Baggage Transfer Service
Just to let you know that we have started taking bookings for bag transfers for the Ridgeway National Trail. It starts close to Swindon and crosses the Thames at Goring and Streatley so there is quite some overlap.
Also we thought it useful to mention about the baggage allowance. For those not on a package, we limit the weight of each bag to 20kgs. We price per bag: one bag being £15; and two bags £10 each i.e. £20.
Last year we had just a few couples who overfilled one bag. Our advice is: if you are approaching 20kgs, then take 2 bags. It’s only an extra £5 per day and it will be much easier for you. It’s hard to get a 20kg bag up and down some of the narrow stairs frequently found in the hotels of the upper Thames. And it leaves room for gifts: the Christmas Shop at Lechlade, the Gin Pantry at Kelmscott and the Cheese Shop at Pangbourne to name a few.
Finally, don’t forget that we can collect and return your bags on your travel days, saving you on accommodation – for instance, if you are arriving in Oxford in the morning intending to walk that day. And, if coming from far afield and the walk is just one section of a longer holiday, we can store a bag that’s not needed for the duration of the walk. Further details can be found on our website.
Route News
Still no serious rain which means still no flooding – although the paths are quite muddy. We saw some particularly muddy scenes between Marlow and Bourne End. Thanks to Berkshire Walkers for that.
We all know how hard it is to spot an otter. So imagine that one was spotted running through central Oxford last week. Even stranger: a wallaby was sited by the Henley Toad Patrol! Apparently wallabies have been in the area since the 1970’s. It is believed they came from Fawley Hill, home of the late Sir William McAlpine, who housed an animal sanctuary there. And if you’re wondering what the toad patrol is, this is a program to help migrating toads cross the busy A4155 near Henley. This year they have escorted a staggering 4,000 amphibians!
Anyone walking in London will have noticed the Tideway developments. This is London’s super sewer. Here’s a link to an update on progress. A little hard to understand without a degree in engineering but there are some fabulous shots of the river.
The Moat at the Tower of London is to be filled with a collection of flowers to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. 20 million seeds will be planted in spring which should bloom between June and September.
We have just published a blog on our recommendations for which side of the river to follow when walking the Thames Path through London. For 25 miles from Teddington to Greenwich the Thames Path can be followed on either bank. And guess what – we recommended not walking next to the Tower!
We reported some weeks back on the fencing off of one of the fields between Pangbourne and Mapledurham Lock. This has now been completed and, sadly, the farmer has started work on another field. The gap left between the fence and the river is very short, measuring 4 paces. By contrast, the neighbouring landowner, who recently also recently fenced off a field, left 15 paces, You can see the difference in the pictures below.
It’s almost the end of our Winter Webinars with just two remaining. This Tuesday will be Staines to London. And, a week later, we will have Reading to Staines. Click here to register.
We can finally announce that Kelmscott Manor, the former home of William Morris, will be re-opening to the public on April 1. Opening times will be Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Last admission is 4pm.
Wallingford Museum is hosting a new exhibition about the town’s hospitals. It looks at challenges of dealing with plague, leprosy, smallpox, scarlet fever & other outbreaks
Southwark Cathedral is hosting a webinar on its 1,000 years of history – crammed into just 40 minutes. It will be held on March 16. Click here to register.
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
Five more stamping stations joined this week:
That brings the total to 24. We’re just waiting for confirmation from two more and we will then be launching
For an up-to-date list of all stamping stations, see our web page.
And finally…
A unfortunate lorry driver got more than he bargained for when he went down to the rising riverside at Twickenham. He had to be rescued by a lifeboat crew, See BBC clip here
That’s all folks. Mind how you go, especially when in Twickenham!
Ready to book?
