Moorings above Days Lock

[ianc1200]

Has anybody used these? The low level meadow immediately above the lock on the Dorchester side & a sign saying £8.00 per night. Were empty when we went past a couple of times, but we couldn't work out if you were effectively trapped in that meadow, as access to the lock and therefore the footpath to Dorchester/up the hill was fenced off. But I believe I noticed, both times, the larger farmer's gate adjacent to the pillbox, left open, and I think you could walk between the low level hills to join the path from the Thame entrance. Still seems a good mooring at £8, but not if you're trapped in.

 

[TrueBlue]

We tend to moor further upstream of the immediate lock moorings - as we're happy not to want to go into Dorchester or elsewhere. There are no signs on that stretch. As the willows have been pollarded / removed there's plenty of space.
The new landowner has encased the whole area in very sturdy fencing - he has some heavy stock grazing - and he wants to keep people away - so footpaths only.

Don't forget that the lock island has nicer moorings, but I've no idea what the lockie charges.

 

[Actionmat]

Days lock isn't much good if you've got a dog. The lockie has a bit of an obsession with signs and dog wee.

 

[Parabordi]

£8! seriously?
I would moor half mile below at the Thame exit for free and can still walk into Dorchester.

 

[ianc1200]

"I would moor half mile below at the Thame exit for free and can still walk into Dorchester"

Be very careful! Did just this Bank Holiday Monday, lovely bit of low level meadow + deep as well. There was a wasps nest 10' from my mooring stake and they went into attack mode as I banged it in. Was frightening even to pull it out. Got stung 4 times.

 

[ianc1200]

"Days lock isn't much good if you've got a dog. The lockie has a bit of an obsession with signs and dog wee."

Exactly - he's painted sign on ground "No dogs" by upper waiting area, immediately adjacent to the lock mooring. (As an aside, why can he do this? What right is it of his to have any say? We don't pay £500 licence fee for an employee to decide it's his land to do with what he wants. My dogs certainly do get off and cock their legs there if needed when I'm waiting - I would love to be challenged).

 

[Actionmat]

It's because male dogs have cocked their legs and that encourages other male dogs to sniff and cock too. According to him.
Anyone up for a dog owners cruise and a mass pee stop next summer?

 

[ianc1200]

Is there a resident lock keeper at Days now anyway?

Similar to the locked loo's on the sanitary station/camp site at Days. Whilst emptying our loo a slipper launch stopped, and the lady came up and asked if there were toilets. Well there are, but they're locked up. Another example we pay for the facilities (+5.7%), but the EA decide to restrict who can use them.