Thames Path News Round-Up

This is one of the longest gaps we’ve ever had between newsletters. April turned out to be a challenging month. Whilst it’s usually a relatively quiet month we supported twice as many walkers as last year. But what made it challenging were the conditions underfoot with a number of places being impassable: from the Source as far down as Shiplake. Even the ferry at Shepperton stopped for a couple of days due to fast flowing water.  The conditions were changing on a daily basis and we were busy finding alternative routes for walkers.

Thankfully most of the problems have passed and we are left with just two trouble spots: one at Ewen, close to the source, and the other at North Meadow, Cricklade. This is explained further down in this newsletter.

And now the meadows are coming alive with wildflowers and blossom. How quickly nature changes!
 

Route News

As mentioned above, there are currently two flood spots on the Thames Path. The first is Ewen where the river has burst its banks. Ordinarily this would not be a problem. However, the farmer has put up a barbed-wire fence creating a narrow riverside corridor which prevents finding an alternative way around.

The second is the usual trouble spot of the field before North Meadow. This can be avoided by following the disused railway track, now Cycle Route 45, into Cricklade.

North Meadow itself has been closed until May 19 to protect the fritillaries which are flowering in difficult conditions.  The closure does not affect public rights of way so, if you do manage to get through the field referred to in the previous paragraph, you won’t have to turn back!

Care should be taken when approaching Mapledurham Lock as a pair of swans have decided to nest close to the Path. Their usual nesting spot seems to have been disturbed by the placement of a river flow monitoring device.

Further details can be seen on our website. We try to keep this page current so, in the absence of a newsletter, please refer to this.

Other diversions currently in place:

The river bank has collapsed on a short stretch between Swinford Bridge and Eynsham Lock. The Path is closed whilst repairs are undertaken. This was suppposed to last about 3 weeks but, six weeks later, is still being repaired. .A diversion is in place. Walk 100 yards along the road and away from the bridge. There is a path to your left which will take you back to the river and beyond the collapsed bank.

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 is well marked. The closure is likely to be in place until well into the spring.

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.