Thames first-timer

[mjt21]

We're taking a narrowboat out on the South Oxford with the aim of reaching just short of the city itself before handing it over.

That said, we might have the option to add a few days to our journey. How easy is it to cruise on the upper reaches of the Thames out towards Lechlade.

Aside from the permit issues, will river cruising be a big challenge for a couple of whom one has only narrow canal experience, and the other none at all.

What differences are there to watch out for?

[mrsmelly]

We're taking a narrowboat out on the South Oxford with the aim of reaching just short of the city itself before handing it over.

That said, we might have the option to add a few days to our journey. How easy is it to cruise on the upper reaches of the Thames out towards Lechlade.

Aside from the permit issues, will river cruising be a big challenge for a couple of whom one has only narrow canal experience, and the other none at all.

What differences are there to watch out for?

 

Hi

 

As far as rivers go in general the Thames is a pusseycat. The upper reaches are easy but very bendy in places especially between newbridge and Radcot lock so in a 70 footer it is a little harder than a 50 footer. The Thames at present is very low and with very little flow so just do it, you will not regret it it is quite pretty also.

Have a good holiday

[ditchcrawler]

Hi

 

As far as rivers go in general the Thames is a pusseycat. The upper reaches are easy but very bendy in places especially between newbridge and Radcot lock so in a 70 footer it is a little harder than a 50 footer. The Thames at present is very low and with very little flow so just do it, you will not regret it it is quite pretty also.

Have a good holiday

Just got back and it was great, the river is hardly moving. Report at http://nbharnser.blogspot.com/

[Chertsey]

It's not hard if there's not much flow on but it can be a bit challenging coming downstream if there is. Not to put you off however, as rivers go it is a good place to start. It's a bit change of scene when you come on from the Oxford!

[MaryP]

I had just the same worries in May, but it was great!!

[mjt21]

Thanks for all those comments. I had feared warnings of being out of our depth and suchlike. Certainly we'll give it a go if we get the extra time then.

Thanks again

[grahoom]

The thames at the moment isn't running very fast. The upper parts, are lovely - well worth exploring.

 

you can always use

 

http://riverconditions.visitthames.co.uk/#listA

 

to keep an eye on the river conditions.