sailing dinghy cruise

[maxcampbell]

We are looking for a campsite with a slipway suitable for a 12' sailing dinghy, with auxiliary outboard, on the upper half of the Thames. Or possibly launch in one place, park car & trailer, & make way to campsite in the dinghy.

We intend to sail when we can (the mast is easily de-mounted for bridges) and row or motor when we have to.

Any suggestion welcomed.

 

[boatone]

We are looking for a campsite with a slipway suitable for a 12' sailing dinghy, with auxiliary outboard, on the upper half of the Thames.

When you say 'upper half', do you mean above Oxford or do you have a more precise idea ? Would help if you could narrow it down a bit

 

[TrueBlue]

Ooo - that's a challenge;
The places where launching is available and wide enough to make sailing practicable tend to have bridges nearby.

On what I know as the upper Thames (i.e) above Oxford there aren't many bridges, but the track is narrow - your tacks will be very short.

There are a number of sailing clubs dotted along many reaches of the River, even if you're not a member of another club, they may be welcoming - do you want to try.

Off the top there is a camp site at Hurley with a rudimentary slipway at the entrance end and something better further down. Quite wide stretches with no bridges from Hurley to Henley.

That should get you started.
Comeback here if you want more....

Edit:
Didn't read post fully, but still feel my comments appropriate.

BTW You will need a licence to boat on the Thames, you can buy this at any lock....

Do some research yourself and look - here for example camping

or download a copy of "A User's guide to the River Thames" Here

In fact have a good read of www.visitthames.co.uk , which may give you food for thought

 

[Mirror Painter]

For very upper Thames I believe you can arrange to use the slipway at Lechalde. Note all details given here:

http://thames.me.uk/s02280.htm

I'd second the above suggestion of this link:

http://www.visitthames.co.uk/text/3160/camping_on_the_river_thames.html

I have not camped at Shifford Lock but the river is very pleasant there and it's some way from roads so should be quiet. I ran out of petrol there and had to walk about a mile to meet the rescue taxi which the lock keeper kindly put me in touch with...