Nearly where we leave the Thames for a while

Sunday, 17 July 2011 00:46

But there is still a bit to go and we moved downstream from Runnymede to Chertsey. These buildings are above Bell Weir Lock. They all are of the same style, but two are houses, what are the others?

Buildings above Bell Weir Lock

As you can see it was another beautiful day .....

We almost had the huge lock to ourselves

Bell Weir Lock

Apparently near the Holm Island is the riparian London Stone. It marked the old limit of the jurisdiction of the City of London over the River Thames. Richard I was rather strapped for cash, so in 1197 he sold the rights over the lower reaches of the Thames to the City of London. The Victorian Lord Mayors of London would process up the river to touch the Stone with a sword to reaffirm the rights.

Sadly after all that build up I missed it; anyway, it is only a replica and I am not sure it can be seen from the river! But here is the end of Holm Island

Holm Island

So we were now passing through Staines. This large town is probably best viewed from the river - the bridge, old town hall and church make a pleasant riverside.

Staines Bridge

Staines Old Town Hall

Staines Church - in the pink!

There are some nice riverside houses and we spotted narrowboat Echo Rivermead at its home mooring. Another Bath Narrowboats build, a little after Epiphany.

Nb Echo Rivermead

Penton Hook Lock was next and as we waited for the Lock Keeper to prepare the Lock I admired the boat moored above it. Using my camera sun hood as a frame makes it look unusual.

Epiphany and Falcon Brook at Penton Hook Lock

There were more boats at Michael Dennett Boat Builders, wooden boat builders and restorers - I really think that we would choose one of those over one of the modern fly deck cruisers. The one on the hard would do - it is for sale!

Laleham Boat Yard, Michael Dennett Boat Builders

Chertsey Lock is above the lovely Chertsey Bridge; designed by James Paine, it dates from 1780. We decided to top up with water here, below the lock, as then we would be full for our next adventure .....

Chertsey Bridge

We found an easy mooring further downstream, near Dumsey Eyot. The M3 hums in the background as it crosses the river, but the outlook is lovely and the bank is grass. Blackberries are ripening beside the path, but it will be a while before I will be picking any for jam!

River Thames, Runnymede to Chertsey
2 hours 38 minutes, 5.81 miles, 3 locks