Thames cruise

[CJL]

Hi everybody,

Me and a few mates are planning a Thames Cruise.

We are planning on launching at Putney Embankment and getting down to the Barrier on the first day, but then we want to go up stream towards Maidenhead over two days. Has anybody got any advice or experience of this?

The Environment Agency (They want £10 a day for a 6.5m!) have some info available but I'm after some details of camping sites and where to get petrol.

Any help would be appreciated

Chris.

[Richard B]

Hi CJL,

I have spent a little time on the Thames in my SIB, so...

Firstly - have you found John Kennett's other site: http://www.thames-tideway.co.uk/
And for that non-tidal part up towards Maidenhead, I assume that you're expecting the 8kph (~4kts) speed limit?

Start by thumping "River Thames" into Google (if you haven't already).

As for camping - you're going to be travelling through some of the UK's most prestigious real estate, so I'm not sure if you'll find camp sites very close to the river. B&B might be better?

Don't know about petrol - 25 litres kept my SIB going all week at 4kts!

Don't forget to take fenders - the lock walls are very slimey and green

[timw]

Chas Newans boat yard are at Putney Embankment and are very helpful with their knowledge of the river.

[CJL]

Yeah I know Chas, he has been exceeding helpful in the past and shares my disgust about the rowers, particularly when they run into the back of you!

I will be taking some fenders, thanks for the tip and the website has proven very helpful on the lower reaches.

Has anyone got some advice on camping though?

Chris

[Bilge Rat]

Hi CJL

Have a look at this link:

http://www.visitthames.co.uk/ecamping.html

used to camp at Benson boat yard at Oxon on the Thames years ago, they have a camp site right by the river with ammenaties and local pubs plus a mooring for quests and over nighters.

Check out the site looks like there are quite a few campsites on the Thames.

Good Luck

Rat

[John Kennett]

CJL

First off, do you have somewhere to park your cars and trailers in Putney? If not, it may be a problem as there aren't many options.

As for camping, head for Cliveden Reach which is just up river of Maidenhead and camp on one of the islands. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the world (IMHO of course!).

There are also campsites at Chertsey and Laleham (and I think there's one near Runnymede too). Whether or not you'll find any nearer to London I'm not sure.

John