Thames Path News Round-Up

It’s three weeks since the last newsletter and, whilst the world recorded its hottest July on record, England appears to have forgotten to have a summer. Since the schools broke up in the third week of July we’ve barely had a day without rain. Mind you, that has not been without its compensations. The weather has been cool and, whilst the paths are a little muddy in places, they’re soft underfoot and therefore a little easier on the feet.

We’ve mentioned in our social media posts about how quiet August is on the Thames Path, especially contrasted with September. We’ve put forward a number of hypotheses for this, all of which we can debunk:

• It’s too hot – well, not this year anyway!

• It’s too busy – apart from Oxford and Windsor you don’t see many families on the Thames Path

• It’s too expensive – we hold our prices the same throughout the season

So if you’re thinking of walking next year, don’t discount August!

Route News

A new diversion has just come up. This is at Shiplake where, due to rail engineering works, the Path has been diverted by an extra half mile. The route is diverted up Northfield Road (diagonally across from the Baskerville) as far as the A4155 and then down Bolney Lane (a bridleway forming part of the Chiltern Way). We don’t know how long this will be for.

The Path is dry throughout – despite a wet summer

We’ve had reports of giant hogweed growing in the upper sections, particularly around Chimney Meadows. This can cause burns/blisters so take care and, if possible, wear long trousers.

The path is quite a bit overgrown downstream from Culham lock with brambles and nettles in abundance.

New fingerpost signs have gone up for the diversion at Marsh Lock, Henley

Other diversions currently in place:

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 Hambleden 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.

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.

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.