LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked the car at , Parked Sally's at Kennington and drove to 'The Talbot Inn' public houseat Swinford Bridge. Remember to have your 5p ready for the toll at Swinford Bridge. Walked back to the toll and over the bridge to the path entrance on the north east side of the bridge. Memories of the previous sections soon came flooding back. Turned north from bridge to soon arrive at Eynsham where we stopped for a snack as the lady luck keeper operated the local for a passing barge. Suitable refreshed we continued along the muddy path, passing the adjacent weir and the Wytham Great Wood where we entered 'Fai' Farms with its information packed sign by the kissing gate. After he first two of many passing pleasure boats and barges we came to a weir, the sources of the seacourt stream, which helps to control the flood waters around Oxford. Onwards to King's lock, passing grazing Canada geese and a dog, happy to fetch stick out of the river. From the lock and weir we followed the tarmac road for a short while missing a couple of small meanders' in the river. Soon arrived at the new Thames bridge which carries the oxford by-pass A34 road. Under the bridge was a rope hanging down towards the water. I was tempted to jump from the river bank and swing on the rope, but better judgement persuaded me to keep walking. Onwards over the Godsow Road by the Godstow Bridge and The Trout Inn to the remains of Godstow Abbey, passed a flock of grazing geese, which looked like lesser white fronted geese. NEXT TO THE ABBEY IS Godstow Lock, with it's flood markings of 1947 & 2003. River widens at Port Meadow with horses grazing on the opposite bank and a lone yachtsman gliding by, over the muddy bridge to Fidder's island where we passed a resting unknwon duck in the river. Forever onwards over the Oxford Canal feeder waterway footbridge to the backs of cottages with a high wall and surprisingly back gates with no water seals. At Osney Bridge, the Botley road, we crossed to the west bank at East Street, passing the Watermans Arms to Osney Lock. Under the railway bridge and two footbridges to the impressive apartments by Abingdon Road Bridge, passing a lone canoeist working hard against the river current. Surprised to find a crane by the road bridge where the river craft are lifted into of the water. Lots to observe as we walked under the Abingdon Road Bridge, past the 'Reading' boat full of trip passengers to the open Christchurch meadows of New Hinksey where the boat houses are numerous. Many rowing boats on the river enjoying the good weather before Iffley Lock with it's many footbridges. Iffley meadows to the right are bright green with many rare plants. On the left is Iffley Village and Iffley Church, accessible by a bridge if you have time to explore. Under the by-pass (A423) and the old discussed railway bridge towards Rose Isle, where we diverted from the path to the car at Tandem Public House. Drove to the Talbot Inn at Swinford where we enjoyed an excellent Sunday lunch to complete an excellent days walking along the river Thames.

Location Map: - Start: at Swinford - Finish at Kennington
(Click on location and use Zoom and BACK Buttons).