Cruising to Caversham on the River Thames

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 08:51

We continued our cruise with the railway on our right and came to Caversham. We tried Reading Marine Services for diesel, but they no longer sell it, so we carried on to a boatyard we had already researched.

Reading Marine Services

Charles G Harper, the author of Thames Valley Villages (1910) is not a fan of Caversham! He travelled by road from Mapledurham and writes "a lovely road through woodlands, ... but Caversham spoils it all. .... new streets impinge on the fair face of the country .. where crying children and angry mothers cry and spank".

He much preferred the River route, "past delightful Purley". However as the River Thames reaches Caversham, with Caversham Heights above, the riverside houses are very lovely - and a lovely price too I suspect! The drawback being that their gardens are prone to flooding!

One boat house had a Canada goose nesting on it

This is the house that everyone takes a photo of so I will not disappoint you!

Spot the ship wind vane

I refrained from snapping madly, but took these too: they all back onto the River from a road named The Warren -

A nice boathouse and garden at this one

Interesting pots and sculpture

St Peter's Church is rather hidden, but the grounds beside it, Caversham Court Gardens are public.

St Peter's Church through the trees

Caversham Bridge is a very familiar sight for us. Many a time have we parked beside the River and watched the numerous swans who inhabit the area and are encouraged by regular feeding from passers by. Reading Rowing Club have their home in the large building upstream of the bridge.

Rowing Club

Caversham Bridge from downstream

We were making for Caversham Boat Services on Fry's Island, where we knew we could get diesel and water. We had filled up there on our way upstream in September 2008 at the beginning of our continuous cruising life style. They are really great people and so helpful and the diesel price was the best we could find - 97 pence without tax. :-(

Fry's Island ahead (right of photo)

Reading Bridge form beside Fry's Island

Once we had filled up at both ends, we made for Caversham Lock, again a familiar place, as we enjoyed walks around here and Kings Meadow when we lived in Reading many moons ago!

Caversham Lock

When were were last here we were watching the construction of this building - one of the tallest in the country. it is now long finished!

The Blade

It was nearly time to moor - Tesco on Thames was our goal and there were a few places left amongst the cruisers and narrowboats. The moorings here were once popular with "continual moorers", often moored three abreast. But I think that the EA has clamped down, on this as those wishing to shop could never get in!

So, once moored, it was lunch and then we were off into the centre of Reading by bus for a couple of things.  As Tesco is open 24 hours, John left the food shopping to the evening in the theory that it would be quieter. (Should have taken the torch! Ed,) The moorings do not have a designated time limit posted, but we are assuming they are 24 hour and so will move on again tomorrow.

River Thames, Beale Park to Tesco on Thames, Reading
3 hours 15 minutes, 8.85 miles, 3 locks