Since our last newsletter, temperatures have dropped and we’ve had a couple of days of rain, which resulted, for a short while, in the countryside feeling fresh. As predicted, much of the rain ran off in flash floods. Even with temperatures in the low 20’s, it’s still too warm for comfortable walking. We need a prolonged bout of rain. Many trees have shed their leaves early in a bid to retain moisture – what has become known as a false autumn.
The dry spring and summer does bode well for October and it’s not too late to consider a late summer/early autumn getaway. Fears of waterlogged paths are somehow hard to imagine. Last year we had some beautiful days in October. The clocks change on Sunday October 30 and this will mark the end of our season. It’s also a great time to tick off the London stretches with the trees turning a golden brown and plenty cafes and pubs to shelter in if you do get rain.
Route News
Reading Festival takes place this weekend and we have already heard the Arctic Monkeys reverberating up the valley. Whilst the Path is technically unaffected during the day, you will experience some disruption as huge security barricades have been built to separate walkers from revellers.
There are a number of 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.
The Path through Runnymede is currently being resurfaced. 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.
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.
Bunkfest is coming to Wallingford on the weekend of September 2-4. This is described as a ” free-access community festival providing a unique, family friendly celebration with something for everyone”. The activities happen away from the river. More details here.
Lift 109 is coming soon. This is an elevated journey from Battersea Power Station‘s Art Deco Turbine Hall straight up one of the four magnificent chimneys with a panoramic view across London.Why 109? It’s 109 meters to the top!
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.
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.
Marble Hill is hosting free music, dance and theatre events every Sunday through August and September. Performances range from Bollywood to Shakespeare.
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.
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 mentioned in a recent newsletter that some establishments are struggling to lay on breakfasts. This week we heard that Bel & the Dragon in Reading has also decided to call time on breakfasts. This, unfortunately, means we will be discontinuing using this fine establishment as, unlike most other hotels, there really isn’t a suitable alternative nearby. The hotel featured in our two suggested itineraries: Oxford to Reading and Reading to Staines. Those booked in this year are unaffected
Staying in Reading, the Great Expectations Hotel is to be rebranded as Hotel 1843, the year that Dickens himself opened the building as the Literary, Scientific and Mechanics’ Institute. The bar is currently closed for refurbishment. However, the hotel is still functioning.
That’s all folks. Mind how you go!
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