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Tue 02 July; Last Leg Cricklade to the Source

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Planning for an early getaway we had breakfast delivered to our room the previous night. We were able to hit the road at 6:55 am - a record for us. No boats come this far and very quickly we see the Thames much reduced in size but still a healthy looking clear stream. Bridge at Cricklade: At the end here the river passes under someone’s garden wall:  This is the only section we have seen with stepping stones. We made some navigational errors today and strayed a bit from the true path, but righted the wrong after consulting the compass, maps, guidebook, and gnashing of teeth. We put the mistake down to excavation works and missing signposts etc. The wide section here is one of many lakes formed from sand and gravel extraction. Some seem to be reserved for fishing. They are close to but appear not to be directly connected to the river. We eventually found the official plaque marking the « Source ». The pile of rubble surrounds a hole from whence the mighty Thames flows, but not today.  
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Mon 01 Jul, Lechlade to Cricklade

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Slightly shorter distance today but we still stoked up on a cooked breakfast for this penultimate leg, as it was likely we would not have an opportunity for lunch or coffee. The Thames is definitely a lot cleaner looking here, despite the number of cows around. However we did manage a snack & coffee at the Red Lion at Castle Eaton which was on our route. We had to wait 5 minutes for its noon opening.  This is definitely a Red Lion day for us as we head off for the Red Lion in Cricklade, our bed for the night. Cricklade is a quaint well preserved village.   Being Monday night restaurant is closed so we ate at the White Hart just up the road. This was a good choice as food was very good. This is the 2nd White Hart we have eaten in on this trek.
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30 June Newbridge to Lechlade

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Impressive curved beams on this lock gate. Caught napping, again.
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29 June, Oxford to Newbridge

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From now on we are moving to new accommodation each day. Locations are too remote to work around public transport. Just have to get used to lugging heavier bags. We set off from our flat in Oxford about 8 am and head to Newbridge. As there river narrows the boats get smaller. They seem quite happy to take canoes through the locks. Bigger boats still make it through. There are still some very grand houses in these parts. This was our hottest day yet 32 deg, and sun was shining strongly. It made walking a thirsty exercise. Nevertheless we survived to make it to the “Rose Revived” in Newbridge for a cooling down and some liquid refreshments.
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Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 25, 26, 27, 28 June

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We took 14 seater local bus from Goring Station to Wallingford and picked up our walk where we left off the day before. Today’s target is Dorchester. As we are relocating digs we are carrying more weight, ie toothbrushes, clothes, iPads and the like. Crossing at Benson Lock weir. Great photo opportunities abound, but we have to press on. First sheep seen since starting the Thames Path last year. Dorchester has many sites featuring in «  Midsomer Murders ».  Good to be in this seat of intellectual rigour and higher learning. Friday- rest day. We did a bit of sight seeing of the Oxford monuments. Bridge of Sighs. The Radcliffe Camera, here seen without Inspecor Lewis chasing his suspects.
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Sat, Sun, Mon, 22, 23, 24 June

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We now relocate to Streatley for 3 nights. Using public transport to get from Henley to Reading picking up where we left off the day before. A train strike messed us sa round a bit, but we were able to partake of a full breakfast at the Catherine Wheel whilst waiting for bus to Reading. We walked to Pangbourne for light lunch and then onto Goring (Streatley). The plan was to treat ourselves to a day off on Sunday for our 40th wedding anniversary. This more or less went to plan. Our hotel was having renovations and hence ne evening meals. I dozed off after days long walk and we went out a bit lateish looking for dinner. We eventually found  a place still open and were wowed by the quality. The Mill of Mansfield is to be congratulated for its high quality fare. Although a day early we deemed this to be our anniversary dinner. Goring, across the river from Streatley is quite a special archetypal English village. Thisn skew brick arch bridge has a very skill full alignment of brick courses
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Thur, Fri 20, 21 June, Marlow to Henley to Reading

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Despite the big clue that we were following a river upstream, it was wise to check the map now and again. She was in the graveyard near our hotel at Henley - the Red Lion. Our room is just behind the statue of the lion. The plumbing in this place was probably better at the time Charles the 1st stayed here. Another big span. This footbridge has the longest hardwood span in the UK. Alison’s niece and friend came out from the big smoke to join us for a meal at Cafe Rouge. Great evening, bit worried about the hiking ahead of us in the morning.
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