Restrictions on quite a few Thames locks were due to start today, including Goring up to Culham. They’ll be open during lock keeper hours, 9.30 to 6, and there will be one lock up and one down every half an hour, to try to preserve water. It should mean they’ll be able to pack more boats in each locking, and because the locks will be closed overnight, the levels should have chance to recover. This morning, though, Goring Lock was still on self service (which was how it had been left last night) so we thought we’d get through before the restrictions started. Consequently we were on the move at 8.30.
The reach between Goring and Cleeve Locks is the shortest on the river, and it’s also very pretty. We particularly liked this boat house and boat.
When we got to Cleeve Lock a widebeam was going up, so we had to wait a few minutes. It’s a much smaller lock than Goring, being shorter, narrower, and about half the depth. The Goring lock keeper told me the other day that it takes about 3.5 Cleeve Locks to fill Goring Lock, so there’s always a danger of the short reach running out of water. The widebeam wanted water and so did we, so we had to wait again — and they had a really big tank. However the family on board were really chatty. The tap itself is really odd too, with a tall column that fills with water before it starts flowing from the tap. We’d seen Parting Shot moored below the lock and they also wanted water, so they decided to come up the lock and join the queue — although as they tried to do so the electrics all locked out for a while. Also while we filled a rowing boat, the Floating Funquest came past, doing the whole Thames in a boat they built themselves.
It was about 10.30 when we finally had a full water tank and passed the hose onto the next boat. The reach we were now on, between Cleeve and Benson Locks is the longest on the river. I think it’s compulsory to take a photo of this house at Moulsford. It’s a bit of a contrast to the little church and Manor House a bit further on.
Moulsford Rail Bridge is another impressive structure on the line. It turns out to be two bridges, with a gap in between; we suspect this one is the older as it had stone trim while the second one is all brick.
Eventually we went under a modern road bridge on the outskirts of Wallingford, and then could see Wallingford Bridge. It had quite a few young people on it, waiting to jump into the river.
There are moorings both sides of the river, but the only space big enough for us was on the left hand side. The other side has a lower bank, which would make things easier, but it’s also alongside the park and outdoor swimming pool, which had been incredibly busy. The bank here is nearly at our roof level, which means it’s a bit of a challenge getting on and off, especially while holding a puppy.
A bit later the plastic hire boat behind us left, and then Parting Shot arrived. The gap wasn’t quite big enough until the boat beyond moved back a bit, but we helped them sort it out. After lunch, I took Macc for a walk down the river and found Castle Meadows, with the ruins of Wallingford Castle. There’s not much stonework left, but there’s a lot of earthworks and the moat is clearly visible.
Macc was able to have the sort of off-lead run about he’s missed the past couple of days, and thoroughly enjoyed himself. However it was very warm, and he probably overdid it.
I’d hoped to do a circular walk, but when we got to the town side of the meadows it turns into the more formal Castle Gardens, where no dogs are allowed. It meant we had to retrace our steps, and Macc was desperate for a drink and paddle in the river when we got back to the path. We also passed a tree with a rope swing on it, with a queue of kids waiting their turn. The river has been very busy with people swimming, paddle boarding, and generally messing about — and occasionally having to get out of the way of big boats.
When we got here there was no internet signal to speak of on any of our three networks, but just after lunch they all returned, so maybe there had been a problem at the transmitter or something. Adrian has been into town to collect a prescription and do a shop at Waitrose and reports that it’s a nice town centre.
6 miles, 2 locks, £12 mooring fee to the town council. (61 miles, 23 locks, £91.50)