Route News
We are now down to just one flood spot on the Thames Path. This is at Ewen where the farmer has put up a barbed-wire fence creating a narrow riverside corridor which prevents finding an alternative way around.The section is just probably no more than 5 meters long but comes well above boots. The fencing is such that you can’t really use it to traverse as it’s mostly wire with a barbed section on top. We have brought this to the attention of the Thames Path National Trail office. The only way to avoid it is to follow the road for a mile and rejoin the Path at Upper Mill Farm. Honestly, I would suggest taking boots off and wading through. The field before North Meadow is under water at the point where the Path crosses. However, this can be avoided by following the perimeter of the field.
You may have heard reports that the Path is blocked at Lechlade where a car drove into the ramparts of Halpenny Bridge, named after the original toll fee. The specific blockage is through the tunnel under the bridge. A closure notice has been placed at the gate under the bridge with diversions starting upstream at the Round House taking you into Lechlade on the other side of the river and rejoining the Path at St John’s Lock. Whilst the diversion is quite pleasant – a chance to stroll through Shelley’s Walk, named after the poem he wrote in the churchyard – there appears to be nothing to stop you accessing the bridge from the Thames Path, or passing through the tunnel.
At Teddington, structural work is starting on Monday (June 26) on the footbridge. Whilst there is no scheduled closure, it’s quite possible that the bridge may close at short notice for an unspecified period of time. Teddington marks the start of the “dual Thames Path” where a left bank option opens up as well as the right bank. Should the bridge be closed, then you’ll just have to continue on the right bank until the next bridge which is at Richmond.
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.
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 ferries walkers across the river to Benson Lock thus avoiding the diversion.
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.
A diversion was put in place in June 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. It’s 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 of all these diversions can be seen on our website. We try to keep this page current so, in the absence of a newsletter, please refer to this. | 
