Thames Path Route News
Although there are flood alerts in place on most of the Thames, that does not mean that the Path is completely inaccessible. Some stretches will be passable and some not. However, there will be many impassable sections and we can’t monitor these at the moment as it’s out of season. Do take a look at our Route Alerts page where we list those places that we suspect or know are a problem.
Non-flood Diversions Update:
The diversion at Benson is set to be in place for a long time, at least for the duration of this year and probably well into 2024. 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. The ferry has been unable to operate since the start of the year due to river conditions. There are updates posted on their Facebook page.
Diversions remain in place around the closed boardwalk upstream from Marsh Lock, Henley. Since our last newsletter. we’ve heard that the estate over which the diversion runs will withdraw its support from the end of March. It seems they’ve become a little frustrated at the lack of progress being made by the Environment Agency over this issue which is now approaching two years old. The National Trails office is looking at other possible diversions.
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.
This may now be over but a diversion was recently put in place near Runnymede Bridge due to flood damage to a footbridge.The diversion starts just before the bridge and takes you to Egham roundabout from where you must walk 0.6 miles along the pavement adjoining the A308
Phase II of the work on Teddington Footbridge is due to start in March. The footbridge will be closed on two weekends during the next six months. We don’t yet know which weekends this will happen although they have ruled out Easter weekend and Early May Bank Holiday weekend. The bridge is regularly used by commuters and schoolchildren – hence the need for a weekend closure. We’ll try and keep an eye out for this.
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.
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