, who was executed for infidelity.
As reported previously:
Oakley Court Hotel is hosting a Film and Memorabilia Fair on October 31. The hotel is found next to Bray Studios on the Thames and was host to many horror films.
Marble Hill will host an online talk by London Luminaries on November 11 at 7.30pm.
For a list of scheduled events and festivals, see our events page.
A Closer Look: Penton Hook
At the risk of upsetting anyone, the stretch from Staines to the outskirts of London at Hampton Court is, perhaps, the least attractive section of the Thames Path. Now within the perimeter of London’s Orbital motorway, the M25, and not far from Heathrow Airport, the capital city feels close but can’t quite be seen. The towns of Chertsey, Shepperton and Walton offer few delights – other than the ferry ride. But there are pockets to be explored. And one of these is Penton Hook.
The river here follows a giant meander which would ordinarily be a peninsula were it not for the lock which has cut through the neck to form an artificial island – see photo below
It is possible to cross the lock onto the island which is wooded and uninhabited. It’s a peaceful and quiet place and you are unlikely to be disturbed – aside from possibly sounds of screaming coming from nearby Thorpe Park. A salmon ladder has been built on the western side of the loop and also at the neck. Wildlife seen here include kingfishers, grebes, geese, ducks and sometimes parakeets which have become so prevalent in these parts (which is a topic for another time!).
To walk the length of the island takes just five minutes so, allowing for stops, the detour is well worth the quarter of an hour investment.
That’s all folks. See you on the trail!
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