Route News
Following a wet November, a dry, cold spell enveloped the Thames Valley and much of the rest of the country. For about ten days running, the temperature never rose above freezing. This brought beautiful frosty days with the cold air lying in the valley and the surrounding hills peaking out of the top. The lack of rain has left the river levels once again below normal; and the Path relatively dry.
We have some news on both the diversions listed below. Benson Lock is likely to be closed at least until Spring next year. A new bridge is due to be built but this is not due to be in place until 2024. So for next season we have to hope that the Environment Agency are able to make temporary repairs.
The more worrying news concerns the diversion at Marsh Lock, Henley. Due to the boardwalk across the river to the lock being unsafe, a diversion was created parallel to the river courtesy of the local landowner. Unfortunately the landowner has given notice that he will withdraw his consent on April 1 next year. The estate manager, Alex Dick, is reported as saying “How long does it take to repair a bridge? If we could build one over the Rhine and get an army over, the Environment Agency could get a pedestrian bridge fixed.”
Diversions currently in place:
The weir at Benson Lock has been temporarily closed due to strong currents and debris creating a risk of damage. You will need to follow side roads through Crowmarsh Gifford. The route appears to be well marked.
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. This diversion will probably remain in place throughout all of next year.
Route Planner Changes
We reported this in last week’s newsletter but we’re leaving it in here for a couple more editions in case it went unnoticed.
We have made a couple of changes to our route planner. Most of these are quite cosmetic, such as clarifying that transfers refer to people and not bags! We’ve also added a box that allows you to specify whether your dates are flexible.
But there’s one change that we really wanted to alert you to. On the previous version of the route planner, there was no way for you to start walking on the first day. We’ve changed that – but it might throw you a little.
If staying the night before you walk, e.g. at the Thames Head Inn, you need to select “Source” for both start and end break points. You can then select accommodation for the source from the drop-down box.
If, however, you plan to travel to the source and walk to Cricklade on your first day, then enter “source” for the start and “Cricklade” for the end break points. You can then select accommodation for Cricklade from the drop-down box.
You might have to log in a couple of times so that all the changes get refreshed. If you have any problems or questions, do please email us. We’re not too busy at the moment so we’ve plenty time to look at any issues that arise.
The 5 London bridges that were illuminated in 2021 are now the subject of a walking tour which takes place every Friday at 6.30pm. The bridges are Blackfriars, Waterloo, Golden Jubilee, Westminster and Lambeth. Tickets can be purchased here.
Carols can be heard at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on the following days: December 8,9,12,and 15. There are two to three performances on each of these days, all featuring local schools. Admission is included within the cost of a normal day ticket.
Here’s a recap of Christmas events at Dorchester Abbey:
The premiere of “Time and Tide: The Thames, Greenwich and its forgotten past” will be held on February 2 at the National Maritime Museum. The film, made by Paul Wyatt, explores the relationship between people, forgotten histories, a changing landscape, and the environment along the river Thames at Greenwich. Tickets can be purchased here.
The snow and falling leaves have meant wildlife have been easier to spot. A number of redwings were seen at Sutton Courtenay near Culham. And we had the pleasure of seeing three stoats running across a snow-covered golf course, a very unusual site. But perhaps best of all was the kingfisher at Mapledurham Lock which flashed its blue colours at us in the sun.
Two more establishments on the Path have closed. Corazon del Rio which overlooks the marina at Bourne End, formerly a Passport stamping station, closed unexpectedly last week following an unprecedented downturn of activity in September. And a restaurant in Datchet, Spices, has temporarily closed following a fire in October.
We’ve updated the map version of our route planner with the current opening times of the pubs and cafes along the way. It has been interesting to see just how many establishments are closed on Monday’s. If walking on a Monday, do check out the map to make sure you don’t go hungry!
With bookings coming in thick and fast for 2023 we’re looking to expand our team of “sherpas”: car owners who are willing to move bags between hotels, collect bags from walkers at train stations, and potentially check new hotels and paths for diversions. We pay mileage plus time. And there’s no commitment to be available. We just get help when we need it and when you’re available. Currently our particular pain-point is London, essentially from Brentford to Woolwich.
If interested, please email us at info@walkthethames.co.uk.
And finally…
This is our last newsletter of the year. Our office will be closed from Friday December 23 and we will re-open on Tuesday January 3. We will, however, periodically check emails and messages.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
That’s all folks. Richard and Elsa
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