Staines, opera and fellow boaters on the River Thames

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Staines, opera and fellow boaters on the River Thames

Saturday, 30 July 2011 20:48

We called in at Staines to see Dom off at the station and took the opportunity to shop in Waitrose too.

Moored at Staines

I don't think I would call in here again from choice, despite the good transport links to London and elsewhere. We still had a way to go anyway ......

So it was on down on familiar waters to Shepperton Lock; then we were on new territory again, as we continued downstream towards Walton on Thames.

Shepperton Ferry

This meeting of the waters below Shepperton Lock is an ancient crossing to Weybridge from Shepperton and a ferry has been here for a long time. Just past the junction with the River Wey Navigations, the river Thames carries on around two long loops. Desborough Cut was built to avoid these. The large cruiser that we had shared a couple of locks with took the loopy route.

The River goes left, Desborough Cut right

We chose the more direct route, which is not so scenic, passing D'Oyly Carte Island on our left, before entering Desborough Cut. This is named after the producer of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas who bought it and built a house there.

D'Oyly Carte Island to left and footbridge

Once the river joins together again and curves around Thames Meadow, Walton on Thames is ahead. The bridge here is on its fifth incarnation and is due a sixth soon. The current one is very ugly in my opinion and the new one will sort of reflect some of the more elegant previous ones! If you want to know more look here.

It was a grey day, as you can see - no sun to speak of, but still warm.

Walton on Thames Bridge

There are two locks at Sunbury and the long weir forms Sunbury Lock Ait with the lock cut.

Sunbury Weir

The electrified lock is the one in use - the other has wheels to operate the paddles. I had no time to get photos of it though as we were through very quickly.

Sunbury Locks

We had a very pleasant surprise at Sunbury. We thought that Sue and Vic from narrowboat No Problem would have moved onto the River Wey Navigations - but no. We both spottted NP at the same time and as we hovered, hoping that they were there the "girls" arrived as forerunners. Sue and Vic had spotted us as they returned! We enjoyed a cuppa and a natter; we haven't seen them for a long time. It was great to catch up. Here's hoping it is not so long next time ....