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Trip Reports / Re: Thames Source to Sea - Wallingford to Pangbourne Feb 2007
« Last post by dan jones on February 17, 2009, 02:36:35 PM »Er, no, it was me who was at fault, not Russ. Sorry again, Beth!
Dan
Dan
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62
Trip Reports / Re: Thames Source to Sea - Wallingford to Pangbourne Feb 2007
« Last post by Martin on February 16, 2009, 09:31:28 PM »Should we record that following that lunch stop, Russell's enthusiastic helping of Beth back onto the water had hilarious results?
Martin
Martin
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Trip Reports / Re: Thames Source to Sea - Wallingford to Pangbourne Feb 2007
« Last post by Chris on February 16, 2009, 10:14:09 AM »Thanks Peter.
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Trip Reports / Re: Thames Source to Sea - Wallingford to Pangbourne Feb 2007
« Last post by Peter on February 15, 2009, 10:16:43 PM »Updated and now linked into 2007 report page, see...
http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/page/ThamesWallingfordToPangbourneFeb2007
http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/page/ThamesWallingfordToPangbourneFeb2007
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Trip Reports / Re: Thames: Wallingford to Mapledurham - 31st January 2009
« Last post by Peter on February 15, 2009, 01:03:33 AM »Draft web page at...
http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/page/WallingfordToMapledurhamJanuary2009
waiting for photos.
http://www.civilservicecanoeclub.org.uk/page/WallingfordToMapledurhamJanuary2009
waiting for photos.
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Trip Reports / Thames: Wallingford to Mapledurham - 31st January 2009
« Last post by dan jones on February 13, 2009, 05:35:43 PM »On Saturday 31st January 2009 Stephen led a trip on the Thames from Wallingford to Mapledurham. The other paddlers were Beth, Chris, Gordon, Nigel and Dan J. Sadly Julian missed out due to illness.
We paddled along a particularly scenic stretch of the Thames (more attractive than most of the river because of hills) which several of us had paddled previously as part of our epic "Source to Sea" programme. The trip distance was about 12 miles which seemed about right after a lengthy break from touring. We were really lucky with the weather, as it was dry and sunny and we were all wrapped up warm, so no-one got too cold. However, the low temperature did mean that there were no powered craft to be seen and we and the rowers had the river to ourselves, which gave it a more natural feel than it has in the summer. There are some interesting man-made features, however, including Brunel railway bridges. Unfortunately we did not have time to paddle up to Mapledurham itself which is a lovely old building.
One of the lock-keepers ticked us off for failing to stick our BCU stickers on our boats, although he adminstered only the gentlest of reprimands, did not demand payment and offered us advice on how best to tackle the next lock.
We stopped for a packed lunch at one of the locks we encountered (sorry I lost count of how many) and after our paddle we thawed out at the nice friendly "Greene King" owned pub on the outskirts of Wallingford.
Many thanks to Stephen for organising such a pleasant day out.
A few other pieces of trip planning information-
The get-in was at the public car park at Wallingford right next to the road bridge over the Thames. There is a lot of space here and parking's free at the moment (the pay and display machine is out of order), although the loo appears to be permanently locked (visit Waitrose on the other side of the river instead and add to your lunch rations while you're at it).
On the day we changed our planned get-out from Pangbourne to Mapledurham lock. Access to the small car park by the lock was trickier than Pangbourne, because we had to drive through a field of cattle (who were reluctant to shift) and the lock-keeper was determined to lock the car park at 4pm which put us under a bit of time pressure. So by the canoe club at Pangbourne will usually be a better get out.
We paddled along a particularly scenic stretch of the Thames (more attractive than most of the river because of hills) which several of us had paddled previously as part of our epic "Source to Sea" programme. The trip distance was about 12 miles which seemed about right after a lengthy break from touring. We were really lucky with the weather, as it was dry and sunny and we were all wrapped up warm, so no-one got too cold. However, the low temperature did mean that there were no powered craft to be seen and we and the rowers had the river to ourselves, which gave it a more natural feel than it has in the summer. There are some interesting man-made features, however, including Brunel railway bridges. Unfortunately we did not have time to paddle up to Mapledurham itself which is a lovely old building.
One of the lock-keepers ticked us off for failing to stick our BCU stickers on our boats, although he adminstered only the gentlest of reprimands, did not demand payment and offered us advice on how best to tackle the next lock.
We stopped for a packed lunch at one of the locks we encountered (sorry I lost count of how many) and after our paddle we thawed out at the nice friendly "Greene King" owned pub on the outskirts of Wallingford.
Many thanks to Stephen for organising such a pleasant day out.
A few other pieces of trip planning information-
The get-in was at the public car park at Wallingford right next to the road bridge over the Thames. There is a lot of space here and parking's free at the moment (the pay and display machine is out of order), although the loo appears to be permanently locked (visit Waitrose on the other side of the river instead and add to your lunch rations while you're at it).
On the day we changed our planned get-out from Pangbourne to Mapledurham lock. Access to the small car park by the lock was trickier than Pangbourne, because we had to drive through a field of cattle (who were reluctant to shift) and the lock-keeper was determined to lock the car park at 4pm which put us under a bit of time pressure. So by the canoe club at Pangbourne will usually be a better get out.
67
Trip Reports / Thames Source to Sea - Wallingford to Pangbourne Feb 2007
« Last post by Chris on February 11, 2009, 08:46:46 PM »This report is a little on the late side and memories are no longer fresh but I'll do my best. Beth, Wade, Sarah, Martin, Dave and Julia Mannering, Frank, Richard Szc, Dan Jones and Chris and Ken Stephens did this trip. From the photos it looks as if we had reasonable weather. We got in at the car park South East of Wallingford Bridge. Then, as now, the Pay and Display machine was out of use. The get out was South East of Whitchurch Bridge (grid ref. SU636768). There was parking nearby. After the paddle we drove a few hundred metres through Pangbourne to the Swan for refreshments.
Click here for all of Chris's photos
Click here for all of Chris's photos
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Trip Reports / Thames - New Year's Day Paddle 2009
« Last post by dan jones on January 13, 2009, 06:04:16 PM »The traditional New Year's Day Thames paddle took place with Gordon, Alex and Dan J. all in a fit state to join the trip organiser, Bridget. What better way to get rid of a few cobwebs than a bracing day on the water with a few friends?
We paddled a 'round trip' from Hurst Park near Hampton Court, initially heading upstream for a couple of hours. We passed Sunbury Lock (taking advantage of a facility there for kayaks and rowing boats, similar to rollers), before turning around and coasting back on the current.
We stopped at 'The Weir' pub for lunch to thaw out our feet and to take advantage of the excellent food, beer and tea. There were two other lunch possibilities near the lock, but the access from the river would not have been quite as straightforward.
Bridget's new Olympus waterproof digital camera seemed to work OK and hopefully she and Gordon will be able to provide some photos of the trip.
Get in / Parking: Hurst Park, Sadler's Ride, Molesey. Upstream of Hampton Court and Molesey Lock, opposite Garricks Ait (Grid Ref TQ 140692, Postcode: KT8 1ST) Parking here is free and plentiful with an automated loo (20p). Virtually no portage is involved, if you have a standard height car and can drive past the overhead barrier. Alex travelled by train with his folding kayak and caught up the rest of the party.
Our thanks go to Bridget for all the careful planning which went into organising this trip.
We paddled a 'round trip' from Hurst Park near Hampton Court, initially heading upstream for a couple of hours. We passed Sunbury Lock (taking advantage of a facility there for kayaks and rowing boats, similar to rollers), before turning around and coasting back on the current.
We stopped at 'The Weir' pub for lunch to thaw out our feet and to take advantage of the excellent food, beer and tea. There were two other lunch possibilities near the lock, but the access from the river would not have been quite as straightforward.
Bridget's new Olympus waterproof digital camera seemed to work OK and hopefully she and Gordon will be able to provide some photos of the trip.
Get in / Parking: Hurst Park, Sadler's Ride, Molesey. Upstream of Hampton Court and Molesey Lock, opposite Garricks Ait (Grid Ref TQ 140692, Postcode: KT8 1ST) Parking here is free and plentiful with an automated loo (20p). Virtually no portage is involved, if you have a standard height car and can drive past the overhead barrier. Alex travelled by train with his folding kayak and caught up the rest of the party.
Our thanks go to Bridget for all the careful planning which went into organising this trip.
69
Trip Reports / Re: Barle - November 08
« Last post by Chris on November 07, 2008, 05:05:07 PM »Has anyone else noticed the striking similarity between Martin and Frank McOwski, the greatest living kayaker? I wonder if they are by any chance related? I think we should be told.
Martin
Frank McOwski
Martin70
Trip Reports / Re: Barle - November 08
« Last post by Martin on November 07, 2008, 04:04:19 PM »Avatar-tastic.
Martin
Martin