Sadly, the Thames section of the trip was ending today, but I had already decided that I will complete the remainder of the Thames Path later in the year as another ‘project’. But first I had to knock off the 25 miles (or so) from Maidenhead to Reading, while stopping off on a car journey up to the Midlands. 

Having encountered two path closures already, I had done some research on Thames Path Map and Trail Information – National Trails and found that there were another two diversions on the route today, together with a new footpath near Shiplake making it longer.

After parking in Maidenhead, I made my way back to the A4 bridge and set off @ 7:50am heading upstream, as usual. It was cold, just above freezing, but at least the early morning sunshine provided some hope that it would warm up.

On a woodland footpath heading into Cookham after about 3 miles I encountered four women in dry robes, wandering down to the Thames. Given the temperature I couldn’t believe that they would be swimming in the Thames and equally, from talking to them, they couldn’t believe that I was running to Reading. These moments always make me think of the lyrics: “So, when you gonna learn that it takes all sorts. Don’t you think life would be a little drab if we had the same thoughts ?”.

It was nice to be back in Cookham, because as mentioned on Day 2, Cookham Reach Rowing Club was the ‘turn and return’ checkpoint for the 2013 Thames Path 100. While I had recce’d some of the path beyond, it would be far less familiar.

Being a Sunday there were more enthusiasts out doing their ‘thing’. Plenty of friendly walkers and joggers, a few cyclists and lots of rowers. And lots of Canadian Geese making a lot of noise on their take offs.

Having done the Half Marathon a few times, I’ve always liked Marlow, a busy little town. But since the Robert Thorogood Marlow Murder Mystery books, I feel more acquainted as he describes parts that I know and has really captured the mood of the area (naked swimming from boathouses is one thing that spring to mind !). However, as Temple Bridge was closed, the first diversion of the day was straight out of Marlow to Bisham via a QR coded route but nevertheless reasonably well signed.

The route then proceeded through a Deer Park, with no deer (oh dear), following the Thames to join the Henley Half Marathon route at Remenham up to the road bridge. Given the (anticipated) shorter day, I was planning just to have one stop, which I needed when I got to Henley after 17 miles.

After a 30-minute break (I’m not sure where the time went) and fully refuelled and caffeine-boosted, I headed south out of Henley along a very busy towpath. However, approaching Marsh Lock, it became clear that most people were supporting a Reading to Bisham canoe race, apparently as training for the classic Devizes to Westminster event over Easter weekend. It takes all sorts.

This point also marked the start of the second closure which necessitated a significant (and uphill) diversion. 

Then after re-joining the Thames Path at Shiplake, the introduction of the Wargrave Bend (in effect a big, elongated ‘D’), took me alongside the Thames opposite grand riverside properties, and added more distance.

That eventually took me round to Sonning, 2.5 miles from Reading a route which I knew quite well from after a few post-work, stress-relief runs to avoid the rush hour traffic when working there, and often the highlight of the day.

So, after all the diversions and extensions my watch told me that I had done @ 27 miles in 6:15 hours (4.35mph) as I arrived at Horseshoe Bridge, marking the start of the Kennet and Avon Canal. I then wandered over to the train station and was amazingly back in Maidenhead in just 12 minutes !

While it had been another great day, and good ‘100’ training, I was pleased to have completed Part 1, as 90 miles in a week is hard going. That will leave another 90 miles to get to the source of the Thames, in the Cotswolds.  However, I need to get to the Severn Estuary first and so after a few weeks rest, Part 2, the Kennet and Avon canal, is scheduled for four consecutive days mid-April. Looking forward to it already !