Route News
The south of England only received a glancing blow from storm Babet but it was enough to quickly flood large stretches of the Thames Path between source and Oxford. Our usual routines of recommending diversions and shuttling walkers between Cricklade and Castle Eaton soon became futile gestures as flooding appeared in places that we least expected.
We would imagine that the Path will largely remain underwater for another two weeks. We’re not aware of any problems downstream of Oxford.
We’ve updated our route alerts page with what we know although this will not be comprehensive.
On a completely different note, there is a small diversion at Benson where the boatyard caught fire earlier this week. The Path is diverted around the back of the building. The boatyard is opposite where the temporary ferry operates. We spoke to the operators in September who said they intended to keep the service running through the autumn. However, we suspect that once the number of walkers starts dropping it will no longer be viable to keep the service running.
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.
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. | 
