Venturing downriver to Richmond

Gavi

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Having now been brave enough to venture down past Pharoah's Island, we've decided to do a down river run to Richmond this weekend (mooring arranged through a friend of a friend). We'll be picking up the MiL at Thames Ditton en route.

We've got the dear old Thames book, which is helpful if you read it upside down, but can anyone suggest anything in particular we should be looking out for (apart from flytipped rubbish I hope!) - and how wary do we need to be when entering the tidal bit, please?
 

Captain Coochie

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Teddington to Richmond is half tidal so is still controlled but does drop and rise with the tide , just as the PLA wants it too .
Why stop at Richmond ? Go into London and come back on the tide , its great fun up there !
 

chuckaduck

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It is quite safe there but look out for robos and keep slow for them look out behind and ahead for pleasure cruisers as they will stay center stream and dont move for anyone richmond is not so tidal but beyond is full tidal so if tide is low keep to center stream current can be strong so bear this in mind when mooring as for water holes try the white cross for food my preference is estillos by the cinema above richmond bridge

this weekend should be good for trip to london tide at 9,.30 approx so good for a day out
 

Gavi

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[ QUOTE ]

Why stop at Richmond ? Go into London and come back on the tide , its great fun up there !

[/ QUOTE ]

Another time! Good reason for being in Richmond/Twickenham area on Saturday... Guinness Premiership Rugby double header at Twickenham
 

oldgit

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Why stop at Richmond ? Go into London and come back on the tide , its great fun up there !
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During busy peak time periods it can get very lumpy down as far as in the pool,fine if you enjoy a lively ride ,but just make sure your "crew" are OK with it.The tide can run very fast through the bridges on the ebb,maybe 4/5 knots,if your boat is happiest at 5/6 knots,you could be in for a very long day. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

Andrew_Fanner

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Too true! We acted as rear safety boat down to Limehouse over the BH weekend. Down to 3.7knots at Fulham until the tide changed and our charge was no longer punching the flood. I've survived the Pool in a Conquest but it was a bit "thrilling" a couple of times. Enough narrowboats do the trip that its quite possible at 3 or 4 knots, just make sure you have some scoff to hand. Its still one of the great trips you can do, doubly so at night.
 

alistairedw

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The only hazards I would highlight are a couple of areas of shallows (at maintained level only - there are no problems at high tide).

As you approach Eel Pie island stay well off the Surrey (starboard side) bank because it get very shallow there.

Also if you go down the Twickenham side of Eel Pie stay close to the moored boats on the Eel Pie side as you pass the slipway near the church.
 

Forbsie

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There is one mooring spot that will fit your boat outside the best rugby pub in Twickenham - Barmy Arms.
 

Gavi

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... know it well! (the pub at least) SWMBO works about 5 minutes walk from there.

A friend has arranged a mooring in the centre of Richmond though so it would be churlish to turn it down /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

bradtarga34

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It would be worth checking your insurance as well, as if you primarily use the boat on the non-tidal Thames it might not cover you for tidal or semi-tidal use unless you advise them or take an additional bit of cover out.
 

Forbsie

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I'm sure that Joe and Margy will give you a welcome at the Sun Inn then but it will be packed. Have fun anyway.
 
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