Suggestions sough for a first trip from Wallingford

[ulanjo]

Hi All,
I'm planning a day trip shortly on the Thames, starting at Wallingford, and I'm new to this, we'll be having a picnic rather than eating out, so the restaurant problem is solved.

I'm seeking some suggestions:
- Which direction should we go? Up or down river?
- How far-ish would we get assuming we go about 2-3hrs before turning back? (In either direction: up or down stream.)
- Are there any good maps indicating where locks & facilities are?

I'm sure there should be more, but that's what comes to mind now; Any other suggestions welcome too of course.

Thanks!

 

[byron]

I'm unsure of where you intend launching at Wallingford but assuming you have that organised. Why not go downstream, it's about 6 miles to Cleve Lock quickly followed by Goring lock. Once you have passed both run for about 2-3 miles and on your right will be Childe Beale Trust. Moor there and have your picnic. Run-time about 2.5 hours each way.

 

[boatingdave]

There is a Thames navigation app which is on this forum somewhere, it tells you all you need to know about distances and locks etc to plan how far you will get in the allotted time. 2-3 hours is quite a long time to cruise for a picnic, there are plenty of places in both directions from Wallingford although I tend to agree probably better picnic areas down river and child Beale is really nice.

 

[watson1959]

Hi Ulanjo and welcome to the forum

The Visit Thames website is very helpful and has a section dedicated to boating: http://www.visitthames.co.uk/things-to-do/boating and a hard copy can be picked-up (I think) from lock-keepers.

Distances/times between locks as well as bridge heights can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/river-thames-bridges-locks-and-facilities-for-boaters so you can make some rough estimates about journey times.

What kind of boat do you have?

 

[Chris_d]

I'd definitely head downstream longest lock free stretch on the river and very pretty. You can explore the islands above Moulsford railway bridge, stop for an Ice cream at Sheridan line boatyard at bit further down, then wave to Byron on the way past to Cleeve and Goring locks where there are pubs and shops etc...
Child Beale might be pushing it for a relaxing day this time of year so I would stop at Goring, but see how it goes the whole point of the river is to relax and not plan it too much.

 

[prof pat pending]

This will show you distances, cruising times and facilities at the locks (there are a few errors on facilities)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/289796/LIT_6689_3e9c5e.pdf

There are also some very nice sheltered mooring justabove Days lock. I prefer to pass the open ones immediately above the lock andhead for the smaller ones between the trees.
If you get to the steel pilingwall, you have gone too far
This isn't very far, but you could go past and come back to the moorings for lunch, an easy stroll into Dorchester for a pint if you feel so inclined then see how time goes.

You could always explore a downstream of Wallingford later in the day and you'd know how long to get back.

 

[ulanjo]

Thanks for the suggestions and links, they looks very useful; I tried googling but alas none of this came up.

Child Beale might be interesting and has potential.
Thanks again!