Two weeks ago we commented on the fact that we’ve had some wonderful sun-filled autumn days. Since then, the weather has definitely changed. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that we’ve had more rain in the last week than we had all season! This has, however, brought some life back to the upper reaches of the river.
We are now just a handful of days away from the end of the season with just a few more walkers to help. We will be closed from November 1, re-opening on Good Friday, April 7, 2023. We will continue to issue fortnightly newsletters throughout the winter.
Route News
Despite heavy rains in the past few days, the Path remains firm as the dry land soaks up the rain. Pockets of water are starting to appear in the dried up sections between Ashton Keynes and Cricklade. There are no current flood warnings or alerts in place on the River Thames.
The fish pass at Chimney Meadows is now complete. This £2m project allows fish to avoid the weir at Shifford Cut which blocked the passage of fish such as Barbel, Chub and Dace. The picture in this news article shows Shifford Cut in the bottom left hand corner (which the Thames Path follows) with the natural Thames branching off to the right, with the weir clearly visible. By the way, the natural Thames loops around the enclosed fields, meeting the cut just out of view from the top left of the picture.
Battersea Power Station is now officially open. This iconic building, empty for 40 years, has been remarkably transformed into a vibrant live-work community complete with shops, restaurants and entertainments.
Rotherhithe Street has been completely blocked off to through traffic following the installation of bollards at both ends. This is a wonderful post-industrial lane to wander down – should you be following the right bank between Tower Bridge and Greenwich.
Diversions currently in place:
There is a small diversion in October as the footbridge to the rear of St Leonard’s Church in Wallingford is replaced
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. By the way, it is likely that this diversion will remain in place throughout all of next year.
If taking the left bank of the Thames between Isleworth and Brentford, the path along Brentford Creek is currently blocked due to redevelopment. From the bridge, you must carry on down the high street until you pick up the path opposite Morrison’s car park which will take you down to Brentford Marina.
A number of pubs and cafes are now operating winter hours. These include the Talbot at Swinford Bridge, which is now only open during the day at weekends; and the Buscot Tea Room which is completely closed for the winter.
A number of attractions are also closing at the end of the month including Kelmscott Manor, Marble Hill and the River & Rowing Museum in Henley.
If planning to use pubs and cafes for lunch stops and/or museums, it’s best to check ahead in case they’re no longer open.
The National Hedgelaying Championship takes place in Wallingford on October 29. Entry is free! More details can be found here.
Reminders:
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.
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.
That’s all folks. Mind how you go!
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