Through the Goring Gap on the River Thames

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Through the Goring Gap on the River Thames

Thursday, 28 April 2011 16:41

I foolishly remarked to John as we cruised this morning - "it is almost like being back in the Pennines". He grinned, knowing my penchant for real hills and even mountains. Actually the countryside around Goring and down to Whitchurch is not really to be compared with the north!

It is "just" hills!

This part of the River Thames is very attractive though ......

The Goring Gap is where the River Thames cuts through, dividing the Chilterns from the Berkshire Downs. It is a lovely cruise and it is no wonder that this modern summer house was built - what a fabulous place to watch the passing cruisers and narrowboats from!

Cantilevered summer "house"

"The Grotto" is a house, now called Ilam House, built in the early C18 by Viscount Fane of Basildon. His wife Mary Stanhope took up residence in this riverside retreat. It looks a bit down at heel now, (nothing that a coat of paint won't fix? Ed.) but I think it can be used for corporate events.

The Grotto set below Streatley Hill

Looking back towards Goring Gap all looks green and lush.

Goring Gap behind us

The broad sweep of the river then brought us to another of Brunel's bridges, Gatehampton Railway Bridge.

Gatehampton Railway Bridge

Built in 1839, it was repaired often and widened in 1892. It still has a dilapidated air about it but, as we saw two trains cross, it obviously holds up to regular traffic!

On the Oxfordshire side of the River, just below the bridge, is Runsford Hole: the site of Basildon Ferry. This little cottage looks as if it might have been the Ferry House - it is certainly similar to the one in Henry Taunt's 1892 photo.

Cottage and cruiser - a modern view of an old ferry crossing?

The River takes another sweep southwards around Lower Basildon and Basildon House and Park. This section is known as Hartswood Reach. There is a steep hill on the east bank and open flat land on the west. There are a couple of eyots, with boats moored in them.

Heron guarding channel sign at an eyot - did it move or is it just a dummy?

Once there was a lock - Harts Lock, basically a "pen and weir". By 1811 it was almost gone and now there is no trace of it. Henry Taunt has a photo of the site in 1880.

Mooring signs appeared on the west bank - a long stretch, with very few boats on them. A few cruisers cosying up and a couple of narrowboats well away from them!