We reported in our last newsletter that the land was parched. Since then we’ve had no further rain and we are, once again, experiencing a heatwave with temperatures in excess of 30 degrees centigrade. This is having a devastating impact on the river with the Thames now virtually dry for the first 10 miles. Richard was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live last Sunday morning on the state of the river. If you want to hear this, please click here and fast forward to 20 minutes.
We’ve also assembled a short video of our search for the new source which you can see this on our You Tube channel.
Well-needed rain is forecast for the coming week. Unfortunately the earth is now so hard, the fear is that it will come in thunderstorms and simply run off as flash floods and not be absorbed into the soil. So, we are hoping for a long period of light drizzle: not normally what you want when walking. Sorry!
Route News
We reported last week that the path downstream of Culham Lock had become overgrown. It seems that those kind volunteers who maintain the path have since cleared this.
A few miles downstream of Culham is Castle Meadows in Wallingford which has won a Green Flag award. The meadows are managed by Earth Trust and you can hear an interview with Earth Trust’s Ian Nutt with BBC Radio Oxford here.
The Path through Runnymede is currently being resurfaced. Here the Path threads along a stretch between the river and the busy A308. Whilst works are being undertaken walkers are pushed away from the river and closer to the road. It starts opposite the National Trust teashop and ends at the pleasure gardens. The works will be in place until the end of October. It’s not a major diversion but is another reason to follow a parallel path through the memorials of Runnymede. Or better still, follow our recommended detour through the Great Park.
Other diversions currently 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.
Dorchester Abbey has announced their autumn series of concerts. These include Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev, Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.
An exhibition of Cezannes’ works will be held at the Tate Modern this October. The Thames Path passes directly in front of this free art gallery. Note special exhibitions usually require a fee.
Reminders:
Marble Hill is hosting free music, dance and theatre events every Sunday through August and September. Performances range from Bollywood to Shakespeare.
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.
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. The Palace is open until October 2.
Tate Modern has launched an exhibition entitled Surrealism beyond Borders and runs until August 29. It includes works by Magritte and Dali.
The London Luminaries lecture series will be held this autumn. This will feature lectures about 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.
Hospitality News
We’re sad to report that the Baskerville at Shiplake is closing. Here’s a statement: “Our business is currently facing extreme challenges with unprecedented costs, severe staffing shortages and lack of footfall along with current cost of living crisis, we will no longer be operating.”
Another pub to close, but this time for different reasons, is the Ferryboat at Whitchurch. This was a popular eating pub which walkers pass at the bottom of Whitchurch hill. The landlord, sadly, passed away.
The nationwide staffing shortage can be seen by anyone who walks in and out of a restaurant. Virtually every hotel we visit has a sign outside saying “staff wanted”. It does mean that service can be a little sketchy and we ask for your patience in this regard. A case in point is the Bull at Streatley which is now outsourcing its breakfasts to the local cafe, Pierreponts.
And finally…
Congratulations to the Coast to Coast Walk which this week achieved National Trail status. This fine 197 mile walk, from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bay in the North York Moors National Park, was created by Alfred Wainwright.
That’s all folks. Mind how you go!
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