Have we had a busy week or what? Today we were stretched from the Thames Head to Rotherhithe which gave us the opportunity to reflect on the diversity that is the Thames Path. Whilst there may not be any dramatic changes of scenery along the route, it’s hard to believe that the infant Thames in Ashton Keynes (pictured above) is the same river that is the lifeblood of London.
Route News
We’ve had a bit of rain this week which will bring welcome nutrition to the meadows as winter and spring have both been very dry. There are a number of diversions to report. Starting from the source:
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.
At Goring, diversions are in place immediately downstream of the bridge. It’s well signposted. Go up the High Street, right on Manor Road (opposite Miller of Mansfield), right on Ferry Lane at the Turkish barbers (not quite so well signposted!) which takes you back to the river;
We reported two weeks ago that the boardwalk downstream from Marsh Lock, Henley has been closed due to safety concerns. We reported last week that the local landowner had agreed to a temporary right of way across his land. We were able to test the diversion at the weekend and it works well. In the meadow between Shiplake and Henley (see photo below) you will see a diversion sign which takes you to a private lane that runs parallel to the river and to Mill Lane. Turn right at Mill Lane which will take you back to the river.
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.
Finally, there’s a diversion in Greenwich which we haven’t seen yet. Short in length (about 200 metres) but long in time (until October). Diversions are in place using roads. The diversions are required as work is undertaken on flood defences.
In other route news:
The statue of Peter the Great at Deptford Creek has been vandalised. The young Tsar spent some time in Deptford learning the art of shipbuilding. The statue was a gift from Vladimir Putin but now no one knows who will pay for the repairs. Although it’s thought that the damage was not politically motivated, the statue has been fenced off in case of further attacks.
If in Marlow you may see some Victorian-dressed characters. They are filming another version of Great Expectations with the bridge standing in for Hammersmith Bridge.
Marble Hill in Twickenham has finally re-opened. See here for more details.
The Chelsea Flower Show opened today May 24.
Rosalind of Wide Eyed London is offering a free walking tour of Belgravia. Her walks will take place on:
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.
London-based Relief Drivers
We’re looking for London-based walking enthusiasts with their own car who might be interested in occasionally moving bags for walkers. We pay per hour and per mile. If interested, please email us at info@walkthethames.co.uk.
And finally…
If you see this character on the Thames Path it will be Lavinia who is walking from Dorchester to Reading whilst raising awareness of the debilitating Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. Looks like she’s alreasy at the Beetle and Wedge in Moulsford so best get a move on donating.
That’s all folks. See you on the trail!
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