The Thames - Cricklade to Lechlade

Educational, interesting and very peaceful sums up this enjoyable paddle, on a bright and sunny day.

The water level was very low at the get- in, which caused a few groundings early on and Ruth had another encounter with a cross swan. Wings fluffed up and hissing angrily, the swan was protecting its two young and nest by the bank. Once past, we could start to enjoy the tranquil charm of this river. With its high banks and over hanging trees, the surrounding world with its hectic pace, seemed a million miles away. The gentle flow of this twisting water course, with its frequent sections of river weeds and reeds and surprising number of fallen trees across the river, gave us junior paddlers a glimpse into the brave world of river exploration. At times, with just a small hole through the fallen branches and our Imagination stirred with every dip of the paddle... We were tackling the mighty Amazon, as it surged through the Andes Mountains... a far cry from Cricklade, but a start!

Landing places were very scarce and lunch was taken at one of the first available. A very welcome hot cuppa was provided by Mike and Dave, with their Kelly Kettles. On the edge of a sunny field, food quickly disappeared, and Keith filled us in on a bit of area history. A stone’s throw from Cricklade is the small village of Down Ampney. This was where the famous composer Vaughan Williams was born. I wonder if he had this part of the Thames in mind, when composing “A Cotswold Romance” or his not so well known “Towards the unknown region”.

We came across a small section of mild rapids, under a bridge where we were able to practice our crossing techniques’ (Thank you Keith)

As we approached Lechlade, we passed several Cotswold stone houses, with rolling grass lawns down to the river. A “welcome to canoeists” sign was hung, invitingly, at the end of a village pub garden.

A very lovely day and enjoyable paddle. It took us around 5 hours and according to Dave, we travelled 10 miles. My arms and shoulders tell me, it was around 15!!!

Thank-you every one.

(Paddlers: Andy, Dave, Keith, James, Mike, Ruth)

Many thanks Andy for the report.