Arriving at Abingdon - will there be room?

Thursday, 27 October 2011 13:43

Through Sutton Bridge is Culham Lock - the Lock Keeper kindly took my bow rope on his hook and after wrapping around a bollard gave the end back to me - then repeated it for John at the stern. Such service!

In Culham Lock

Notice the open sluices above the water level .....

Culham Lock is the second deepest on the River Thames (above Teddington) - I was grateful that the Lock Keeper took my rope - my throwing may not have been up to it! The sluices (paddles) are visible above the water and the flaps prevent water flooding the boats. 

At the end of the long cut above the navigation takes a sharp right-hand bend. Jubilee Junction, the proposed entrance to the Wilts and Berks Canal when it is eventually restored, is on the west bank as the river goes almost due north towards Abingdon. We spent some time moored here back in April. 

Entrance to the Wilts and Berks canal

Known as Culham Reach, the river is effectively doubling back on itself in a large slow "U". Reaching the outfall of Swift Ditch, the flat land of Andersley Island on the east has a couple of isolated farms, a few copses and Culham Hill.

Swift Ditch and foot bridge

Behind the trees is Culham Bridge - once the most important bridge at Abingdon as the Swift Ditch is the old main navigation stream; Difficult to believe with all the overgrowth which only canoes can get past.

This stretch is often very busy with rowers and small boats, but today it was deserted. It was more suited to sailing because of the stiff wind, but all the sailing boats were well out of the water.

Abingdon Sailing Club

Passing the old entrance to the Wilts and Berks Canal and the associated River Ock (on which Abingdon Mill was built) we were nearly at our destination.

Old junction

River Ock entrance

The Old Anchor Inn, St Helen's Church and the Alms Houses are all familiar riverside sights and we explored them when we here last. Abingdon also has links with beer  and real ale - follow this link to find out more.

Old Anchor Inn and Alms Houses

St Helen's Church

Abingdon (or Burford) Bridge is a conglomeration of three bridges, The south three arches are Hales Bridge (named for the benefactor Maud Hales). Burford Bridge (to the crown of the bridge) links to Abingdon Bridge at the north end.

So now tell me which bridge we went under!

It is easier to lump them all together as Abingdon Bridge, which is now the accepted name of the whole. There are very pleasant, free-for-5-days moorings at Abingdon, both below and above the bridge. This time we opted for mooring above the bridge, although we did have a choice as there was a fair bit of room. 

Moored at Abingdon

River Thames, Day's Lock to Abingdon
2 hours 17 minutes, 7.83 miles, 2 locks