Nicholson's Guide 7

Imray "River Thames" (better than Nicholson for the Thames)

OS Explorer maps
162, 173, 160

 

River Thames

From the Thames Barrier to Lechlade

The Tidal Thames is busy - for a first trip I would VERY STRONGLY reccomend going with the St Pancras Cruising Club - they have a lot of experience and expertise - in addition to being a very friendly bunch to be with.

VHF radio is well worth while, if only to listen to the London traffic control on channel 14, so you are not taken by surprise.  

Tidal Thames - Thames Barrier to Teddington

hames BarrierThere are two sets of downloafable guides - and they complement each other well.  The St Pancras Club guide provides detailed maps and information, the British Waterways guides (separate upstream and downstream) gives very clear bridge identification diagrams.

Westminster PalaceOther than stopping at one of the refueling barges (and I would commend having filled up beforehand) in a narrow boat there is no stopping between the Thames Barrier other than Limehouse Lock and either Teddington Lock or the bottom of the Grand Union Canal at Brentford.

This trip is well worth doing - though the lower reaches are not relaxing, with a lot of commercial traffic, some of which are very fast - probably 30 knots or so for the big catamarans!

Teddington

Link to TideEnd CottageMoorings immediately above the lock.  Costs £8.50 to use the Environment Agency moorings - pay the lock keepers.  

Across the footbridge are two pubs - both came recommended.   We went to the Tide End Cottage, and would happily go again.

15 August 2010

Kingston Bridge

There are shopping moorings immediately before Kingston Bridge on the East Side, by John Lewis.  With a night club immediately adjacent, I would not care to use them overnight, even if permitted.  

16 August 2010

Hampton Wick

Moorings just after Kingston Bridge on the towpath side.  Owned by Historic Royal Palaces  , the first 24 hours mooring is free, and £5 per night for a maximum of two further nights.

It is possible to walk to Hampton Court Palace through the grounds (we were told) - however there are regular buses down the A308 that go to the Palace.

16 August 2010

Hampton Court Moorings

Hampton Court PalaceAn extensive run of moorings immediately adjacent to the gate to the formal gardens.  The same conditions apply as at Hampton Wick.  

The palace is well worth a visit - and the audio guides are amongst the best we have come accross.

18 Aug 2010

Walton on Thames

There are free 24 hour moorings at Sunbury Weir (though on the Walton on Thames - East - side), and just beyond the Anglers Inn. 

19 Aug 2010

Desborough Island

24 hour moorings at the South East corner of Desborough Island.  A handy place to stay - but the island doesn't have much going for it otherwise.

19 Aug 2010

Penton Hook Marina

Very pleasant moorings and staff - however considering the cost, and the clientele (some very expensive boats and some very new Benlteys in the car park) the gents toilets were definitely past their use by date. 

22 Aug 2010

Eton

Windsor Castle and gooseThere seen to be 24 hour free moorings just before the Windsor Bridge - and these would be good for shopping.   We didn't see them till we had passed them, and the current coming through the bridge made backing up impractical.

We had been told (inaccurately) by another boater that the moorings on the Eton side at Windsor were free.   They aren't - but the water bailiff was extremely friendly, and the view of Windsor Castle is quite outstanding.  

23 Aug 2010

Cookham - Bellrope Meadow

Two pubs - we ate in the newest one - the Kings Arms which is only 350 years old!  Good food and friendly service.

24 Aug 2010

Henley

Pay for your mooring by getting a "pay and dusplay" sticker at the nearby car park.

Despite an interest in rowing I thought the River and Rowing Museum was something of a disappointment   

25 Aug 2010