Spend a day paddling along one of the most picturesque stretches of The River Thames, alternatively why not try Canoe Camping over two days and see even more of this beautiful river.
All times are approximate.
One day Trip:
Henley to Boulters Lock. 6 Hours
This trip will take you past the riverside towns of Henley, Marlow, Bourne End, Cookham and Maidenhead, it will also cover the reach between Cookham Lock and Boulters Lock, that was described by Jerome k. Jerome in Three Men in a Boat as "unbroken loveliness this is, perhaps, the sweetest stretch of all the river........".
Two Day Trip:
Day1: Henley to Cookham Lock 6 Hours (camp overnight, check availability at lock before booking your canoe 01628 520 752)
Day2: Cookham Lock to Windsor 6 Hours
This trip will again take you past the riverside towns of Henley, Marlow, Bourne End, and Cookham, once you have reached Cookham Lock where you can camp for the night.
On day two you will meander your way downstream taking in the picturesque views of Cliveden Stately Home, before navigating through Boulters Lock, where you can stop for a bite to eat and some drinks, overlooking the river from the terrace bar. You will pass the village of Bray before reaching your final destination.
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About The River Thames
For Information on River Conditions click here
The River Thames is the 2nd longest river in the UK and the longest which is entirely in England. It rises at Thames Head in Gloucestershire and flows into the North Sea at the Thames Estuary. The river is tidal in London with a rise and fall of about 7 metres (23 ft) and becomes non-tidal at Teddington Lock.
The river contains just over 80 islands, and mixing seawater and freshwater stretches it supports a variety of wildlife.
The Thames flows through or alongside Ashton Keynes, Cricklade, Lechlade, Oxford, Abingdon,Wallingford, Goring-on-Thames, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton,Staines,Sunbury, Weybridge and Thames Ditton before entering the Greater London area.
From here in Maidenhead there are many places to visit or see once your on the water.
IF YOU HEAD UPSTREAM FROM MAIDENHEAD
You can stop off at Jenners Cafe for refreshments / food and there is crazy golf too! Opposite is Grass Eyot Island.
Continuing upstream, once at Boulters Lock you can moor the canoe and visit the beautiful Ray Mill Island. Be sure to explore all of the island, as you can get some ice creams/drinks. If you have kids, they can keep themselves amused in the play area, and you can sit on one of the benches or find a tranquil spot on the grass to sit down and take in the views.
One area contains a menagerie of animals including birds, rabbits and guinea pigs, etc.,ideal if you have children with you. Surrounding you are lovely planted flower beds, with Swans / Ducks waddling around looking for the odd bit of bread!
On the lower section of river by the weir is Glen Island and looking across the upper part of the weir is Boulters Island.
Continuing towards Cookham Lock, you will pass Cliveden House on your right hand side, and here you can stop off stretch your legs and take a stroll along the river. Alternatively, you can moor up and explore one of the beautiful Sloe Grove Islands. These are a group of islands on the reach known as Cliveden Deep. This part of the Thames was described by Jerome k. Jerome in Three Men in a Boat as "unbroken loveliness this is, perhaps, the sweetest stretch of all the river........".
Also known as Bavin's Gulls it consists of two large and two small, thin wooded, islands. These are part of the Cliveden Estate and are managed by the National Trust. Overnight mooring is allowed on three of the islands but you are not permitted on the fourth which is a nature reserve.
Once you reach the lovely setting of Cookham Lock take in the immaculate lawns, and beautiful flowers, all lovingly maintained and nurtured by our good friend The Lock keeper. Once your through Cookham Lock you will soon see The Ferry, set in a peaceful location by the river--it is a relaxed,friendly and informal restaurant.
Carry on upstream and you will soon see a large railway/foot bridge crossing the river shortly after you will reach The Bounty, a very interesting place to call in and pay a visit. Look around the bar area and see how many Nautical and not so Nautical nik-naks you can see! On the opposite side of the river is On The Thames restaurant.
IF YOU HEAD DOWNSTREAM FROM MAIDENHEAD
You could call in to The Thames Hotel for a beer, whilst observing all types of water craft making their way along the river. Continuing downstream you pass Bridge Eyot Island abundant with birds and wildlife.
You will soon see Maidenhead Bridge originally made of wood this is a Grade 1 Listed bridge,just the other side of it, on your right is The Blue River Cafe where you will have a wide array of food and drinks to choose from, along with riverside views including that of Maidenhead Rowing Club.
On the way towards Bray Lock you will pass Guards Club Island (closed Dec till June for nesting). A small cast iron footbridge links it to Guards Club Park an idyllic setting for a picnic or go and explore the island.
Continuing downstream you will go under Maidenhead Railway Bridge it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1838. The tow-path passes under the left-hand arch (facing downstream), this is known as the Sounding Arch, because of its amazing echo.
With so much to look at on the river, it wont be long until your passing the world renowned The Waterside Inn owned by The Roux Brothers, with it's tranquil location it is the perfect setting for a world-class culinary experience.
Continuing downstream you pass Headpile Eyot Island and Pidgeon Eyot Island. These small islands are tree-covered and rich in wildlife, Bronze Age artefacts have also been found on them.