The towpath between Hammersmith Bridge and Ferry Lane, at the beginning of the Leg O’Mutton nature reserve, will be closed in the daytime 7am-6pm from Monday 18 to Friday 22 July. Another closure week follows from Monday 1 August.
The diversion is south from the bridge along Castelnau, right into Lonsdale Road and right again into Ferry Lane by the Swedish School.
See pages 51-52.
In order for the cable car across the Thames to be installed before the Olympics there is going to be another Thames Path closure on the Greenwich peninsula.
Phoenix Wharf, the stretch between the football ground and the Dome pier, will close from Monday 1 August until the end of the year.
The planned alternative route is at present unclear but it will be roughly mean that a diversion will start just beyond the Millennium Village. Walkers will have to turn inland along the cycleway and then turn north-west up East Parkside. At Edmund Halley Way there will be asigned route back to the river just north of the pier.
It should still be possible to enjoy the path round Blackwall Reach on the north side of the 02 Dome.
See page 14.
The towpath opposite Henley, between Remenham and Henley Bridge, is to be diverted during the Henley Festival despite the efforts of the Henley-based Open Spaces Society.
The Festival follows the Henley Royal Regatta which means that part of the towpath will be closed to walkers between Wednesday 6 July to Tuesday 12 July whilst seating and a floating stage is in place.
During most of this period the length of towpath closed will be about a quarter of a mile and walkers will have to follow temporary waymarks.
See page 114.
There are plans to rebuild the iron Whitchurch Bridge which opened in 1902.
The first bridge was erected in 1792. Todayt’s listed early Edwardian toll crossing was built when cars were still outnumbered by horse and cart. The planned works are intended to strengthen the bridge which is now used by heavy lorries.
The cost is about £3m and already there have been protests about the toll being being doubled to 40p. Once carriages paid just two pence for each wheel.
If planning permission is given it is expected that work will take place next year when there will be a temporary bridge alongside for pedestrians.
See pages 134 and 135.
The towpath between Staines Bridge and Runnymede Bridge at Bell Weir Lock is closed until early August.
This is caused by work on a short stretch opposite the London Stone.
The alternative route is:
Do not cross Staines Bridge. Continue on the Staines side by going down steps to the riverside. Soon pass the bridge to Church Island. Don’t continue up Church Street but stay by the river to pass the tennis courts and go up the path in Lammas Recreation Ground.
Turn left along Wraysbury Road. Walk on the north side. After passing under the M25 go left along a footpath. Join the A30 across Runnymede Bridge where you are protected by a barrier. Once on the Egham bank go right on a footpath leading to the river.
See pages 81 to 83.
The Thames Path has been closed again between Bay Wharf and Lovell’s Wharf on the Greenwich Peninsula.
The Environment Agency is repairing Morden Wharf which will require the closure to be maintained until September.
The alternative route is:
At the end of Bay Wharf the path is a little away from the water as it meets an enclosed passage.
Here go left to meet the Tunnel Approach motorway. Go right and beyond the footbridge (left) keep on the parallel Tunnel Road which moves away from the fast traffic. At Blackwall Lane go right and take the first right Mauritus Road.
This turns south to become Christchurch Way. Go right into Derwent Street and left into Banning Street. At the Pelton Arms go right into Pelton Road to rejoin the Thames at Ballast Quay.
No official announcements online yet so many thanks Darryl of 853 blog for highlighting this on Twitter.
See pages 16 and 17.
Barry Mason, manager of Surrey Docks Farm, has died in Spain whist going for a swim in the sea.
As tributes indicate he was much more than his recent lasting achievements at the farm.
He was a cyclist who of course cycled on the Thames Path. But he was always alert to any closures. When he took over at the farm one of his priorities was embracing the stretch of permissive Thames Path as an important part of the Surrey Docks Farm.
The Thames Path here was improved and open every day. He kept walkers off the roads.
We should remember this as we walk through and pause in the lovely garden.
He will of course be first missed on Sunday afternoon 19 June when there is a Trinity Sunday parish fete involving the farm and Holy Trinity Church opposite.
See page 21.
I have just enjoyed Sunday lunch at Surrey Docks Farm where ten days ago Frizzante took over the cafe.
This is an Italian team who already do the catering at Hackney City Farm.
Arriving after 1pm I found that the roast was finished but two of us managed the last two fish pies. For pudding we had their lovely real Italian ice cream (2 scoops £2.50).
The atmosphere is as lovely and informal as before. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
The Thames Path running through the farm is looking much better, more interesting plants and hedges, and at last gates at both ends.
See page 21.
There is good news of a possible improvement ti the route at Maidenhead.
After crossing Maidenhead Bridge walkers turn right into Bridge Gardens but then find the way blocked by Bridge House.
Thanks to the persistence and local knowledge of East Berks Ramblers’ footpath secretary Margaret Bowdery the Royal Borough has published plans for a long awaited riverside path in front of Bridge House.
At present walkers have to cross the busy Ray Mill Road twice.
There is a public consultation in progress.
See page 99.
Some of the lock staff you meet this summer will be local volunteers.
BBC South Today ran a piece on Thursday evening about the Environment Agency’s call for volunteer lock keepers on the Thames.
Seasonal help is not unknown but now the plan is not to pay those coming forward.
This does seem to be a foolish money saving exercise which does nothing to give us confidence about the future of lock and weir keepers.
Waterways operation manager Andrew Graham describes this as an exciting opportunity but the uniformed job needs training and a weekly commitment.
The Enviroment Agency’s chief executive is paid £195,000 a year.