ISSUE 6 NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017
The natural world: at the Heart of the Matter Welcome to the Summer edition of our Thames Path National Trail news‐ letter. Access and connection to the countryside is of growing importance for our personal health and well‐being and for that of our News for all who communities. Falling in love with the natural world is a good way of en‐ suring its future health is cared for too and in this newsletter we take a enjoy the look at various ways we can make this happen. Thames Path
In May the first ever Chilterns Walking Festival took place. The Chilterns INSIDE THIS Conservation Board offered a great programme of hikes, guided tours and ISSUE: special events across The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In partnership with Hobbs of Henley, Thames Path Trail manager Natural World 1
Chilterns Walk- ing Festival 2
Health Walks 3 Trail Overview 4
Volunteer Task 5 Diary
Outdoor Class- 6 room Steven Tabbitt and Trails Volunteer Richard Mayon‐ Circular Walk 8 White, offered a boat trip along the river and a
walk along the Thames Path. End notes 8 Richard Mayon‐White reports: Twenty people turned up to take the boat trip along the River Chilterns Walking Thames to Hambleden lock and then walk back Fes val 18 September – 01 October 2017 along the Thames Path ‐ a lovely way of combining Explore new areas of The a gentle 2 mile walk with a leisurely viewing of the Chilterns—family‐ river. Preparations for the Henley Royal Regatta friendly, accessible and were in progress and we had a close look at Temple inclusive walks in the Island where the races start. The yellow flag irises autumn Walking Fes val along the water’s edge, a nesting swan, great crest‐ ed grebes and Egyptian geese added interest. follow @n hames It was a good way to introduce people to the joys of walking the Thames Path.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
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Health Walks by the Thames
Most people enjoy walking by water—the open space and fresh air encourage exercise, while reflected light and the movement of water s mulate the mind. The Thames Path offers a rela vely accessible way to walk by the river, especially where the surface is firm and public transport is good. The volunteers who monitor the Thames Path assessed its suitability for people with Walking the Trail the Walking We asked restricted mobility, and found that the urban sec ons are excellent. A link has been made with Walking for Health, a na onal scheme for trails Volun‐ teer and author Dick Mayon ‐White to tell us
about the Health Walks that he leads in Oxford ... Walking for Health in Oxford Photo credit: Dick Mayon_White River Thames, Christ Church Meadow, Oxford In Oxford, as in many towns and villages there is an active Walking for health walks run by the Ramblers Associa on and MacMillan Cancer Sup‐ Health group and events port. The Health Walks are free and everyone is welcome. Their purpose run weekly. There is a regu‐ is to provide beneficial outdoor exercise in the company of others. The lar health walk every Tues‐ usual health walks are about 2 – 2.5 miles long and take about one hour. day morning, star ng at Every walk has a trained leader who decides on the route considering the Oxford Town Hall, St Al‐ dates, OX1 1BX. The walks condi ons and the wishes of the members of the group. People learn o en go along the Thames about Health Walks by word of mouth, by referrals from health profes‐ Path. They are designed for sionals and through pa ent support groups. people who want to take some exercise by walking As a Na onal Trails volunteer, I have been keen to make the Thames Path for about 2 ‐ 3 miles in accessible to all, especially along the sec ons that have lots of interest. In about an hour. Every one December 2016, I was trained as a leader for the Walking for Health group is welcome and there is no that meets once a week in Oxford. charge.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
ISSUE 6 PAGE 3
More informa on is on h ps://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south‐east/ oxford‐health‐walks‐0. The weekly walks o en use the Thames Path and are popular – some mes as many as 15 people come. With these numbers, a second leader is useful to Walking the Trail guide those who want to go at a slower pace or for a shorter distance than the majority. This supports people who are uncertain if they could keep up with others, whilst allowing for those whose fitness is improving to go further and faster. There is a Walking for Health Group in Goring that uses the Thames Path and parts of the Ridgeway. Given the promising start of the Thames Path‐Walking for Health collabora on, we look to expand the number of volunteers who can lead groups for walks beside the Thames.
Circular walks are always popular and we are designing more that use the Thames Path.
There are walks of 5 or more miles that link nature reserves in “Exploring the Thames Wilderness”. One of my favourites is to start at the Head of the River pub by Folly Bridge in Oxford, and walk along the river bank in Christ Church meadows. Go on beside the Cher‐ well to Magdalen Bridge, and along the Iffley Road to Jackdaw Lane. This takes you to Aston’s Eyot with paths beside the river and into The Kidneys and Meadow Lane, reaching Donnington Bridge Road. Either return by crossing Donnington Bridge to the Thames Path and back to Folly Bridge; or con nue along Meadow Lane to Iffley village (good pubs) and cross the river at the lock to get to the Thames Path. Dick Mayon‐White
Exploring the Thames Wilderness – a guide to the natural Thames
WARNING! There are hidden beauties revealed in this book which might surprise even the much – travelled walker! The River Thames is an o en undiscovered haven of stunning scenery, wonderful wildlife and brilliant natural beauty. As well as the famous stretches passing through our biggest ci es and towns, there is a hidden side to the river ‐ wild and natural, but surprisingly accessible. This guidebook, compiled by the two ma‐ jor Thames chari es, contains a wealth of informa on on over 150 of the best places to explore the real Thames wilderness. An essen al source of ideas for days out and handy for on the go, ‘Exploring the Thames Wilderness ‐a guide to the natural Thames’ opens up the beauty of the Thames to everyone. Copies are available for Wri en by Richard Mayon‐White, Na onal Trails volunteer who £10 + postage from Dick has loved the river for 50 years and Wendy Yorke, Projects Man‐ M‐W. Contact him on [email protected] ager for the Thames Rivers Trust who has been involved in com‐ munity engagement and river restora on for more than 13 years, in the UK and Australia.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
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Created for the public to enjoy the beau ful landscape with its rich wildlife, flora and fauna, the 184mile long Thames Path Na onal Trail is unique. It is the only long distance path to fol‐ low a river for most of its length and it's the iconic River Thames which gives the Trail its char‐ acter and creates the countryside through which you walk. Star ng in the Cotswolds as a track across water meadows and fields beside the infant River Thames, the Trail passes through vil‐ Trail Over view lages in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, on surfaced pavements through historic ci es …un l finally it passes through the capital, London, to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. The Thames Path provides a walk alongside the ‘liquid history’ of a wonderful River. The Thames Path Partnership is responsible for the management, development and promo‐ on of The Thames Path Na onal Trail to ensure a great trail experience for all. It involves a wide range of organisa ons and dedicated Trail volunteers help to maintain the route and keep it to a good standard for all who use it.
Plan your day visit or holiday to The Thames Path using our interac ve online map: www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thamespath. Why rush? Pace yourself to the meandering river ‐ if you like you can plan to walk the Trail a sec on at a me (there are 15 sec ons ranging from 9‐15 miles, see map above)—and take days, weeks or even years to complete it! The Thames Path Companion guide lists details of campsites, B&Bs, hotels, self‐catering co ages and inns around the area. Other useful contacts, such as taxis, hospitals, vets, are pro‐ vided as well as car park loca ons. It costs £4.95 plus postage and is available from our online shop: www.shop.na onaltrail.co.uk
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
Volunteer Task Diary PAGE 5
Practical work is carried out along The Thames Path and The Ridgeway to ensure walkers enjoy using it. Work is carried out by the National Trail Team, volunteers, local highway authorities, landowners and contractors. Volunteers are welcome to help maintain the
Thames Path by joining the task team led by the National Trail Team. The location and Volunteering activities for the next 3 months are shown below. Please ensure that you book early as the practical tasks are popular. Locations for tasks may change and volunteer numbers can be limited due to type of task.
Volunteer to help with a task by contacting the National Trail Team. Book in advance and as soon as possible. E: [email protected] T: 01865 810211
Task Locations for Ridgeway and Thames Path
3 15 7 8 16 14 13 6 10 Check
2 11 the map 1 12 for a 9 4 task 5 17 location
KEY near to RWCP = Ridgeway car parks you. G = Gate S = Strimming Task Dates M = Mowing JULY TBC = To be confirmed AUGUST 3rd Watlington ‐ M 10 1st Swinford – M + S 3 JUNE 4th Marlow ‐ M 11 1st Workshop 3 1st Sparsholt ‐ RWCP 1 5th Letcombe Regis ‐ M 12 2nd South Stoke – M 4 6th Grimms Ditch ‐ G 2 6th Chimney Meadow – M 13 3rd Wallingford + Cli on Hampden ‐ S 2 6th Workshop 3 11th Marlow ‐ S 11 7th Hackpen Hill ‐ M 5 5th South Stoke ‐ M 4 10th Workshop 3 8th Ashbury ‐ M1 7th Wallingford + 2 12th Lechlade + Inglesham –S 14 9th Cricklade + Castle Eaton – S + M 6 Cli on Hampden ‐ S 13th Oxford Fiddlers ‐ S 15 14th Uffington ‐ M 1 13th Hackpen Hill ‐ M 5 17th Oxford Osney ‐ S 15 15th Kelmscot ‐ M 8 12th Workshop 3 18th Gra on ‐ M 8 16th Blowingstone ‐ M 1 19th Ashbury ‐ M 1 19th TBC 17th Chimney ‐ M 13 20th Cricklade + Castle Eaton – S 6 20th Newbridge ‐ M + S 16 22nd Workshop 3 26th Lodge hill + Chinnor ‐ S 7 24th Sonning ‐ S 9 23rd TBC 21st Uffington ‐ M 1 25th Snap ‐ M 17 Whether repor ng by 27th Kelmscot ‐ M 8 Thames Path26th Na onalIdstone Trail O –ffi Mce, 1Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE phone or by email, 28th Blowingstone ‐ M 1 Informa on: [email protected] PrincesT:01865 810224 Risborough Volunteers – M [email protected] 7 T: 01865please 810211 add a grid 29th Shiplake – S 9 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/ reference and a photo is also very useful! Thames Path National Trails Team E: [email protected] and [email protected]
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The Thames Path: an awesome outdoor classroom
In April and May the Trails Team organised two a ernoon sessions as an introduc on to the Thames Path for children at St Mary and St John Church of England Primary School, in east Oxford. The sessions were designed to fit within the Key Ttrail Along the Stage 2, year 3 Geography curriculum – with the objec ves of exploring local land use, developing mapping skills and placing the Trail within a wider context. St Mary and St John School is a larger‐than‐average sized pri‐ mary school. The introduc on involved leading a group along a 2 mile local stretch of Trail and exploring all that it offers access to ‐ Iffley Lock, the birds, flowers, and the ancient meadows. Each class of around 30, 7‐8 year old children was accompanied by a Class Teacher, Teaching Assistant, parent helpers, and Trails team Sara and Elaine. The children really engaged in looking for natural and human landmarks using a map and were keen to iden fy these on the maps. We walked through Iffley meadows – a BBOWT reserve and a SSSI. Each session brought a different experience. We were lucky to have the opportunity of seeing the lock at Iffley in ac on as a boat went through and the lady boat owner allowed children to press the bu on to open and to shut the lock gates! Back at school, a quiz provided a lively session and we were amazed how much the children had taken in in such a short me. The children undertook some simple mapping tasks with the teacher the following morning based on map/ worksheets we had produced with the assistance of our col‐
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
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league Adam, Countryside GIS +Data Management Officer, for Oxford‐ Along the Trail shire County Council. We really enjoyed mee ng and working with the children and gave out a Thames Path badge to each child and a Thames Path leaflet to take home. Staff and parent feedback about the sessions was very posi ve and the children's feedback was that it was 'awesome'! Although some children were familiar with the path, most did not pre‐ viously know that it was a Na onal Trail and some had never walked Although some along it at all or explored the meadow. Thanks to the head teacher Mrs children were familiar with the path, most did not previously know that it was a Na onal Trail and some had never walked along it at all or explored the meadow.
Burton, and the teaching staff Mrs Pinches and Ms Crocombe and the parent helpers for their support in helping to make the session run smoothly and enjoyably.
If you are out along the Thames and spot any interes ng sights, please do get a photo and up‐load it onto our website www.na onaltrails etc. We’d love to hear from you Get in touch to provide feedback and suggest ar cles for future newsle ers. E: [email protected]
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
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Thames Walk from Marlow to Cookham
Water walk: This stretch of walk is arguably the most beau ful of the Thames Valley with the wooded slopes of Winter Hill rising on the opposite bank as you leave Marlow. In Marlow you will see Marlow suspension bridge designed by William Tierney Clark who designed Hammer‐ smith Bridge in London. This walk gives you fantas c views of Winter Hill and as you near Cookham the path takes you through Cock Marsh, a designated site of special scien fic interest
Walking the Trail the Walking preserved by the Na onal Trust and home to many rare plants. Once in Cookham why not visit to the Stanley Spencer Gallery? Stanley Spencer lived in Cookham most of his life and the vil‐ lage’s former Victorian Methodist Chapel has been converted into the gallery where you can see much of the ar st’s work exhibited. Refreshments There are plenty of places to stop for a drink or bite to eat in Marlow and Cookham. Length: 5 ½ miles Time: 2¼ hours Train sta ons: Marlow and Cookham Boat trips: During the summer months you can walk in one direc on and get a boat back. See h p://www.salterssteamers.co.uk/ for details
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
PAGE 9 End Notes
THAMES PATH
Buy this classic enamel pin badge to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this much loved Trail. Per‐ fect for your hat, your rucksack or your lapel, wear it to show your sup‐ port for the Na onal Na onal Trails Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Trails.
LOVE THE TRAIL? NATIONAL TRAILS NEW OFFICE ADDRESS Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE
Our other main contact details remain unchanged Informa on 01865 810224 Volunteers 01865 810211 E: [email protected] A quality mug in a W:www.na onaltrail.co.uk/ contemporary design lis ng memorable places along the thamespath Trails. NATIONAL TRAILS WORKSHOP If you've walked the Trail The workshop has returned to : then it's a must! Signal Court, Sta on Road, Maps and guide books also for Eynsham, OX29 4TL sale, visit Thames Path website E: [email protected] the Na onal Trails Shop
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/