Thames Path Distances
This week we’ve been covering distances on our social media platforms. We know that distances are important to our readers as our web page Thames Path Distances is our most popular page – by a country mile! Even on a trail as straightforward as the Thames Path, distances can be confusing. The Thames Path is marked as 184 miles at the source but 180 miles at the Thames Barrier. There are two routes downstream from Teddington: left bank and right bank. Different guide books show different distances. And “rounding rules” differ, varying from accuracy to 1/4 mile to a full mile.
So we have logged the distances on our route planner measuring everything to the 1/10th of a mile. So as not to confuse, our London distances are mostly bridges which are the same on both sides. We believe the total distance to be 179.6 miles, so let’s call it 180 miles.
We have also launched our handy and waterproof A5 sized Thames Path distance table. Printed on two sides it shows the distances between any point on the Thames. One side covers Source to Reading. Flip to the other side and you’ll find Reading to the Thames Barrier. If you need a distance that straddles Reading, just add two numbers together. We are giving these away free with any purchase from our shop.
Route News
Aside from some fallen trees on the right bank of the Thames between Barnes Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge, there has been little aftermath from Storm Eunice. Even these trees can be climbed over.
Since the storm, water levels have again dropped and we are still waiting for the first serious bout of flooding. Spring officially starts on Monday so it looks like a flood free winter.
In Southwark, a Roman mosaic was discovered. It’s the largest mosaic to be found in London for 50 years. It was found as part of development work close to the Shard. The mosaic comprises two sections, the larger one being 5m x 3.5m. Here’s a link to the news report.
And further downstream it seems the bridge problems as St Saviour’s Dock (right bank between Tower Bridge and Greenwich) have finally been resolved. The bridge will allow both pedestrians and craft to pass.
Our regular update from BBO Wildlife Trust tells us that bumble bee queens are emerging from hibernation now. The first thing they will do is to eat – nectar from flowers. Well, wouldn’t you if you hadn’t eaten for months?
The Pope’s Grotto Trust is hosting an open day on Saturday 26 March. Tickets available here. This is a rare opportunity to visit this unique place previously belonging to the poet Alexander Pope. Although mostly associated with his former home in Teddington which was replaced by what is now Radnor House School (the grotto lies beneath the school), Pope left his mark elsewhere along the Thames. He translated Homer’s Iliad whilst staying in Stanton Harcourt. And he was a regular visitor to Mapledurham House as he was courting two daughters of the resident Blount family.
We had to cancel last week’s Winter Webinar on the Path from Reading to Staines due to unforeseen circumstances. This webinar has been rescheduled and those who previously registered should have received an email with the new sign in details. For the remaining events, please click here to register.
Rosalind of Wide Eyed London has announced new dates in April and May for guided walking tours. These include Royal Palaces and Parks, Secret Gardens and Hidden Churches, and Discovering the City (of London). For the more adventurous, she has also has The Spirit of Soho. Note that the website has yet to be updated for these walks.
Reminders:
The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has a special exhibition dedicated to Pissarro (1830-1903), the father of impressionism. The exhibition opens on February 18 and runs until June 12.
The Barnes Music Festival starts on March 4. There will be 36 events taking place over a 2 week period. Click here for more details.
Tate Britain, found on the left bank of the Thames between Chelsea and Westminster, is hosting an exhibition on William Hogarth (1696 – 1764), painter, engraver, cartoonist, satirist and social critic.
Thames Path Passport
Just a short update. We now have 19 stations signed up. We want 24 (which will be 2 per page) before we go to print. The latest to be added (and we’re delighted by this!) is the Bulls Head at Strand on the Green and the National Trust Visitors Centre at Runnymede. For an up-to-date list of all stamping stations, see our web page.
And finally…
We added some rather nice (we think!) branding to our car ready for a busy season. We always toot when we pass walkers so give us a wave back!
We’re ready. Are you?
Ready to book?
