TP7
Thames Path - Walk 7
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2021: A new dawn, a new day and I am up and out at 7:30, aware I have a long walk and a train to catch, so wanting to allow plenty of time…no clock watching. The forecast shows the sun appearing today, but fog early on, a feature of the current weather pattern: mild and absolutely calm
And fog there is, a real pea souper…and it is brilliant, so atmospheric. Noises become a focus, the throbbing ahead of cars over the bridge, the cacophony of sound from a bunch of geese, the swish in the air as swans fly past
And the views, all moody, with indistinct shapes in the mist, slowly forming and coalescing as you approach. Marlow is just ahead and I wend my way through ‘Severn Corner Alley’ and emerge near All Saints Church, trying to get artistic with the photos. Another fine suspension bridge crosses the river but I remain on the North bank and set off on the path towards Hurley. There is not a ripple on the water, other than the wake from birds or a group of kayakers…just stillness. It is quite beautiful
As I progress the sun tries to force through, slowly edging away the mist. I am diverted inland and enter large tree dotted, meadows, part of this area a deer farm. As I walk across these fields, the sun fully pushes through bathing the area in golden light, throwing shadows, the dew on the grass and the last mist tendrils adding atmosphere. This all topped off by the deer running around, a stag staring me down. It is a truly stunning spectacle. A couple of joggers pass me, one saying: “could you think of a better Saturday morning”. Quite
I pass the Flowerpot Inn, popular for anglers & walkers I believe. That is closed at this time, but it is time for a break and a short while later I find the perfect spot on a river-side bench. There is a large group of Canada geese flapping and fidgeting, cackling noisily and just being generally manic. Quite entertaining
From here, I enter the Henley area, the rowing mecca. Lots of crews are out training on the river, their coaches riding bikes on the river bank, shouting encouragement. Yesterday, I had quite a time on enclosed, tree lined paths, but these are wide open spaces and it is enjoyable to see the landscapes, especially with the sun out. Nearing Temple Island, the starting point for Henley Regatta, I realise there is some racing underway, with boats (canoes?) approaching. Some pass by and the effort and exertion from the rowers is intense…and they are not even half way yet
Into Henley itself and I cross the bridge and spot The Angel on the Bridge Pub, which looks an inviting place for lunch. I sit on the deck over the water and enjoy sausage & mash and a cider in the sun. Today is a good day
I move on along Henley river-side, which is very busy with people, families, enjoying the day out, it is a nice atmosphere. I stop off at the Henley River & Rowing Museum and potter about. Whilst rowing mainly seems to hit the headlines at the Olympics it has produced some great stories over the years. This museum triggers some memories and the ability to see the boats and round out these stories and many others makes this a thoroughly enjoyable visit
From Henley there is a long stretch of quiet walking, generally on the river bank, but some diversion around Shiplake through some residential areas. I have been so lucky with the weather, more rain around and much of this would have been a mud-fest I think
After some time I reach Sonning and am pleased to have the chance for a rest. I manage to locate the Bull Inn, yet another of these pubs that have been around for ever, this serving since the 16th Century
I sit in the courtyard and enjoy a drink, realising that my walk is just about complete, just the last few miles to Reading, then the commute of train and plane home. In all, I will walk around 21 miles today, but it has been stimulating throughout and a pleasure
All 3 days have been enjoyable, each with it’s own highlights, but today takes the overall prize, probably showing how weather is such an influencer. The Thames Path remains a fantastic journey, full of interest, with splashes of activity and history and other times of solitude. I do think breaking it up into small day sessions, even over years as I have, keeps it fresh. I have seen a few obvious Path walkers on my journey, guide-book in hand, so it is a popular route
This trip has been nearly 60 miles of walking over the 3 days, but 45 miles counting on the Path routing, which is a decent chunk. This takes my total on the official route to 90 miles, being about the half way point. Again, I don’t known when I will continue this journey..…but it is something to look forward to
