Slightly delayed with the sending of this newsletter. We really are tremendously busy at the moment. But there are a few points we thought we should make. By the way, the cover photo is taken from the Ridgeway. We have a group of walkers who left the Thames Path at Lechlade to join the Ridgeway, rejoining the Thames at Streatley. Note that we do offer bag transfers for Ridgeway walkers.
Route News
We reported last week that the boardwalk downstream from Marsh Lock has been closed due to safety concerns. The good news is that the local landowner, who also owns Culham Court, has agreed to a temporary right of way across his land. This was supposed to be put in place on Monday of this weej. We are awaiting confirmation that this has happened. In any case, we will be in Henley later this week to validate.
The other important news is that the renovation to the Rose Revived in Newbridge has resulted in the path being closed with no diversions in place. Our suggestion is to follow the road/lane parallel to the river and alongside the pub until you see a lane to your right. Go down the lane, ignoring the privacy notices, to rejoin the Thames Path at the river. By the way, we think the contractors have acted illegally but we’ll leave someone else to take up that battle.
There’s a small diversion in place from Graburn Way alongside East Molesey Cricket Ground to Sadlers Rise at Hurst Park for two weeks while the council repairs the surface.
Some good news further downstream: if you’re walking on the left bank between Westminster and Tower Bridge (which, by the way, we don’t recommend as the right bank is much more traffic-free), a section of the river has opened up in front of the Westin Hotel at Queenshithe, going into Stew Lane and then to Upper Thames Street. Well done to all involved.
The Cookham Festival is in progress. There are several “Stanley”events including a walk with John, his grandson.
Marble Hill in Twickenham will re-open on May 21 with a free weekend. See here for more details.
It’s not long until the start of the Chelsea Flower Show which starts May 24
Reminders:
A series of courses is being offered by North Meadow, Cricklade:
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.
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.
Tate Modern has launched an exhibition entitled Surrealism beyond Borders and runs until August 29. It includes works by Magritte and Dali.
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.
Laundry Service
Yes, you read it right. We’re introducing a laundry service. Here’s how it works:
If you want laundry, ask for a laundry bag which we will drop off with your bags. The laundry service then works on a 3 day turn around as follows:
Day 1 : Give us the laundry (in the laundry bag and tied to your luggage)
Day 2: Laundry is cleaned
Day 3: Laundry is returned (attached to your luggage)
Note: if day 2 is a Sunday, add another day to the cycle!
Clothes should be separated between whites and coloureds. So you may need two bags. Laundry is returned cleaned and folded (not ironed).
Price is £20 per bag.
We recognise it’s not an impromptu service. But, with a bit of forward planning, it may suit those on a longer walk. Only available for those on packages or using our bag transfer service.
And finally…
We reported a week or so ago about a movie that George Clooney was shooting up near Ashton Keynes. It seems that one of our walkers spotted him filming closer to home, a mile upstream of Sonning. So keep your eyes peeled. The film is called Boys in the Boat.
That’s all folks. See you on the trail!
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