Route News
Good news and bad news: The good news is that there are no new diversions to report. The bad news is that there has been no progress on the existing diversions although we are pleased to advise that the ferry at Benson lock has continued to run uninterrupted through September and they plan to keep the service running through October. We will check in with them at the end of the month.
Also not reported below, the Halfpenny Bridge at Lechlade is being repaired so a well-marked diversion is in place to avoid passing under the bridge. Readers may recall that the bridge’s ramparts were damaged by an intoxicated driver of a motor vehicle.
Following heavy rains a fortnight ago the Path has become muddy in places. However, there is no risk of flooding and the last few days of dry rain have helped to ease the mud.
If walking through Runnymede you may notice a series of three sculptures still in the making entitled The Last Survivors by Willow Twisters. The pieces are inspired by The Gleaners, an oil painting Jean-Francois Millet.
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 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.
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. | 
