Something new at Eynsham Lock on the Thames

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 09:32

As we are moored just above Eynsham Lock, I thought I would give you a bit of info about the lock.

Eynsham Lock from upstream

If you look at an aerial view of the lock it is obviously on one of the Thames bends .....

There was a weir here from way back - it became a flash weir but was apparently regarded as dangerous and the fall of water when it was opened to allow boats to pass down the flash lock was considerable. A pound lock was built in 1928 and a new weir in 1950.

Can you spot the difference? No, not the season!

The lock island is quite small and has been used as a campsite by locals and visitors and is advertised on the EA camping site list. It is rather difficult to get to and cars have to unload and park on the main road as the lane down to the lock is owned by residents and only the EA have permission to use it to access the lock. Now there is something new .....

A rather strange looking sight on the lock island

This is a Mongolian Yurt (apparently "all the rage" at the moment). It takes up quite a lot of the camping space, as it is 5 metres in diameter. It is a very posh tent! Apparently it has wooden piles into the ground which hold decking making up the floor, heating in form of a wood burning stove and windows. Have a look here for the details on the website of the supplier.

A closer look at the Eynsham Yurt

Our local "informant" was invited to have a look and said the Lock Keeper is tasked with taking it all down later in the winter and storing it in the newly erected shed. Sadly one of these Yurts further up the river burnt down so it is possible that the stove may be changed to an electric heater.

There are more photos of the Eynsham Lock Yurt on the suppliers website together with other yurts in all weathers.

All this for a "cool" £2,934.00. Our local informant said that it costs £90/night to stay. I think I shall stick to a narrowboat. But if you fancy it, don't Google it - I couldn't find it. I suggest ringing the number for the Eynsham Lock campsite on the EA's list.

P.S. Don't shout about it too loudly, BW (soon to be C&RT) might get fundraising ideas - can you imagine them on canal lock sides in the future?