Over the Hill, part 2

Tuesday, 12 July 2011 08:31

As we cruised down past the Henley Royal Regattta Course we admired the cruisers that were moored against it - a grandstand view that costs a packet, I am certain.

Moored cruiser

The Regatta Course seemed to go on and on .....

This alfresco dining amused me - another good way to watch the Regatta. We had seen another larger dining table float past our mooring the day before - if you don't believe me click here:

Alfresco dining in style

There were plenty of boats moored on the west bank of the Course - camping in tents and motor caravans too. These rowers had missed the Course!

The start of the Regatta Course is Temple Island, built by James Wyatt in 1771 as a fishing lodge and now owned by the Regatta Stewards. Wyatt was involved in the mid 1760s revamp of the downstream Fawley Court, which was reputedly designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684. 

Temple Island ahead

The Temple has been restored to its former glory. If you fancy watching the Regatta in style, but on land, it can be hired and you could have 40 guests to dine!

The River Thames is very wide after the island and takes a large sweep to the west before running southwest towards Hambleden Lock and Culham. I was interested to see Henley Management College (Reading University) or Greenlands as it was called. It was home to the W. H. Smith dynasty until after the second world war (my Mother was secretary to the Founder of the empire in her early career); later, the family were ennobled as Viscounts of Hambledon.

Home of W. H. Smith and family

Hambledon Lock weir from downstream and the old mill, now flats

Passing Culham Court we looked for a mooring and found one beside the fields of Millend Farm. We were charged £5, but felt it was good value for such a lovely spot opposite Magpie Eyot.

River Thames, Poplar Eyot to Magpie Eyot, Culham Reach
1 hour 58 minutes, 4.12 miles, 2 locks