Rain overnight persisted into this morning, but it had slackened off to fine drizzle or just moist air by then. Still, it was pretty gloomy as we set off along Cookham Reach.
Cookham Moorings
The wide reach.
There are sailing and rowing clubs here taking advantage of the wide, 4½ mile lock-free water.
The river follows a wide sweep around the chalk ridge of Winter Hill. On the far side, heading towards Marlow, there are several fine houses tucked into the trees on the slope overlooking the river.
Wootten’s Boatyard, established in 1908 as a canoe and skiff hire business by Arthur Wootten.
Boatbuilding began here in the 1920s, with Henry, a boatbuilder by trade, joining his brother at the yard.
A little further on is Marlow Lock. We’d been warned that this is quite a savage filler, so Mags was prepared, with a couple of turns of the bow line around the T stud.
Approaching Marlow Lock
Three boats coming down
After all the rain…
Lots of water going over the weir.
Grebe and chick braving the tow from the weir
Marlow Suspension Bridge was opened in 1832, replacing a wooden structure a little downstream. There has been a Thames crossing here since before 1227.
There was a proposal to replace it with a concrete structure in the 1950s, but local opposition to the scheme caused it to be rejected. The 235 foot span was rebuilt in 1965, and has a 3 tonne weight limit, effectively banning larger vans, goods vehicles and buses. These larger vehicles cross the river on the new by-pass bridge just upstream.
Floating apartment in Marlow
Bisham Abbey has a watersports centre
Salter’s MV Reading overtaking us below Temple Lock
The church behind Reading is All Saints, Bisham. The 12th century Norman tower is flanked by Victorian additions.
The next two locks come in quick succession, a half hour to Temple Lock, then 10 minutes to Hurley. Both are quite shallow, and compared to the gushing water at Marlow, are pussy-cats.
Temple Lock
Another old boatyard below Hurley Lock, this one is Peter Freebody & Co (wonderful name!) specialising in wooden launches.
More rowers from a club above Hurley Lock
Soon after Hurley the river follows a loop past several small islands, heavily wooded and narrow in places.
Medmenham Abbey, once home to Sir Thomas Dashwood and the notorious Hellfire Club
It's for sale, follow the link!
We decided to pull in on the Westfield Farm moorings, it’s open and peaceful here. Fairly busy, too, with boats - and sheep!
But we managed to find a spot, looking out over the fields.
The day brightened up in the afternoon, giving us some good sunny spells. In the evening The New Orleans cruised past…
…with a slightly unconvincing stern paddle-wheel.
This area is home to several pairs of red kites, and when I took Meg for a walk around the field later they were snacking on a sheep carcass. Of course, no camera! This morning I took the camera, only to find they’d already had breakfast!Locks 3, miles 8
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