This week we’ve had a touch of rain. Nothing to worry about – the Path remains firm underfoot. The rain was really just a drizzle and has brought some refreshment to the countryside. The infant Thames, see photo above, smelt so fresh when we stopped there yesterday.
We are now in May, a popular time for walkers. We had a quiet April, starting on a late Easter. But this month is proving to be very popular with more than 400 days booked, about the same as September, our busiest month last year. If you recall, hotels were in lockdown until May 17 last year so we have an extra month. We’re also benefiting from our overseas guests who were not allowed in last year. Already we’ve had walkers from Washington DC, and Colorado. And we have Australians arriving this week.
If you are out walking, why not join our Facebook walkers group where people can share their experiences, good and bad.
May is traditionally the month of Mary. So we’ve been thinking what churches on the Path are devoted to her. Three instantly come to mind: Rotherhithe, Battersea and Iffley. We must have missed some. Do tell us.
Route News
Walkers in the area of the Cotswold Water Park might be in for a surprise. George Clooney is directing a new movie, The Boys in the Boat, being filmed in the area. Budding actors wanting to be cast as an extra may apply here. George Clooney lives further down the river at Sonning.Thank you Gemma, one of our readers, for alerting us to that. Gemma starts her walk tomorrow!
Cowslips are out at Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve, between Tadpole Bridge and Newbridge, one of the loveliest spots along the entire Thames. Wisteria is also blooming and some of the best can be found at St Mary’s Churchyard Gardens in Rotherhithe.
Slightly off the Path in the City of London is the Bank of England Museum which has re-opened after a long absence. It is located in Bartholomew Lane. It is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. And, predictably, it is closed on Bank Holidays!
Pope’s Grotto Trust at Teddington is hosting an open day on June 26 and 27. Tickets available here. The grotto was created by the celebrated poet, Alexander Pope and now sits below Radnor House.
Reminders:
A series of courses is being offered by North Meadow, Cricklade:
Bumblebee identification 14 May
Moths & Butterfiles 11-12 June
Damesfly Identifcation 25 June
To register, please click here.
The Boomtown Rats will be appearing at the Lechlade Music Festival from May 27-29.
Kelmscott Manor, the former home of William Morris, has now re-opened. Opening times are Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm. Last admission is 4pm. Pre-booking is advised.
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 Dorchester Festival will be running from April 29 through to May 8. There’s a variety of activities going on. You can find out more here. And the English Music Festival will be taking place at Dorchester Abbey on the weekend of 27-29 May On the same weekend, More details available here.
Tate Modern has launched an exhibition entitled Surrealism beyond Borders and runs until August 29. It includes works by Magritte and Dali.
The City of London Sinfonia will be performing at Southwark Cathedral on May 12. They will perform Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante as well as Haydn’s ‘Surprise’ Symphony. Tickets available here.
On May 22, there will be a guided walk by tree expert, Paul Wood, entitled The Legacy of Ada Salter in Bermondsey. The walk is part of the Salter Centenary Celebrations. Click here to register.
That’s all folks. See you on the trail.
Ready to book?
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