It’s not too early
Firstly, apologies for the rather random timing of our newsletters. Although we are in a midst of a downturn, which conveniently has co-incided with the greatest heatwave the country has ever experienced, we are nonetheless busy with preparations for September/October as well as bookings for next year.
A number of the hotels are not yet open for bookings next summer as, no doubt, they think about prices. However, we’re usually able to make provisional bookings. So it’s not a bad idea to book early and lock in this year’s prices.
Route News
It’s been desperately dry this summer. Combined with a dry spring much of the land is now parched. We really need some rain to bring life back.
In the meantime here are a few tips for walking in the heat:
1. Walk early – even if it means skipping breakfast that you’ve already paid for
2. Rest in church buildings – they’re usually cool
3. Your feet may swell in the heat and further aggravate blisters. Dip your feet in the river to cool down.
4. Tempting though it may seem, don’t jump in the river. There have been at least 3 deaths this week from people getting cold shocks: in the Cotswold Water Park, at Bray Marina, and near Hampton Court.
5. Stay hydrated. Refill your water bottle at the locks. There are 45 of them and they almost always have a potable standpipe.
One of the archways on Kew Bridge has been opened up to create a walkway on the left bank thus avoiding walking to the end of the bridge on the A205. Ok, so the distance saved is minimal but this is an important gesture having been organised by the local residents. The archway is fittingly called the Platinum Jubilee Arch.
There are still a number of diversions in place. Starting from the source:
Between Eynsham and King’s Lock another fish pass is being built resulting in a small diversion. This might still be in place.
Diversions remain in place around the closed boardwalk upstream from Marsh Lock, Henley. If walking downstream, there seems to be a sign missing: if you get to the fenced off boardwalk leading to Marsh Lock then you’ve missed the turn. There is a path leading to your left about 20 yards before the boardwalk. See picture below.
Approaching Barnes Bridge, the right bank towpath will be closed until early October whilst work on strengthening flood defences takes place. A diversion is in place along Mortlake High Street between Jubilee Gardens and the White Hart.
Finally, there’s a diversion in Greenwich. 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.
We’re in the midst of Swan Upping, that particularly English tradition when the Queen’s Swan Warden travels up the Thames assessing the health of the cygnets. As we write, the “uppers” have just past us at Mapledurham Lock and are on their way to Goring. We’ll try and hook up with them tomorrow and bring you pictures in the next newsletter. If anyone’s walking tomorrow (Friday), the schedule is Benson at 10am, Clifton Hampden at 1pm and Abingdon at 5pm.
The Trout at Lechlade (at St John’s Lock) is hosting a Riverfolk Festival this weekend (July 23-24). There will be live music.
It might seem a long way off but we thought we should plug the London Luminaries lecture series this autumn. For the uninitiated, this refers to the series of cultural buildings on the Thames in west London: Hogarth’s House, Ham House, Orleans House, Garrick’s Temple, Marble Hill, Turner’s House, Pope’s Grotto, Fulham Palace, Chiswick House and a few more.
Reminders:
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.
Marble Hill in Twickenham has finally re-opened. See here for more details.
Buckingham Palace will open on July 22 and will feature a display looking at The Queen’s Accession to the throne in February 1952. On display will be the Diamond Diadem, which was created for the famously extravagant coronation of George IV in 1821. Her Coronation Dress is on display at Windsor Castle
Tate Modern has launched an exhibition entitled Surrealism beyond Borders and runs until August 29. It includes works by Magritte and Dali.
Hospitality News
The Buscot Tearoom will be closed for the next fortnight.
Sadly Vera’s Kitchen in Lechlade closes tomorrow as a B&B. The establishment has been sold and the new owner has different plans for the three rooms that people have much enjoyed. The cafe will continue unchanged.
Nature
The protection of beavers is to be improved by new legislation currently being introduced. The change in legal status will make it an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb, or injure beavers, or damage their breeding sites or resting places – without holding the appropriate license. The legislation is scheduled to come into force in the autumn.
This year’s dry weather has resulted in a perilous environment for fish. The Environment Agency has created a hotline (no pun intended!) if you see fish in distress. 0800 807060.
And speaking of fish, we understand that the “broken” fish pass at Mapledurham has been repaired. Perhaps the EA would like to confirm? If so, this is surely good news for the fish passes further upstream?
If you’ve ever wondered, whilst walking the Thames Path, just where the wildlife is: you just need to be patient. This photo was taken this week from our property just 200 yards from the Path.
And finally…
You may recall that we told you about Andy at Hammerton’s Ferry (operating between Twickenham on the left bank with Ham House on the right) was raising money for Macmillan cancer in memory of his Dad, Captain Francis, who died last year. He set a target of £35,000 by swimming 365 miles in 365 days. Well, he made it! And it’s not too late to add to the pot. Here’s a link to his fundraising page.
That’s all folks. Mind how you go!
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