CSCC Reports 2012: Jubilee River near Windsor  - Sunday 25th March 2012

Although it is only 20 miles west of Chiswick, and has been in existence for 10 years, the club had never previously paddled the Jubilee River.
Chris, Dan, Jenna, Kate, Mark W, Robert W, David I and Catherine B put that right by making a first descent (for the club) on 25 March 2012. Kate and Chris paddled the Prospector with everyone else in kayaks. 

After shuttling cars to Windsor Home Park car park (pay and display but free on Sundays) we put in below the weir at Marsh Lane (free car park with height restriction). Weather conditions were near perfect with sunshine and a slight breeze. We found a portage platform and steps on river right at Eton Wick weir and stopped on the bank there for lunch. Below the weir a swan entertained us by expertly surfing the wave and demonstrating its ferry gliding skills.  

The next obstacle, Slough weir, was similarly provided with convenient portage arrangements. However there were no similar portage facilities at the final weir (Black Potts) and we had to find our own landing and relaunching spots (on river left). About 200 metres downstream of Black Potts weir we joined the Thames and turned upstream to get out on a small sandy beach (river right, our left) just past the railway bridge.

 Although we chose to portage the weirs, a slightly more experienced group would have no problem with shooting them, although the first is quite a long slide.

Total distance paddled 5.25 miles.