OSS (Oxon and Reading) Team Thames is beginning the Thames
trek on Good Friday - April 22nd - from the source of the
Thames, close to Kemble in Gloucestershire. The first part of
the Thames is not swimmable (although there may be paddleable
parts), so this first stretch is a walk of
approximately 12 miles from the source to Cricklade.
We will be meeting at 10am at the Town Hall car park in
Cricklade (marked by green arrow).
From there we will consolidate cars and shuttle up to the
source. We will park at the lay-by on the A433 (marked
by green arrow), to set off at 10.30am.
http://tinyurl.com/A433-layby
If you would like to meet us there. There is a station in
Kemble so if you are coming by train, you can walk from Kemble.
12 miles is a good stretch so we will leave a car half way
at Ashton Keynes. If you think in advance that you might only
want to do half of the walk, we can make sure the car shuffling
considers this.
We will be stopping for a picnic lunch so make sure you
bring lunch and plenty of other fuel to keep you going through
the day. Check the weather reports before the day so you don't
bring too much/too little clothing and of course dig out the
sensible shoes. Consider minimum swim gear in case we find a
deep section and fancy a paddle but remember, you will be
carrying it for 12 miles. We'll be using Michael Worthington's
'I Love the Thames' book for the trip, but here are a few
websites to get you in the mood:
The Ordnance Survey map for this stretch is Explorer 169.
We will have a copy or two with us.
We should finish around 6pm at Cricklade.
Drop us a line if you have any questions, or just to
confirm that you're coming. We look forward to seeing you all
there.
Jeremy & Sef
07989
384456 / 07949 039099