Thames River

Cookie · 17 February 2009, 11:10

Has anyone been up the Thames in a rib and can give me some advice of difficulties and any comfort break stops! Was thinking of getting on at Teddington Locks and hoping to get to Tower Bridge and back in a day, would this be possible, anyone done it?

Blizzard · 17 February 2009, 13:46

Hi

I did a one way trip from Teddington to Cowes in a bigger boat. Should be fine for a good day out. Need to plan the tides, there is not as much water below Richmond half lock as you may think. The lack of commercial traffic that far up has led to quite a lot of silting up.

There is plenty of current and junk in the water so you need to be switched on all the time, not sure about places to stop, as i was on a mission and stopping wasnt on the agenda.

Pick your day and take a camera

Anthony22 · 17 February 2009, 14:07

This might be of use to you...

http://www.pla.co.uk/display_fixedpa...ite/recreation

The school RIB has been taken from Putney to the Thames Barrier and back in a day, so Teddington to Tower Bridge should be doable (although the speed restriction upstream of Wandsworth bridge will slow some of your progress).

Cookie · 19 February 2009, 19:50

Thanks for that guys. Very informative

Trevor G · 27 February 2009, 19:31

Hi Cookie - Have you done the Thames trip or are you still planning to do one? I've been meaning to try the same sort of day-out on the Thames for ages but haven't got round to it yet, so if you are still planning on doing the run and want company I'd be keen to keep you company. Trevor

Cookie · 03 March 2009, 20:27

No Trevor, not done it yet. Between boats at the moment and busy studying charts of Thames as it's not as straight forward as you might think

Trevor G · 04 March 2009, 17:14

OK - let me know when/if you do want to go for it though.

stevelondon79 · 04 March 2009, 17:59

hey - depending on whether you want a bimble or a blast i'd suggest making the thames barrier your destination. it's definitely worth a look, plus it's a nice run out there at whatever speed you want (keep an eye on wash though), whereas central london can get a bit congested. i don't know teddington to putney too well, but you could do putney - barrier and back in 1.5 hours if you push it. take phots everywhere and still do it in 3-4 hours in a rib. stop at fatboys diner (opp the dome) or a few pubs along the way and it's a cracking day out. you could launch at putney perhaps, and then so long as you stick to mid channel (and aim to go through any bridge arch with 2 orange lights) there will be water for the whole journey without having to do too much chartwork. rest stops a bit tricky and i'd be keen to hear other's suggestions. very few places to just moor up and run ashore though without a bit of thought for the tide or pre booking to the best of my knowledge. enjoy!

Neil Harvey · 04 March 2009, 20:54

If I'm around when you're going, Il'' come. might have to hold you to the offer of a seat though Trevor

The run from Putney down to Limehouse basin for lunch is good as long as tides are right to lock into the basin. Then up to the barrier and beyond for a while after lunch, before heading back to Putney. No long stints limited to 8 knots that way, and enough water all the way make it an easy (ish) and fun day out.

codprawn · 05 March 2009, 20:35

Whats happening about the new speed limits???

CJL · 05 March 2009, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Whats happening about the new speed limits???

Hmm.

I replied on the original thread about this. Worryingly quiet.

Jon H · 31 March 2009, 22:21

Very keen to do this in the summer

Fancy a joint trip

CJL · 31 March 2009, 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon H

Very keen to do this in the summer

Fancy a joint trip

I'm happy to sort something out on a suitable Sunday for everybody but I need to check tides to make it easier for everybody.

I'll look up some dates and post a fresh thread.

Chris

codprawn · 01 April 2009, 02:10

I was in London on sunday - quite a nice day - the Thames looked pretty calm - I watched for 2 hours by Tower Bridge and saw 1 boat - just 1 and it was one of the red passenger ferries.

And they want to bring in a speed limit.............

Daniel · 01 April 2009, 11:19

you just need to ask nicely and there are places to stop!!

seriously though, very few places to stop, and that i know of none where you could leave the boat alone appart from locking into somewhere or making a special arrangment

if you do the trip the other way round (from the sea upwards) then i reccomend overnighting at chiswick pier - 24hr access pontoon, nice restraunt / bar there too. i've done this trip a fair few times if i can be of any help just shout