Non-Tidal Thames picnic

[Rich L]

Can anyone suggest a good spot for a family picnic and a play on the water with my little SIB this weekend please? (not too far from London)

Thanks

Rich L

[Derrick]

I like Wallingford. You will need to judge if that is too far. Attractive little town with ruined castle free to stroll round river access easy by the bridge on the side away from the town between Crowmarsh and Wallingford attractive scenery Benson Lock 2 miles upstream pass through the lock and find boat yard on right with pleasant cafe with good tea and cakes scones etc. Shortly before the lock a millstream runs off to the right worth a detour to see the mill. Strictly I believe you should have a day licence from the NRA might be caught out by the lock keeper.......

[CJL]

Launch at Marlow using the slipway at the End of St Peters Street.

Park car on Mill Road near the lock (Buy your EA licence at the Lock!)

Get wife to pick you up at lock (less than 50m)

Head DOWN stream through the lock towards Cookham. There are loads of fields either side of the river on the way down to cookham, perfect for picnics.

I would then urge you to go through Cookham lock and head down past Cliveden House for some really picturesque views.

Chris

[Rich L]

Excellent, thank you both.

[Yabadabadoo]

Currently sat in The Bounty near Cookham following the advice here so thank you very much.

Arrived at Marlow around 5pm, set up and off by 6pm. Locked then off a very nice couple of hours on a lovely section of the river and now stopped off for a quick thai green curry before the last hop back to Marlow

SIB tastic