The Bablock Hythe ferry which is said to be over a thousand years old may run again soon.
It had several revivals in the 20th century including 1981 and again briefly in 1992.
It has long been operated by the pub which has had at least three names in living memory. Today the landlord of the Ferryman Inn is Peter Kelland.
He has been asked by Oxfordshire County Council if he will start it up again. The council has even revived the much opposed idea of a bridge in its Local Transport Plan. But the missing link could be part of Sustrans cycle route 57 which would provide an income stream.
The planned ticket price is 50p and the ferry could be running again this year.
Indeed if the ferry is reliable then most Thames path walkers would probably prefer to stay on the towpath and use the ancient crossing. Today’s official alternative is to cross upstream at Pinkhill Lock and have a long walk inland.
Peter is appealing for help in raising the £9,000 needed to restore the boat damaged in the 2007 floods.
The Ferry Inn also offers bed and breakfast (01865 880028).