So back to Didcot to park and on the train to Tilehurst. We’re starting a little later today as we can’t be picked up in Henley until after another party has finished. So the 09.35 train, which suits us all quite well!
Luckily the hill up from the station doesn’t seem as steep this morning as I thought it might and we soon come to the bridge and the narrow path beside the Thames which is squeezed in next to the land that embraces the railway line. A few more people out, especially families and as the train route bends away there becomes meadow/ parkland. The wide path next to the river as it approaches Caversham Bridge is even called the ‘Thames Side Promenade’.
We are pleased to see a group of mature cygnets but with only one parent- not that Caversham is short of swans.
There is even an Ice Cream van and we jointly agree it’s not too early. My turn to purchase and we sit on a bench to eat our treat! Two rather different geese at this spot – a pair of Egyptian Geese.
It’s great to see so many people out enjoying the location and the sunshine, bikes are a bit hazardous , there seem to be quite a few. On the opposite side of the river is parkland with several families. This could be the grounds of a temple or similar. We also spot these geese, the white one is a mature gosling of the Greylag Geese.
At Reading bridge, a newish footbridge we discover there is a cycle event – explains a lot! We have housing on our right but some interesting islands and barge / cafes over the river – which we could reach if we had more time. Another lock – Caversham and soon after the boat yard which was referenced the day before. After a busy section the area to our right widens out again and becomes King’s Meadow with beautifully green grass and a recreational feel even though there is obviously a busy town on it’s other perimeter.
Just before the path turns to go through a wooded area there is rather a pleasant, if out of place splash of colour.
A strange bridge which goes up and over the Kennet and Avon Canal, further evidence of the vast network of water ways which once supported industrialisation and the transport of commodities. A section of rougher grassland and then back out to pleasant well kept meadow again. There are vast areas of water to our left , shielded by hedges but intermittently a gap allows a view of marinas or this vast expanse that was once gravel pits. On our right a Business Park so not as intense as the centre of Reading. The river really changes direction along this section as we begin to head north.
A small section to our left has several people in pairs looking carefully at the ground. These adults are being trained by BBONT to complete quadrant surveys. I think back to times I’ve done this with children, often with PE hoops, rather than them imagining a metre square!
The path closes in again and we are bordering the grounds of Reading Blue Coat School. Obviously good growing ground for this bract fungus.
We reach Sonning Lock and decide it’s time for lunch- always good when there is some added entertainment !
Just around the corner on this very busy section of path and we can see Sonning Bridge. We are going to emerge here and cross as it’s time to be back on the north bank again and one of our last stretches in Oxfordshire.
Over the bank we can see a very busy pub/ hotel and there are lots of boats moored at this point. On our left is an area of once woodland, mostly felled but with just two or three very tall poplar trees remaining- a rather stark area. In contrast the bird song coming from a thick hedgerow a little further along is just amazing.
The river splits on several occasions in the next section and has several small wriggles. We come across someone next to their boat moored along this stretch and we have to ask about it. It’s an orange lifeboat like vessel. It turns out it’s from an oil rig and this design was one that was winched down – leaving one unfortunate person still on the rig! Apparently although comfortable for one to live in it was equipped to rescue 57 people. We had noticed several of these, or similar, along the river. Apparently the next design was released down a shoot where the g- force would have been quite horrific. Onward and we are just about to get to Shiplake School – a lonely paddle boarder on the river going up and down a particular stretch!
Just as we approach Shiplake lock we are directed away from the river. The path used to stay away from the river for quite a stretch but we quickly turn to our right, along the back of some houses and then across a meadow back to the river. We’ve passed under the branch line. Across the water is Wargrave with some impressive houses, my dad was born somewhere around here near Ruscombe or Twyford but certainly in that triangle of the three villages. Having continued round the loop of the river we are back under the railway and even I have to duck a bit ! But not before we are able to witness a bit of afternoon sailing.
Back up into the village and across the railway- this is the branch line to Henley – it even has a sign suggesting ‘Alight here for the Thames Path’ . Quite a long section through the village and it’s outskirts. I think I visited aunts here as a child? We eventually come back to the river and we can see sites of quarries on the other side where chalk has been dug out. We should be able to go on a wooden bridge out into the river but one end is closed due to damage/ age , so we have to take a detour round. Just before we hear music and then a rather interesting sight. It sounded like folk dancing and then we saw the band !
In aid of MacMillan Fund .
Pleased to be back by the river , we did step out onto the bridge but unfortunately it’s blocked half way. About twice as far round. We are running a little bit late, although we had said after 16.00 to meet. A bit like in Reading we are now in a popular area which you might again call a promenade. Some brightly painted barges with contemporary geometric designs and lots of people. We walk past the River and Rowing Museum and on towards the old bridge. Jane is waiting the other side of this but we have a little way to go yet. Almost out of context in this parkland like area I spot these fungi and up ahead a view of Henley.
We note that our next walk in October will start by crossing the bridge and then we meet our lift back to Didcot. Just under 16 miles today! So quite a solid four days.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 