Thames trip – Windsor to Walton

Last night went to the Tap Room. Fisherman I was talking to where I moored advised the ‘spoons. Whilst looking around town, I had a look in ‘spoons and it was much like any other. Groups of disheveled drinkers with the ambience of an airport lounge, hardcore regulars by the look of them. It’s a utilitarian feel and I had no right to be there so I moved on…

The only place I found in Windsor which was busy was Zizzi, the Italian chain. Whether it was a private party or what I don’t know but it was packed to the rafters, the rest…. Pretty much empty. A common theme I’ve found going around these Thames towns.

Tap Room Windsor

The tap room was fairly busy. Small groups of people outside, people inside enjoying a drink and a chat.

The beer in there is second to none. I had an Eton Boatman Ale. Delicious. Only lasted about 4 minutes! That’s the sign of a good drink!

Anyone visiting on a boat, I’d recommend the Tap Room. It’s serves the best beer.

Not really hanging around to drink more. I took my walk across the park and back to the boat…

Mooring in Windsor

Is a choice, you’ve got a lot of it both banks. You’ll need to pay a fee which is either £8 or £10 per night depending on your boat, but it’s a pleasant stop. I was on an island in the park, ‘Baths Island‘. You can get closer in, but I prefer the islands, less passing traffic very quite in amongst the trees…

Windsor Town and the castle are about a 10 minute walk away. I’ve done other blogs where I had a look around Windsor during the day. This time, it was a little overcast and cold and I didn’t really feel like hanging around.

I got off around 10 and started making my way toward my final destination, the tidal Thames.

Next stop

Having talked to a few boaters, it seems the mooring situation as you get closer in to the Richmond lock, where the Thames becomes tidal, becomes more congested.

I’ve even seen pictures on Facebook of residential craft moored up three abreast on the 24 hour moorings at Hampton Court. Apparently for periods way in excess of this 24 hour period, even years, with no enforcement. This obviously sticks in the craw with other boaters who would love to stop at Hampton Court then just move on. This isn’t an option if you have 1) Lazy and ignorant boaters that flout the rules. 2) In ineffectual and toothless enforcement agency who don’t enforce the rules when they’re broken.

There’s a BBC article here about the enforcement efforts around the Hampton Court area.

I won’t be taking a chance with a lack of space. I’ve got a day in hand until my booking on the Thames Lock. Last night after some consideration and a review of Google maps, I opted for a slightly further out of London option of stopping close to Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

The Wey Canal

One of the best things about this stop is that there is many mooring options, in the eventuality that one section is full. Also, Walton is close to the Wey Navigation. A canal that goes down to Godalming through the Surrey countryside. It branches off the Thames here, at Walton.

I did initially plan to do a trip on the boat down the Wey Canal, but due to time and cost considerations, I didn’t see it as a worthwhile or economic considering where I am planning to move and the distances involved. It couldn’t justify itself….

Today, I’ve got nothing to do, and rather than sit, drink sangria and shout at the swans, I’ve decided to take a trip down this Wey Canal, check it out.

It won’t be on the boat. It’ll be on the bike. That way I can see the most of it and be back in time for tea.

Pics from the day

Another of these boxy type house that are so popular along the banks of the Thames.

If there’s a style which seems to be a modern zeitgeist in terms of Thames architecture, it would be this box style. They’re just seeming to be the most appealing, for modern designs.

These trees are starting to change colour right the way along the river…

Last night I dropped into the Walton Anglers pub.

A few people. Beer was very reasonable at £5.60 for a pint of Amstel.