CSCC Reports 2005: Thames, Reading to Hurley: 6 November 2005

Chris, Dan Jones, Alex and Luis paddled 14 miles on the Thames from Reading to Hurley on Sunday 6 November 2005.

The sky was heavily overcast but the heavy rain which had been forecast held off for most of the day. We portaged Sonning lock after about 1.5 miles and at about 2.5 miles we diverted down the St Patrick's Stream backwater returning to the Thames at Shiplake downstream of the lock. We stopped for Sunday lunch at the riverside St George and Dragon in Wargrave before continuing on our way. The next portage was at Marsh lock and soon after we passed Henley and then Temple Island at the end of Henley Reach (the regatta course).

After portaging Hambledon lock it did not seem far to Hurley where we arrived just before dusk, but in time to observe some freestyling activity on the weir as we entered the lock cut.  Altogether a far more enjoyable and interesting paddle than any of us had expected

All images ©2005 CSCC