Weeds at Port Meadow

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Viking23

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Hi,
Has anyone experienced problems with huge clumps of weeds fouling props around the Port Meadow area? Realise not many will venture this far upstream, but for me it's a real problem. I've emailed the EA and await their response with interest.
I recently covered a trip from Oxford to Shepperton Marina and back and didn't experience any problems apart from at Port Meadow.
Incidentally, Shepperton Marina was a delight- moored there for two nights.
 
Hiya,
Sorry - off-topic as not familiar with that area, but am interested to know where you overnighted each night of your trip as we will be doing it in reverse in the not-too-distant? Any tips much appreciated.
Cheers!
 
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Hi,
1st night at Shillingford hotel- they charge £15/night but this is waived if you spend over £35 in the restaurant. They have 230V power too which is useful. 2nd night at Wargrave- free of charge. Third night Bourne End Marina but this was very busy. £25/ night. And 4th night at Windsor, on the Eton side £8. Quite close to the bridge and convenient for shops.

On the return journey stayed at Windsor again, then Henley £10, and Shillingford again.
Hope this helps.

Cheers.
 
Having been through Port Meadow twice in the last week, I can confirm there are numerous weed clumps that need careful avoidance. The weed is also extensive further up river with one lock (Northmoor I think) being full of it. The lock keeper pointed out the huge clumps on the lock chains - eventually it breaks the chains evidently.
 
I personally think these weeds are a navigation hazard, I was coming upstream on the approach to Port Meadow and a huge clump of weed, the width of the entire navigation channel, drifted towards me. I had no option but to plough through it as I didn't have time to stop the engine and tilt up the outboard- a highly risky thing to do in that space anyway. Despite the weed nearly stopping the engine I managed to clear it by reversing, but a few choice words ensued!

I'm still waiting for the river levels to increase and considering mooring further downstream.

On the subject of marina charges, £25/ night seems to be the going rate, but if you really want a jaw-dropping rate look up Harleyford during Henley regatta! Personally as I was single handed on my trip I preferred the relative security of a marina. Whenever I moor by a towpath I drop the anchor too, just in case of unwelcome pranksters!
 
There have been large clumps of weed floating down the upper Thames for a week or so. I think one of the boat clubs has been clearing the river in their stretch...

Port Meadow has been full off weed for a few months. The water level is lower than usual, and it's also been quite clear with the lack of rain. Some nice sunny days has meant the weed is growing at a higher rate than normal. I've been having to flip it into reverse a couple of times every time I've crossed the meadow this summer.

You'll be safe enough on the upper reaches. I might consider dropping the hook in Oxford, but I never do anywhere else and I've not had any issues :)
 
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If you fancy trying to moor outside the marinas, but still want some security, there's a small island upstream of Pinkhill. Room for one boat (perhaps two small cruisers), no access on foot as far as I can see. The Lock island at shifford has a floating pontoon behind it, you can moor there for £6.50 (extra for elecy) but you get use of the toilet and shower. There is access from the lock, but it's remote enough that hardly anyone passes through, and they'd have to cross the lock to get to you.
 
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