The Thames in August

I

ians

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Good MorningAll
Looking for a little help and advise from the Thames forum people.
I came down onto the Thames for a 2 week holiday in July last year, did not get too far up river only realy as far as Kingston.
I have some friends who are looking to come down in the first week in August for a 2 week holiday, however they are quiet concerned that it is hard to get a mooring in August due to the holidays etc .
Just what is it like in August on the non tidal section of the Thames, will they find moorings.
I no they will have to pre-book St Kats and Limehouse, but more interested in the non tidal part.

Many thanks

Ians
 
Moorings are readily available but sometimes you will just have to look for them. Early starts then an early afternoon stop for the day are best then you get a better choice. If you buy a Thames River Chart it shows them all.
Your pals will have no problem.
 
Should be alright, weekends always busy of course, so best to stop early in popular areas. The further up you go the easier it becomes, more rural bankside moorings, a good guide here http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/.
If they get really stuck you can always pay in a marina, but you would have to be desparate /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
£10-15 a night for the Marina ensures a good quiet nights sleep, free supply of Water, possible Electricity too, and usually decent Showers and toilets, plus Elsan point.

Bloody good value in London IMHO /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
I was only refering to marinas on the non-tidal sections, no other option on the tideway obviously. St Kats is £27 min for up to 10m, still cheap for London though.
Staying in a marina on the non-tidal sections, seems to defeat the object of boating on the river for me, its all about being self sufficent and not being dependant on power, water etc... and finding all those great quiet spots not normaly accessable.
 
We have always found somewhere to moor and generally at or near the spot we wanted. If the river stays as quiet as it has been you will have your pick lol.
 
Thanks to all for taking the time to reply, appreciate it.

Is it still crazy money for the river licence down there, we were only above teddington lock for 4 days and had to pay over £100 for the licence


many thanks again

regards

ian
 
I would enquire with the lock keeper for the cheapest license. It often works out cheaper to get a 14 day one when you go over 6 days. It's just over £80 for a 32 ft boat
 
Don't forget that you can anchor outside the fairway - best done with bower and kedge - and run ashore in the dinghy if you need to. Also, rafting up is an option, though Thames boaters seem very 'anti'.
 
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