Carpe Diem!
Seize the day! That seems to be an appropriate motto for this time of year when we have only the occasional sunny day. Looking at the next seven days shows two sunny and five wet days; not a bad yield for November. The trouble is, by the time those days come, the forecast is likely to have changed. So, if planning a walk, it’s best to be as flexible as possible and seize those moments when the sun comes out.
Route News
The Path is now quite muddy: the rain combining with boots, bicycle wheels and cows. Sticks are recommended to help prevent falling over, although that cannot be guaranteed as the author found to his cost this week. There are no flood warnings or alerts on the Thames although there are warnings in place on two tributaries: the Cherwell at Oxford and the Bourne at Chertsey. River levels are back to normal and water has thankfully returned to the upper reaches.
We reported last week of the imminent unveiling of the statue of Virginia Woolf at Richmond. The statue is now in situ. And staying with statues: exactly a week ago marked the centenary of the election of Alfred Salter as MP for Bermondsey. There is a statue of Alfred and his equally prolific wife, Ada, on the Thames Path at Bermondsey.
We’ve written on previous occasions on the confusion between the Thames Path, the Thames Path Extension, and the English Coastal Path. Now here’s one more to throw in the mix: it’s the Kentish Thames Walk! To re-iterate: the Thames Path stops at Woolwich (previously Thames Barrier) where it meets the English Coastal Path; the coastal path runs from Woolwich to the Isle of Grain on the Kent side, and crosses to Essex at Woolwich where it will continue. The Kentish Thames Walk starts at Dartford, some miles downstream of Woolwich and is therefore a subset of the English Coastal Path. To be clear, the Kentish Thames Walk is not a National Trail and is therefore not signposted. It makes use of existing paths.
Along the Kentish Thames Walk you will pass the Swanscombe Peninsula, a curious mix of brownfield sites and nature. In recognition of its unique habitat, it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. A vision for the peninsula has just been published which you may find interesting.
You may also be interested to hear of a row brewing in Westminster Council where there are plans to replace 275 historic working gas lamps with reproduction lanterns lit by LED.
Diversions currently in place:
Diversions remain in place around the closed boardwalk upstream from Marsh Lock, Henley. If walking downstream, there seems to be a sign missing: if you get to the fenced off boardwalk leading to Marsh Lock then you’ve missed the turn. There is a path leading to your left about 20 yards before the boardwalk. This diversion will probably remain in place throughout all of next year.
Henrietta Howard’s Grotto at Marble Hill has been reconstructed and is now open to the public.
There’s a lot going on at Dorchester Abbey this winter:
We’ve decided to stop taking deposits for bag transfers. From now on, we’ll take all your details and book you in. We’ll then issue an invoice one month before your scheduled date. Labels will be mailed once payment is received. This cuts down quite of a bit of administrative work on our side. This applies for those who are “bag transfers only” i.e. who are not purchasing a package.
Sadly the bed and breakfast at Manor Cottage, Old Windsor will not re-open in 2023. Old Windsor is not a popular place to overnight as many people prefer to stay at Windsor. But those who do have really enjoyed their stay here. In fact, Manor Cottage was one couple’s best accommodation on the entire Path. Thank you Richard and Jan. It’s another family-run B&B that has fallen by the wayside.
We carelessly omitted to report the demise of the Jam Factory in Oxford earlier this year. This was a restaurant/bar/arts venue on Hollybush Row, close to Oxford station. Why was it so named? This was the site that Frank Cooper’s Oxford Marmalade was once made. Look out for the jar next time you’re in the supermarket.
We mentioned in the last newsletter that we would be adding some new hotels to the planner. Well, we’ve done that with 11 added from Oxford down to Greenwich.
With bookings coming in thick and fast for 2023 we’re looking to expand our team of “sherpas”: car owners who are willing to move bags between hotels, collect bags from walkers at train stations, and potentially check new hotels and paths for diversions. We pay mileage plus time. And there’s no commitment to be available. We just get help when we need it and when you’re available. Currently our particular pain-point is London, essentially from Brentford to Woolwich.
If interested, please email us at [email protected].
And finally…
We’ve had a few emails asking if we will be hosting our winter webinars again. YES! We will probably host them in February and March although we’re still thinking about the form and content. Watch this space.
That’s all folks. Mind how you go!
Ready to book?
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