Author: Leigh Hatts

Walkers are finding notices upstream of Windsor about diversions caused by the Olympic Games.

This is due to the proximity of the Olympic rowing course.

Until the end of November there is a diversion between Boveney Church and the turning to Dorney Court.

The present diversion along the north side of the rowing course is required because a temporary bridge is being built from Windsor Racecourse.

However, during the Olympic period there will be an even longer diversion yet to be announced.

After the Olympics the towpath will remain closed whilst the bridge is dismantled but the shorter diversion will come back into operation.

I do of course always recommend the OS Pathfinder map at the end of each section.

It is not vital to have a map, there are OS maps in the guide, but some like to have the large scale map with them.

I must say that I am finding the new Harvey’s Thames Path map (£12.95) extremely satisfying. All the route is on one lightweight waterproof map.

Key pubs are marked and the locks which are a walker’s stages are prominent.

It’s a pleasure just to read at home when contemplating either the full trail or just an outing.

The garden of the Manor House at Sutton Courtenay is open on Saturday afternoon 9 June.

The house was once home of David Astor who is buried behind George Orwell in the churchyard.

The garden was modelled by Norah Lindsey who lived at the house from during the first half of the 20th century and further improved by Brenda Colvin.

The garden opening, part of the National Gardens Scheme charity (the yellow book gardens), is 2-6pm; admission £5; child free.

Much special activity to be seen in Staines today as the town officially becomes Staines-upon-Thames.

Look out for this swan at Benson.

The Archbishop of Canterbury sailed from Southwark to Greenwich today for a service marking the 1000th anniversary of the murder of his predecessor St Alphege.

Meanwhile many others, led by the Bishop of Woolwich and Dean of Southwark, walked the Thames Path via Deptford to Greenwich.

Greenwich’s St Alfege Church (different spelling) stands on the site of martyrdom.

These are momentous days for Greenwich which became  a Royal Borough this year.

The Queen will be there on Wednesday 25 April to see the restored Cutty Sark and open the Royal River exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.

The most peaceful places in London are by the River Thames according to The Guardian.

Six out of the top ten are on the Thames Path -seven if you include the Waterloo library.

I have spent a pleasant sunny afternoon walking along the Wandsworth riverside.

WANDSWORTH BRIDGE

The main aim was to look at the new tunnel under Wandsworth Bridge. Now at Plantation Wharf you remain by the water and continue upstream passing the Waterfront pub. At the bridge the path turns inland but, instead of going up steps to traffic, the walker can turn sharp right to go under the road.

It’s  a wide arch with a huge map of the Thames Path in west London on the wall.

After this you keep forward into the short road ahead called Pier Terrace. At the crossroads by the Ship Inn go ahead and right to regain the river.

WANDLE

I took the opportunity to walk on to the Wandle. Having crossed Bell Lane Creek I was able to go sharp right with the River Wandle and follow this on a permissive path which joins the Thames and soon after the wide promenade leading direct to Wandsworth Park.

This means that you can avoid the small industrial estate. Sadly you now do not pass the unique Cat’s back pub. But this new path is much better and provides a brief rural feel at the confluence of the Wandle and Thames.

See pages 44 & 45.

A section of path upstream of Blackfriars Bridge is being closed after 8pm most nights for the next few weeks.

This is between Marigold Alley and Oxo Tower Wharf  to allow for scaffolding to be erected in front of Sea Containers House which is being converted into an hotel.

Signs are going up but the easiest alternative is:

Turn inland at Marigold Alley, go right into Upper Ground and on reaching a bus stop turn right into Bernie Spain Garden to rejoin the river.

The seated figure of Dr Alfred Salter looking at his daughter and cat was a popular sculpture on the Thames Path near Rotherhithe.

Last year Dr Salter was stolen overnight and afterwards Southwark Council quickly put the daughter and cat in storage.

Now the council is consulting on the way forward and where to put the replacement statue.

The London SE1 website has the details.