Page updated 3 June 2003

The Rivers Thames and Wey

River Thames

Passage between Teddington and Bow N97#1p144#7p130 N2k#1p144#7p130: More detailed advice for canal boaters wishing to make passage on the tideway between Teddington, Brentford, Limehouse and Bow, than that given in the Navigational Notes, can be found in the IWA London Region's "Tideway Notes" available at Teddington, Brentford, Limehouse and Bow locks or on receipt of an e-mail request to Michael Stevens (michael.stevens@which.net), London IWA.
Such boaters are also advised to equip themselves with a copy of BW's list of opening times for Brentford, Limehouse and Bow Locks. This is published at 6-monthly intervals and is available from BW London Region on 0207-286-6101.

River Thames - downstream (Not Covered)

Chiswick Pier N97#1p142#7p132 N2k#1p142#7p132: Secure visitors' moorings for up to 14 days are available at Chiswick Pier in Corney Reach (local authority). Floating pontoon moorings with water, showers, toilets, refuse and Elsan disposal included in mooring charge. Electricity and pump-out extra. Pre-booking available on 0208 742 2713 (office hours Mon-Fri) or e-mail: chiswickpier@mbreliance.demon.co.uk.

Hurst Park N97#7p132 N2k#7p132: There is a bottle/cardboard etc. recycling point in the park, by Garrick's Ait. There are easy moorings there. (I take it Garrick's Ait is the un-named island by the mile marker? - Ed.)
Richmond Lock N97#7p130 N2k#7p130: Since March 2002, the charge to pass through the Lock has been withdrawn.
Richmond Lock N97#7p130: The 2000 edition has an additional Navigation Note 10: Richmond Lock (020 940 0634) The weirs are raised from approximately 2 hours before until approximately 2 hours after high water, so vessels can pass straight through. At all other times the lock must be used.
Teddington Lock N97#7p126: N2k#7p126 N03#7p158; Light signals to enter the locks going upstream are now red/green traffic light type. (See Navigational Note 1 - Note 2 in the 2003 edition)
Desborough Island N97#7p121 N2k#7p121: There are good free (24hr) council moorings on the mainland to the north west of the island.
There are limited 24hr (EA) moorings on the east side of the island.

Laleham N97#7p120 N2k#7p120: The Feathers, situated in The Broadway, Laleham, provides excellent meals and a take-away and is strongly recommended.
Bray Marina N97#7p114 N2k#7p114: There is a major footbridge across the river, between the marina and Monkey Island.

Shillingford Bridge N97#7p95 N2k#7p95: Delete the reference to "modest fee" for excellent moorings at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, unless you think that £12 to £16 per night for a narrowboat is modest!
Day's Lock N97#7p89 N2k#7p89: There is no break in the Thames Path between Days Lock and Clifton Hampden Bridge.
Culham Cut N97#7p89: There are limited moorings in the cut by the footbridge, which also provide easy access to the pub and village.
Abingdon Bridge N97#7p88 N2k#7p88: There are good, but chargeable, field moorings above the bridge. A council collector calls twice day for the fees.
Abingdon Lock N97#7p88 N2k#7p88: The very popular Water Point above the lock is very slow, resulting in long queues as times.
Sandford Lock N97#7p85 N2k#7p85: When going upstream approaching the lock, beware of the whirlpool effect when the lock is being emptied. This tends to sweep boats to the left.
Kennington Railway Bridge N97#7p85 N2k#7p85: The backwater that joins just above the bridge is navigable for about a mile, as far as New Hinksey.
River Cherwell N97#7p85 N2k#7p85: Only unpowered craft are permitted to navigate the River Cherwell.

Folly Bridge N97#7p85 N2k#7p85: There are free moorings below the bridge on the towpath.
Port Meadow N97#7p83 N2k#7p83: The east bank of the river is very shallow in this area.

New Bridge N97#7p78 N2k#7p78: The Thames Path is on the north bank from Newbridge eastwards.

Head of Navigation

Weybridge N97#7p122#7p148 N2k#7p122#7p148: In the description of Weybridge the iron bridge of 1865 is placed at the confluence of the Wey and the Thames. It is, in fact, half a mile up the River Wey, crossing the river immediately below the Town Lock, at the confluence of the River Wey and the Wey Navigation.
Weybridge Old Bridge N97#7p148 N2k#7p148: The River Wey is usually navigable for about a mile above the bridge. The "Old Wey Bridge" navigation arch is the most Easterly one (furthest left when travelling upstream). Boats up to 50ft can turn between the two railway bridges by the "J" of "Addlestone Junction". (See Navigational Note 2)
Weybridge Old Bridge N97#7p149 N2k#7p149: The bridge is the more southerly of the two bridges at Weybridge, immediately downstream of the Town Lock.

Bower's Lock N97#7p153: The map indicates a footbridge between Bower's Lock and Clay Lane New Bridge. In fact, the footbridge is immediately below the lock and takes the towpath over the canal; a second footbridge then takes the towpath over the River Wey.
Millmead Lock N97#7p153 N2k#7p153: There is room to wind a full length boat immediately above the lock.
The Weyside N97#7p154 N2k#7p154: The Jolly Farmer, just above Millmead Lock, is now called The Weyside. It is possible to wind here.

Head of Navigation