Route News
There remain 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. As of today, the path is just about navigable providing you’re fairly nimble: staying dry requires balancing on logs, presumably positioned by well-intentioned walkers; and traversing along the horizontal sections of the fence. 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 re-opened this week although whether there are any fritillaries to be seen is doubtful.
The diversion at Benson is set to be in place for a long time, at least for the duration of this year. This diversion is in place because the bridge over the weir is deemed to be unsafe. A boat service started up ferrying walkers across the river to Benson Lock thus avoiding the diversion. Unfortunately the service has been rather intermittent. We spoke to Bygone Boating who run the service. It seems that the boat purchased for this venture had some issues and they have since purchased a replacement. So normal service should be resumed very soon. Also, the ferry is manned by volunteers of which there are few. If you are local, why not give a few hours a week?
A new diversion was put in place during the month, this time at Temple Lock, just past Hurley. Once again, the bridge has been deemed to be unsafe. So, instead of crossing the river onto the left bank and walking into Marlow, you must follow paths, lanes and then a road on the right bank through Bisham and into Marlow. We’ve also had reports that some of the temporary signposts have been wantonly repositioned. In fact, we visited the diversion today and found no signs at all. If in doubt, take the footpath to the right before the bridge and then take the first left. Another reason why you should always have a map.
It is, of course, possible to cross the river at Hambledon Lock and follow paths on the left bank through Medmenham and all the way to Marlow. It’s a little convoluted but avoids walking on the road through Bisham. 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 supposed to last about 3 weeks but must now be in month 3 of 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.
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. | 
