6 miles
On Friday Five club members did a nice 2.5 hour flat water paddle on the Thames from Windsor to Runnymede. Dave Hilier did the research and organisation arranging for a launch at Windsor Canoe club which we coupled with an exit at National Trust’s Runnymede site. Dave’s research was backed up by an app that give details of how to negotiate the Thames including how to portage the locks, river flow, issues etc.
As it turned out we didn’t have to portage the two swimming pool sized locks as each time we approached a friendly lock keeper beckoned us in, saying it was quite safe for us to use them. They turned out to be very gentle.
We only saw one other small craft during the trip but shared the river with lots of birds but only one kingfisher. No doubt would be busier with other craft at a weekend. A nice scenic trip with beautiful landscape, posh boats and interesting houses. A nice day out for Sue, Pierre, Kris, Dave and me. Well done Dave.
write up by Chris Harper