Advice on overnight moorings between Reading and Marlow

[Cluny]

Hi all. I’ve hired a boat for a trip with friends in late July. I am looking to plan overnight stops perhaps in or near to Henley and in or near to Marlow. Would you have any advice for me on where is best to stay? I’ve read somewhere that Marlow Lock moorings are out of action and not clear when reopening or if pre bookable moorings exist. It is most likely to be overnight stays only. The boat is 45ft x 12ft. Clearly a main worry is not having pre booked moorings during the busy boating season. Many thanks.

 

[Pump-Out]

Did you want somewhere near town and restaurants, or remote and quiet?

Marlow:
The EA moorings downstream of the lock are closed, with no signs of anything happening there, at least in the short term. The best berths are on Higginson Park, but I have no idea how, or even if, you can reserve space.

Henley:
By late July most of the summer events have happened, so moorings should be easy to secure, either on the regatta side or on Fawley Meadows. Both represent about a ten minute walk to the town. Alternatively you might be lucky and get a spot on the park, on the town side upstream of Hobbs' yard.

 

[Cluny]

Many thanks for your reply. Near town and restaurants is the plan. From what you are saying, it sounds like getting a mooring on the day in late July is unlikely to be a challenge. Presumably somewhere like Fawley Meadows means using own mooring pins etc? Never been there before. Thanks.

 

[zimbo]

https://www.thamesvisitormoorings.co.uk/

 

[Pump-Out]

it sounds like getting a mooring on the day in late July is unlikely to be a challenge.

As long as "late July" is after the Traditional Boat Festival you should be fine. Note that the local regatta is the first Saturday in August.

Presumably somewhere like Fawley Meadows means using own mooring pins etc?

Always have mooring pins available on the upper reaches. And a solid mallet - I have seen people trying to use a rubber headed one, for reason I simply could not speculate upon.

Taking of the local regatta: Whilst it is a much quieter event then than HRR they same, large, umpire launches are used. They create quite a swell, as opposed to wash, so I would pack three, if not four mooring pins.