LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked in Streatly High Street and cycled to Benson, passing directly through Wallingford to avoid the traffic. Locked Bicycle to signpost in Benson Village Park where a council contractor advised me not to sit on the West Paint of the shelter, so I sat on the bench overlooking the river instead. A passing duck hand fourteen ducklings, is this a record? Walked down Preston Crowmarsh Lane and crossed the river at Benson Weir and lock. Amazing to watch the high volume of water crashing over the weir at close quarters. Soon passed Wallingford Castle Meadows where a great crested grebe swam past on the river. Short distance to the luxury cruises moored at the pub by Willingford Road Bridge, where a town sign showed a map of the Thames Path route diverting away from the river and down Thames Street, past St Peter's and St Leonard's Churches. Passed a very impressive huge boathouse just after Wallingford. Stopped for a bite by the roadbridge A4130 and watched rowers pass under the bridge and a red kite fly over. Breeze picked up as I continued, passed Mongewell on the opposite bank. Forgot about the breeze as I walked through meadows of wild flowers to the GW main line railway brick bridges spanning the river. Bridge brickwork angled Impressively under the arches, but on close inspection a large tree was growing from the stonework of the foundations. A stitch in time came to mind. As I walked away from the river on the path I looked back to a tranquil scene of grazing Canada geese on the short cut grass in front of the railway bridge. Long walk Moulsford Village, passing a wishing well, to the lane leading to the boathouse and Beetle and Wedge Public House. Continued along the riverbank and Japan scored the opening goal of England's final World Cup warm-up match and Lewis Hamilton won the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix. More meadows of flowers as I passed the boat club near Cleeve and its worklock. Very impressive boathouse in Cleeve as I approached Streatley weir and lock. Path leaves the river bank to pass St Mary's Church by the high steet and the parked car. Returned to Benson in the car to collect my bike. Another wonderful day's walk in the Sunshine, through the flowered meadows of the riverbank.

Location Map: - Start: at Benson - Finish at Streatley
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