A U S E R 'S

GUIDE TO
THE RIVER
THAMES
 E n v ir o n m e n t a g e n c y

NATIONAL LIBRARY &

INFORMATION SERVICE

THAMES REGION

Kings Meadow House. Kings M eadow

Road. Reading RG1 8DQ

ENVIRO NM ENT AG ENCY

E n v ir o n m e n t A g e n c y
KINGS MEADOW HOUSE, KINGS MEADOW ROAD, READING, BERKSHIRE RG1 8DQ
TELEPHONE: 0118 953 5000

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, the
Agency cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions.
Edition 2. 1998
 WELCOME TO THE
RIVER THAMES
The Environment Agency acts as the Guardian of the Environment, protecting
and improving it for future generations by regulation and direct action.
The Agency's Thames Region, which embraces the Navigation and Recreation
Service provided by the former National Rivers Authority, encourages the
pursuit of a variety of recreational activities along the 136 miles of the
freshwater River Thames for which it is the managing authority. It achieves this
through the efforts of lock staff and Navigation Inspectors throughout the
length of the non-tidal river.
The Thames is an attraction for numerous activities:
anglers, boating enthusiasts, canoeists, dinghy sailors and yachtsmen,
holidaymakers in hired craft, naturalists, oarsmen, swimmers and sub-aqua
divers and walkers.
With so many interests competing for space, is the river large enough to
accommodate them all without conflict and risk to personal safety?
The answer is yes - provided that all river users are safety conscious and practise
good river manners.
One of the Agency's jobs is to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to
enjoy their activity, without impairing the enjoyment of others.
This booklet aims to help everyone conduct themselves safely and to foster
good relations and a spirit of understanding amongst all river users by
explaining the needs and limitations of each different activity. Please read the
sections about activities other than your own since this will help you to
appreciate the problems of others
N ine River User Groups have been established to encourage better
u nde rsta n d in g amongst river users. Between them they cover the length of
the Tham es, including the tidal section between Teddington and Tower
B rid ge where navigation is under the control of the Port of London Authority.
They are made up of representatives from the various dubs, sporting
associations, commercial firms and others who use the river. The appropriate
Navigation Inspector will be able to give you the name and address of the
Group that covers your stretch. If you belong to a club that uses the river,
encourage it to seek representation on the appropriate Group.
The Agency's Thames Region is grateful to the Thames River User Groups
(RUGs) for all the help they have given.

COOKHAM

TtDOINCTON

KINGSTON
ABINGDOfi
 OXFORD

LOCKS OF THE
RIVER THAMES

MARLOW

HENLEY *

WALLINGFORD
if
//
 CONTENTS
PART 1 - General inform ation and inform ation
relating to various recreational activities
PAGE
Gently Does It I
Regulations 2
Be Safe on the Water 3
Essential Rules of Navigation for all Craft 5
Other Navigation Hints and Tips 6
Safety at Locks 7
Registration and Licensing 8
Guidance for Water Sports
and Recreation 8
Angling 8
Camping and Picnicking 10
Canoeing 10
Diving 11
Rowing and Sculling 12
Sailing and Boardsailing 13
Swimming and Paddling 14
Walking 14

Motorised Craft General Information 15

Essential Equipment 16
Other Equipment 17
Once Aboard 17
When Under Way 18
Anchoring and Mooring 19
Commercial Users 19

PART 2 - Technical and detailed inform ation on

structures/services/facilities etc.

General Navigation Information 21

Connecting Waterways 21
Marking of Obstructions 22
24 hour Moorings 24
Public Slipways and Launching Sites 24
Sewage Pump-Out Stations 25
Lock Staff Hours of Duty 26
Lock Facilities and Dimensions 27
Headways of Bridges, Lechlade to Teddington 30
River Kennet 31
Useful Addresses 32
Table of Distances 34
PART 1
GENERAL
INFORMATION
AND
INFORMATION
RELATING TO
VARIOUS
RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
GENTLY DOES IT
• Learn about other river users' activities by reading the whole of
this booklet so you can appreciate their needs and help them if
possible. Learn and watch out for the various signals indicating
other river users' activities.
• Obtain a copy of The Water Sports Code from the Sports
Council for further advice.
• Show understanding to others especially when they are engaged
in organised competition.
• For river activities to run smoothly, it is necessary to co-ordinate
organised activities with those of other river users and to ensure
a Navigation Inspector is consulted in advance of any event.
• Peace and quiet is one of the attractions of
the river. Remember that sound carries
well, particularly at night, and that
excessive noise is a source of nuisance i
to others.
• Please avoid pollution. Never throw
litter or rubbish into the water or
leave it on the banks.
• If you see any pollution please ring
the Environment Agency's Pollution
Hotline: F r e e p h o n e 0 8 0 0 8 0 7 0 6 0
• The river can be both fun and dangerous.
Due account must be taken of prevailing river conditions. All
river activities can be enjoyed with m inimum risk if some simple
guidelines on safety are followed. You will find som e of these in
the 'Guidance for Water Sports & Recreation' sections of this
booklet.
• Obey the general rules of navigation and river use contained
within The Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws
1993, available from the Agency's Thames Navigation Offices.
Craft should avoid collisions by keeping to the right - the normal
practice of seamen and oarsmen.
• Conserve the environment and do not damage river banks,
vegetation and wildlife. The river is a natural habitat and a
range of animals depend upon it for their existence.
• Sometimes items of historical or archaeological interest may be
found. The local Navigation Office must be contacted with
regard to ownership or importance of such items.
• Always keep an eye on any children with you, to check they do
not get into difficulties.
• Follow the Country Code: shut gates, keep to footpaths, guard
against fire and respect wildlife.
• Keep a sharp lookout for anglers, w ho normally fish from the
bank. Always try to keep a go o d distance from them, avoid
their tackle and create as little disturbance as possible.
REGULATIONS
• There are various regulations governing the use of the Thames
and its banks for boaters of all sorts, anglers, riparian owners,
towpath walkers etc. W hether you want to erect a landing
stage, hold a regatta or a sponsored walk please check with
the local Navigation Office and the 'Guidance for Water
Sports & Recreation' sections of this booklet.

• The m axim um speed for pow er driven vessels on the Thames

upstream of Teddington is 8 kilometres per hour
(approximately 5 miles per hour) over the bed of the river.
To help you check that your vessel is not travelling too fast,
transit marks have been set u p at :

Port Meadow, Oxford, upstream of Medley Boat Station

Upstream of D ay's Lock
The Dreadnought Reach, Reading, downstream of the
entrance to Thames & Kennet Marina
The towpath at Cockm arsh downstream of Bourne End
Railway Bridge
The Desborough Channel, Shepperton
The towpath bank downstream of Ravens Ait, Kingston

Each site has two pairs of marks, black and white poles with a red
triangle topmark, w hich are set exactly so that when navigating at
8 kilometres per hour you will take 60 seconds to travel from one
pair to the other. If you find that it has taken less than 60
seconds you are travelling too fast. PLEASE S L O W D O W N !

Exemptions from this speed limit include:

- A n y craft taking action to avoid any danger to persons or
property, or
- Those craft engaged in training, coaching or umpiring
rowing craft and which display a pennant or mark issued
by the Agency.
BE SAFE ON THE WATER
HOW TO AVOID ACCIDENTS
• Every year there are accidents on the river, m any of which are
very serious - som e fatal:
• W E IR S ARE D A N G E R O U S AR EAS
Warning signs should always be respected. It is both
dangerous and illegal to interfere with weir gates and sluices.
In an emergency, always seek the advice and help of the lock-
keeper.
• Any river activity poses a greater risk when there are strong
currents, higher river levels or cold weather conditions.

D O N O T take risks and never underestimate the power of the

river.
• When large yellow C A U T IO N ST R E A M IN C R EA SIN G /
D EC R EA SIN G warning boards are displayed at
locks, all u npow ered craft are advised to m oor
up until the stream abates. W hen CAUTION
IN C R EA SIN G stream is indicated, powered STREAM
IN C R E A S IN G
vessels are advised to seek safe mooring. W hen
D EC R EA SIN G stream is indicated, powered
vessels may proceed with caution.
• W hen large red C A U T IO N S T R O N G ST R EA M CAUTION
warning boards are displayed at locks, all craft STRONG
are advised not to navigate until the stream STREAM
abates.
In stro n g stream c o n d itio n s it is ad visab le to keep o ff
the river.
• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when
visiting or playing on or near water.
• Be aware of the
potential health ri<
associated with
water
recreation.
Obtain a
copy of the
Environment
Agency
leaflet
Water Wisdom
for advice on healthy water recreation. Contact the Public
Relations Office.
• In the event of a river accident, ring the emergency services on
999 or tell the nearest lock-keeper w ho will sum m on assistance.
Learn h o w to cope if an accident should occur
• You should:
a) K now how to help a person in difficulty in the water
b) Learn an approved resuscitation technique - A series of
leaflets and booklets are published by the Resuscitation
Council
c) Learn how to administer First Aid
d) Learn how to deal with hypothermia
e) For further information contact the
Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents

If in doubt, do not put yourself at risk - G E T H ELP !

MAINTENANCE WORK ON
THE RIVER
• Dredging, weir refurbishment and bank protection sometimes
necessitates the m ooring of plant and barges where they
m ight present a hazard; always try to anticipate the
unexpected.
• A diver's flag (International Code Flag A) indicates that divers
are in the water.

• D redgers' anchors are marked by YELLOW buoys. Slow dow n

and navigate past the dredger on the side showing two all­
round GREEN lights or two W H ITE diam onds in a vertical line.
Two all-round RED lights or two RED balls in a
vertical line mark the side where chains and
other obstructions may exist.
Tugs and barges should be allowed plenty
of room to manoeuvre in lock cuts
and other narrow channels.
Laden barges need deep water
and may sw ing wide on bends.
Take care not to pass between a
tug and its tow. A tug with tow
m ay display a flashing A M B E R
light.
ESSENTIAL RULES OF
NAVIGATION FOR ALL
CRAFT
• O bey the rules of navigation and byelaws. Copies are available
from Navigation Offices.
• Steer on the right hand side when it is safe and practical.
Remember that even when you have the right of way you have
an overriding responsibility to avoid collision.
• Avoid turning vessels around near bridges, bends and lock
approaches. D o not turn across the bows of oncom ing craft;
wait until it is safe.
• Keep a sharp lookout ahead and astern for anything that may
require your attention and anticipate the necessary action in
go o d time. Keep a sharp lookout for others on and in the
water and change speed and direction as necessary to avoid
incident. If in doubt, slow dow n or STOP.
• Take care at all times when overtaking. Overtaking vessels
must keep clear.
• In the vicinity of bridges or
sharp bends, a vessel go in g
upstream m ust give way,
if necessary, to any
vessel com ing
downstream .

S o u n d S ig n a l s

• Skippers should give notice of their intentions using the

following official sound signals:
1 blast - going to starboard (right)
2 blasts - going to port (left)
3 blasts - my engines are go in g astern
4 blasts (pause) 1 blast - turning right round to starboard
4 blasts (pause) 2 blasts - turning right round to port
1 long 2 short blasts - unable to manoeuvre
These are the signals most used by motorised craft. Remember
them, understand them and use them as appropriate.

• Lights must be shown when navigating between sunset and

sunrise or in restricted visibility as follows:
1. A bright WHITE light on the mast or staff at the bow, not less
than 1.2 metres (4 feet) above the hull.
2. A GREEN light on the starboard side.
3. A RED light on the port side.
4. A WHITE light on the stem.
OTHER NAVIGATION
HINTS AND TIPS
• Keep a sharp lookout for anglers, w ho normally fish from the
bank. Always try to keep a go o d distance from them, avoid
their tackle and create as little disturbance as possible.
• To prevent dam age to unpowered craft they should remain at
the back of a queue of traffic at a lock and enter the lock last.
• W h e n sailing boats are near, maintain a slow, steady course but
be prepared to give way to avoid collision. In times of little or
n o w ind a sailing boat has almost no control and it will be up
to you to avoid it.
• In the vicinity of events, take advice from officials or marshalls.
Sailing races are usually held round a series of buoys and
vessels should avoid these turning marks. There may be
congestion near sailing clubs when dinghies gather to race.
This should clear within minutes. Motorised craft should be
prepared to STO P and w hen clear, proceed at a slow, steady
pace.
• If in convoy, ensure that there is ample space between each
boat to allow go o d vision ahead and room to manoeuvre.

• When near rowing craft, remember that the crew of an

uncoxed boat has a problem keeping a lookout ahead and
even a cox may have a limited field of vision.
• When approaching a regatta course, navigate very slowly and
cautiously, com plying with any instructions issued by
Navigation Inspectors, Guardboatmen, etc. Dates and other
information regarding regattas may be displayed at adjacent
locks an d are given on the Navigation Information Line
(0118 95 3 5520)
• Powered craft should slow dow n when approaching swimmers
or sub-aqua divers, rowing boats, canoes and sailing craft. In
case of doubt, clearly indicate your intention and always be
ready to give way.
• Always keep your children in sight. D o n 't let them sit in
dangerous positions where a sharp turn, change of speed or
wash from another boat could toss them into the water.
• Children and
non-swim m ers
should always
wear lifejackets
SAFETY AT LOCKS
• In narrow lock cuts, please remember that some pleasure craft
draw up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) or more and m ight not be able
to manoeuvre quickly.
• W hen waiting for a lock, form an orderly queue at the lay-by
moorings. Queue jumping is bad manners, arouses ill feeling
and can cause confusion and delay entering the lock. Always
m oor on the lay-by as near as possible to the lock so that later
arrivals can m oor astern of you. W hen a lock full of craft is
admitted, any remaining boats should move forward along the
lay-by to enable those waiting in the channel (perhaps in
difficult conditions) to m oor at the back of the queue.
• Obey instructions given by the lock-keeper. For reasons of both
safety and efficiency the lock-keeper may not necessarily
instruct craft to enter the lock in strict order of arrival.
• Stop your engine once the boat is moored in the lock. Turn off
any radio, or other form of music or noise
• Pass a line ashore from both the head and stern of the vessel.
When water is rising or falling in the lock, adjust your m ooring
lines to keep them fairly taut. Make sure your boat does not
become caught up as the lock is emptying.
• If you have a dog on board, please keep it on your boat, or on
a lead, while passing through locks.

Please take care and w hilst in the lock:

• D o n ot fend off with hands, feet or boathook.
• D o n ot open fuel tanks or strike matches.
• D o n ot m oor upstream of the vertical white line on the lock
wall or your vessel m ay be damaged.
• Lock-keepers' hours of duty are displayed at locks (and also on
page 26). W hen the lock is unattended, the public may work
the lock themselves, but at their own risk. Instructions for the
operation of powered locks are posted on the operating
pedestals.
• Lock gates must always be properly closed before slowly
opening the sluices to fill or empty the lock. After use, leave
the lock empty and the gates shut, as in many cases there is a
public right of way over the gates.
• Telephones at locks may be used in emergencies where no
public telephones are available.
REGISTRATION AND
LICENSING
• All vessels (m otor launches, canoes, sailing dinghies,
sailboards, rowing craft) must be currently registered and
licensed with the Environment Agency. Registration
certificates usually expire on 31 December, although short
period certificates may be obtained for visiting craft entering
the Tham es from other waterways.
• The Agency must also be notified by the registered boat
owner of any change of ownership taking place during the
registration period. Failure to do so is an offence.
• Licences are not transferable and the licence plate must be
conspicuously displayed.
• All vessels used on the Thames are required to comply with
construction and equipment specifications. From 1997
onwards, depending on the age of the vessel, owners will be
required to produce a valid Boat Safety Certificate when
applying for a licence to use the vessel on the Thames. For
further details on the Boat Safety Scheme please refer to the
Boat Safety Scheme booklet available from
Navigation Offices or from the Boat Safety
Scheme, at W illow Grange, Church Road,
Watford, W D1 3QA.
Telephone (Watford) 01923 201408.
• In the event of loss or dam age to a licence
plate, a duplicate licence may be obtained
from the Craft Registration Department.

GUIDANCE FOR WATER

SPORTS AND RECREATION
Please read and understand the code of practice and safety rules
of any activity before taking part. These are produced by
governing bodies for each sport. Contact the Sports Council for
further details.

ANGLING
Before g o in g fishing
• Check you are carrying a valid rod licence (if you are over 12).
These are obtainable from all post offices or from the
Environment Agency.
• Possession of a rod licence does not give you the right to fish
from the river bank or a boat; you must have permission.
Downstream of Staines fishing is permitted to the public;
upstream of Staines it is mostly private or leased to clubs
which may sell day tickets on the bank.
• You may fish at certain Agency sites on the Tham es with a
permit. For further details, please contact the Craft
Registration Department.
• Observe the fishing seasons, rules and byelaws applicable to
the stretch you are fishing. Fishing in lock cuts and
approaches to locks is not permitted between 15 March and
31 October inclusive. At no time is it permissible to fish from
or over lock lay-bys or in lock chambers.
O n or by the river
• Take care when casting and ground baiting and remember
your hooks, lines and ledger weights can be dangerous. Look
behind and in front to ensure the area is clear.
• Beware of fishing near overhead electric cables. Contact or
close proximity between cable and fishing rod m ay cause fatal
injury.
• Take your litter home, especially discarded tackle. Fishing
hooks and nylon line are dangerous to birds and animals.
Wasted line should be taken home and burnt.
The use of lead shot
(between the weights
0.06 g and 28.35 g)
for fishing is now
prohibited - use lead-
free alternatives.

• If fishing at vacant recognised m ooring places, please be

prepared to move if a vessel wishes to moor.
All craft have a right to navigate the full width of the river.
Canoeists and sailing craft particularly, tend to manoeuvre
close to the bank. Although asked to take care, they can
inadvertently carry away fishing tackle as it is often difficult to
see the line. This often happens accidentally, when anglers
are hidden from view by bankside vegetation and should not
be regarded as a deliberate act to spoil your sport.
Take particular care when fishing from a boat. Wear a
buoyancy aid or lifejacket and take care not to obstruct the
main navigation channel.
You may not fish from a boat which
is under power.
CAMPING AND PICNICKING
• C am ping is permitted at the following Environment Agency
locks:

• W hen cam pin g and/or picnicking, please always:

- take your rubbish hom e or put it in a litter bin
- follow the Country Code.
• Please d o not cam p or light fires without permission.

CANOEING
• Buoyancy aids or lifejackets should be worn at all times with
helmets w hen in wild water. Canoeists should preferably have
had formal instruction, be able to swim and adhere to the
British C anoe Union C ode of Practice.
• W hen o n the water after sunset or in restricted visibility,
canoeists should wear light coloured tops, and an all-round
WHITE light or two W HITE lights covering 360° must be
displayed.
• Some weirs and sluice gates provide ideal conditions for wild
water canoeing but should only be used under the supervision
of experienced canoeists after obtaining permission from a
Navigation Inspector. Other weirs are dangerous and must
not be used. If in doubt, consult the local Navigation
Inspector. D o not canoe just above weirs or try to shoot
weirs.

• Keep clear of sailing boats, motor cruisers and rowing craft

(sculls, pairs, fours and eights) particularly w hen racing or
coaching is taking place.
• Remember it is difficult for rowing craft to see canoes.
• It is safer for unpowered craft to remain at the back of a
queue of traffic at a lock and to enter the lock last. To avoid
having to use the lock you m ay carry your canoe around it
using the gro w in g num ber of portage points provided at
locks.
• D o not follow close behind larger vessels.
• D o not get in the way of other craft by suddenly altering
course, particularly in narrow waters. Remember that larger
boats are less manoeuvrable and canoes can use much
shallower water than other craft.

DIVING
• All diving activities must have prior approval in writing from
the appropriate Navigation Inspector. The diving area should,
after consultation with a Navigation Inspector, be marked with
suitable surface marker buoys.
• Warn other river users that divers are below the surface, either
by flying the diving flag (International Code Flag A) or by
displaying a similarly painted board visible to upstream and
downstream traffic. Mark diving boats so that you and your
club and activity can be easily identified.

weirs.
• Never leave a support boat unattended when diving is in
progress and never dive alone or without proper support crew.
Divers should have had formal instruction and should always
adhere to the British Sub-Aqua Club C ode of Practice.
• Other river users may appreciate offers of help, e.g. to recover
lost equipment.
ROWING AND SCULLING
• In strong stream conditions it is advised that rowing craft stay
off the river.
• If you choose to row in strong stream conditions stay away
from weirs, obstructions and bridges, especially whilst turning
round. At such times a rescue boat should be in attendance.
• If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in restricted visibility,
rowers and scullers should wear light coloured tops, and an
all-round W HITE light or two W H ITE lights covering 360° must
be displayed.
• Look out for others on and in the water and change speed
and direction as necessary to avoid incident.
• Remember the cox is always in charge and is the master of
the craft.
• Remember when travelling faster than other craft that
o v e rta k in g vessels m u st ke e p clear. D o not turn across
the bow s of oncom ing craft, wait until it is safe.
• Remember it is difficult for other users to see fast m oving
rowing craft which lie low in the water.
• W hen rowing for pleasure, ensure you do not interfere with
other organised activities.
• Coaching/rescue vessels must watch their speed and wash.
• W hen visiting stretches of the river other than those you use
for training, ascertain and com ply with the Code of Practice of
local clubs before taking out any craft.

It is safer for unpowered craft to remain at the back of a

queue of traffic at a lock and to enter the lock last.
U nless in tending to pass th ro u g h the lock, row in g craft
sh ou ld keep aw ay from the approaches to locks.
SAILING AND
BOARDSAILING
• Boardsailors should look out for other river traffic and keep
clear of weirs and busy channels.
• D o not suddenly alter course immediately in front of other
craft. Power driven craft are not always as manoeuvrable as
sailing craft, especially at low speeds when sailing craft have
reasonable winds.
• If sailing at dusk, after sunset or in restricted visibility, an all­
round WHITE light or two WHITE lights covering 360° must be
displayed, and light coloured tops should be worn.
• Tacking is often essential, but can *
present a hazard to navigation.
Keep a proper lookout; failure to
do so is the cause of m any
accidents.
• Buoyancy aids or lifejai
should be worn at all t

Racing
• Lay starting lines where they rannot cause trouble to passing
traffic. If in doubt, consult the local Navigation Inspector.
Sailing marks should not be placed near locks, lock cuts,
marinas, fuel wharves, passenger boat landing stages or
narrow and shallow places.
• The length of the starting line must allow a clear passage to
craft proceeding up and dow n the river. A navigable channel
should be available for non-racing vessels.
• Starting signal intervals: keep the time between W arning and
Starting signals to a minimum.
• W hen there are several starts in succession, allow an interval
between races. During this interval craft intending to race
should avoid congregating in the starting area. This allows
other vessels to proceed and avoids annoying delays.
• Control the number of craft racing at any one time, and the
areas they occupy. Novices should keep out of busy channels.
SWIMMING AND PADDLING
The Environment Agency supports the view of safety organisations
w hich recommend A G A IN S T swim m ing or diving in open
watercourses. If you decide not to accept their advice bear the
following in mind:
• N E V E R jump or dive into the river from any bridge, bank,
craft or otherwise. It is not only dangerous to those w ho do
it but also to any vessel passing by.
• N E V E R swim near m oving craft. Boats cannot stop dead and
need room to manoeuvre. Propellers are very dangerous.
• N E V E R swim around moored craft, fallen logs or blind
comers.
• N E V E R swim w hen there is a strong current.
• N E V E R swim in locks, lock cuts, narrow channels or cuttings.
• N E V E R attempt to swim across the river - it is wider than you
think !
• Keep away from weirs and weir pools.
• If children are sw im m ing or paddling, always watch them
carefully as river depth varies suddenly
and w ash from boats can cause
them to fall over. There may be
broken glass or other sharp material
on the river bed and so it is
advisable to wear bathing shoes.

• T h e riv e r t e m p e r a tu r e is likely t o b e m u c h c o ld e r t h a n
e x p e c te d . T h is m a y lim it th e s w i m m e r 's a b ility to s w im a n y
d ista n c e .

• Non-swim m ers on airbeds or inflated rubber tubes can easily

float or be blown into deep water w hen sudden loss of
buoyancy could be disastrous.

WALKING
• There are m any rights of way along the river - please use
them responsibly.
• Prevent young children from w andering near the river's edge.
• Close farm gates.
• Always keep to the public right of way, and avoid walking on
crops.
• Keep your do g under close control and on a lead at locksides.
• C le a n u p after y o u r d o g .

• Take your litter home.

Cycling
Cyclists have no right to ride on the towpath although in some
urban areas (e.g. Oxford, Reading and London) it is customary.
Walkers always have priority over
cyclists w ho should give way
accordingly. Cyclists must
dismount before passing
through lock areas.
Outside towns, stiles
and gates make
cycling impractical.

The Tham es Path

The Thames Path
National Trail
meanders for 340
km (21 3 miles)
from the river's
source near Kemble in
Gloucestershire, through
peaceful countryside,
Thames Valley villages and towns
and into the City of London before ending at the
Thames Barrier at Greenwich. For most of its length the path
follows the riverside towpath. For more information contact the
Countryside Commission.

MOTORISED CRAFT
GENERAL INFORMATION
• The vessel name, shown exactly as it appears on the
launch certificate, must be clearly marked on either side of the
bow and on the stern in plain letters in the following m inimum
sizes:

5.1 cm (2 ") for a vessel n o m ore than

6.09 m (20') in length.

7.6 cm (3 ") for a vessel betw een

6.09 m (20') and 9.14 m (3 0 ') in length.

10.2 cm (4 ") for a vessel betw een

9.14 m (30') and 15.23 m (5 0 ') in length.

15.2 cm (6 ") for a vessel exceeding

15.23 m (5 0') in length.

• The vessel name must be easily distinguishable from any trade

name, and no other advertising sign or notice may be
displayed on any vessel except in relation to the trade or
business of the owner provided that it is a river related
business.
• Your craft must be river worthy, that is conform where
applicable to The Thames Navigation Licensing and
General Byelaws 1993, and should not carry more people than
it was designed for or the law permits. It is an offence to carry
more than 12 passengers without a passenger-carrying
certificate issued by the Marine Safety Agency.
• All skippers should endeavour to have some training in the
handling of their vessel and should ensure that at least one
other person on board knows how to handle the vessel, where
the emergency equipment is and how to operate it.
• The only lavatories approved for use on vessels on the
freshwater Thames are the self-contained chemical types or
those w hich discharge into holding tanks. Lavatories capable
of discharging overboard must be sealed by a Navigation
Officer - or other steps must be taken to render it inoperable.
Sealing is undertaken without charge, by arrangement with
any Navigation Office or at Teddington Lock.
• Avoid pollution. It is an offence to discharge sewage, or any
other matter likely to cause pollution into the river, or to leave
rubbish on the banks. See page 27 under 'Lock Facilities' for
sewage and rubbish disposal sites.
• Oil-contaminated bilge water is another source of pollution
and must on no account be pum ped into the river. It should
be containerised and taken to an authorised disposal site.
Telephone freephone 0800 6 6 3 3 6 6 to find the location of your
nearest used-oil recycling point.
• Take care when refuelling. O w ners of petrol boats should take
special care w hen refuelling. Petrol vapour is heavier than air
an d does not readily disperse if there is a spillage or a leak.
Before taking on fuel, switch off the engine and extinguish all
cigarettes and naked flames. Ensure all cooking, heating and
lighting appliances are turned off. To ensure the fuel system is
not overfilling, monitor the fuel level carefully. Any portable
fuel tank connected to an outboard motor must be removed
from the vessel for filling. Any petrol spillage must be m opped
up and the vessel thoroughly ventilated before the engine is
started or naked lights are used.
• You are recomm ended to have public liability and third party
insurance cover.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
• Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers must be carried. The
num ber of extinguishers depends on the size of the craft - see
the Boat Safety Schem e specifications.
• Horn: Every vessel m ust be fitted with a horn or whistle.
• A nchors: Carry at least one anchor, preferably two. The
safety of your boat may depend on its prompt use if the
engine or steering gear should
fail. Keep the anchor on deck
and ready for use at all times.
W hen anchoring with chain
cable use at least three times the
depth of water. If using
synthetic warp, use about five
times the depth.

• First-Aid: Facilities are available

at every lock and on patrol
launches but please carry a
first-aid box on board.
+
OTHER EQUIPMENT
• B ilg e Pump: Carry an efficient bilge pum p or baler for
emptying your vessel if at any time water gets in.
• M o o r i n g L in e s: Make sure you have at least 2 m ooring lines
(1 at the front and another at the back) which are in good
order. The minimum length of the lines should be 7 metres
which is long enough for use in deep locks when empty.
• R a d io : Vessels fitted with a marine band radio need a licence
from the Radio Comm unication Agency. In addition, users of
such radios are required to hold a VHF Operators Licence.
Details of the examination requirements are available from the
Royal Yachting Association. Reception can be severely marred
by geographical location. D o not rely upon it as a means of
sum m oning assistance in an emergency. Although
maintaining a listening watch, the Navigation Service will
respond to emergency calls only. Remember help may be
some distance away.
• F la g s : Normally

1
British craft may only
fly the Red Ensign. It
is illegal to fly any
other national British
flag unless permission
is granted by the
Ministry of Defence.

• Craft should carry a lifejacket or buoyancy aid for every person

on board.

ONCE ABOARD
• Use suitable footwear with non-slip soles. N o h i g h h e e ls ...

• Use the grab rails when you walk around deck, even when
moored.
• Never run around deck.
• Ufejackets or buoyancy aids should be worn by children and
non-swimmers at all times and by everybody in adverse
weather conditions.
• O n some boats children can be out of sight - they often sit
in dangerous positions and a sharp turn, change of speed or
wash from another boat can toss them into the water.
WHEN UNDER WAY
• Byelaws for the River Thames are displayed at each lock. If in
doubt as to w hat these m ean or if you need to have them
clarified, ask a Navigation Officer for advice.
• Speeding is dangerous and illegal. Accidents occur more
frequently at h igh speeds, particularly from the wash such
speeds create. Unlike a car, a boat will not 'stop in seconds'
and therefore needs a longer stopping time. The maximum
speed limit is 8 kilometres per hour (approximately 5 miles per
hour), which is equivalent to a fast walking pace.
• All m oving vessels make wash. Excessive wash can:
- endanger people
- dam age m oored vessels
- harm wildlife
- endanger swimmers
- cause accidents in galleys of m oored craft
- sw am p small craft
- dam age river banks
- interfere with angling.

• Keep a frequent check on your wash. Due to their differing

shapes, som e boats make more wash than others. Even at a
slow speed, your wash will be increased w hen in convoy. Resist
the temptation to keep in a convoy at the speed limit if the
resultant wash is too great.
• Think ahead; slow dow n and check your wash when:
- there are m oorings ahead
- there are small craft, swim m ers or anglers
- the channel ahead narrows
- the banks are eroded.
• It is often sensible to stop briefly to allow your wash to settle to
an acceptable level.
• D o not let time rule your journey. It is an offence to navigate
without care and caution, or in a manner likely to endanger the
safety of others or dam age the banks of the Thames.
• Boating under the influence of drink or drugs is an offence.
ANCHORING AND MOORING
• In general vessels have a right to anchor in the Thames for up
to 24 hours in any one place provided no obstruction is
caused to the fairway. You may need permission to m oor to
the bank. Place m ooring stakes well back from the bank edge
and take care they do not cause a hazard to passers-by.
Always respect private rights and when in doubt, obtain
permission from the owner of the bank before tying-up.

• W hen stopping overnight, or leaving the launch for any

appreciable time, do not m oor in shallow water or with a
tight rope or chain as water levels m ay fluctuate by as m uch
as 1 metre in a few hours. If the level drops and a craft is
beached or moored in shallow water, it may be damaged. If
the level rises, and m ooring ropes or chains are tight, the
launch may take on water, be pulled under or even break free.
Always ensure there is ample water below your keel and
sufficient vertical play on any m ooring rope or chain.

• You may land on or embark from the towpath, but there is no

right to m oor up to private towpath property without the
landowner's consent. D o not trespass on private banks or
moorings.

COMMERCIAL USERS -
ADDITIONAL ADVICE
• Skippers of commercial craft should look out for other river
users and allow for the fact that many may be inexperienced
or intimidated by the size of passenger boats or tugs with
barges.
• Care must be taken in overtaking. The size and drag of the
larger commercial craft can be very disturbing to smaller craft.
• In narrow lock cuts, remember that some pleasure craft may
draw up to 1.5 metres or more and might not be able to
manoeuvre quickly.
PART 2
TECHNICAL AND
DETAILED
INFORMATION ON
STRUCTURES/
SERVICES/
FACILITIES ETC.
GENERAL NAVIGATION
INFORMATION
• The Thames Region's navigation jurisdiction extends over the
River Thames between the Town Bridge at Cricklade and the
boundary obelisk approximately 210 metres (230 yards)
downstream of Teddington Lock. Jurisdiction also covers the
River Kennet from its mouth, upstream to 64 metres
(70 yards) east of the High Bridge at Reading.
M a x i m u m d i m e n s i o n s o f v e s s e ls

• At certain times of the year some parts of the Thames between

Cricklade and Inglesham are only navigable by the smallest of
craft. Below Lechlade the fairway (i.e. navigable channel) is
normally available for vessels of the following approximate
drafts:

Lechlade to Oxford 0.9 m 3 '0 ''

Oxford to Reading 1.2 m 4 '0 "
Reading to Windsor 1.3 m 4 '6 "
Windsor to Staines 1.7 m 5 '6 "
Staines to Teddington 2.0 m 6 '6 "

Overhead Cables
• In open reaches below Oxford, cables are usually 12 metres (40
feet) above summer water level - allow a clearance of at least 4
metres (1 3 feet). If in doubt masts or aerials should be
lowered. Take particular care in locks, lock cuts, backwaters
and in reaches above Oxford, where cables may be much
lower.

CONNECTING WATERWAYS
The River W ey to Guildford and Codalm ing may be entered from
the Thames at Weybridge. The navigation authority is the National
Trust W ey Navigation, Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford,
Surrey G U I 4RR. Telephone 014 83 561 389. All visiting craft must
be registered with the National Trust.
The Kennet and Avon N avigation extends from the Thames
Region's navigation boundary in Reading to the Port of Bristol.
Before entering the waterway your launch must first be licensed
with British Waterways, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford,
Herts WD1 3QA. Telephone 0 19 23 226422.
The O xford Canal gives access to the Midlands and the rest of the
waterways system. The navigation authority is also British
Waterways and entry from the Thames is either via the Sheepwash
Channel above Osney Bridge or via Dukes Cut, above Kings Weir.
The G rand U nion Canal can be entered from the Thames at
Brentford or Limehouse via the Regent Canal. Before entering the
waterway your vessel must be licensed with British Waterways.
The Port of London A uthority is the navigation authority for the
Thames from the Thames Region's boundary downstream of
Teddington Lock where the river is tidal. For more information
contact the Port of London Authority, Devon House, 58-60 St
Katharine's Way, London El 9LB. Telephone 0171 2652656.
MARKING OF
OBSTRUCTIONS
• The Thames has a system of m arking for shoals and other
obstructions in the navigation. This is particularly required in
the early m onths of the year, before reeds have grow n
through the surface of shallow water.
• O n the facing page the four shapes of topmarks used - can,
triangle, sphere and two spheres - are illustrated, together
with directions for passing them safely when you proceed
upstream. Remember when you navigate downstream that
the can and triangle shapes must be passed on your opposite
hand.
• Wrecks or other temporary obstructions in midstream are
marked by an isolated danger buoy w hich may be passed on
any side. Where such obstructions must be passed on a
particular side the appropriate can or triangle topmarks will be
used.
• In all cases vessels should pass well clear of a marking buoy.
• The closure of a navigation arch of a bridge is usually
indicated by a large RED disk.
• It is em phasised that the A ge n cy do e s not accept
responsibility for the m arkin g of o bstru ction s that lie
outside the fairway. You must therefore proceed with
particular caution w hen approaching any bank or if you
depart from the main navigation route.
 REMEMBER:
Buoys are to be passed
on opposite hand
when going downstream
TWO SPHERES (Black) SPHERES (Red & White) CAN (Red) TRIANCLE (Green)
Isolated danger Pass either side. Leave on your port (Left) hand Leave on your Starboard (Right)
Pass either side. side when going upstream hand side when going upstream
24 HOUR MOORINGS
• The Agency's Tham es Region has provided the following sites
for 2 4 hour m oorings free of charge. In each case the extent
of the m ooring site is indicated by Notice Boards:

Riverside, Lechlade
T o w p a th above Pinkhill Lock
T o w p a th upstream of The Ferrym an Inn, Bablockhythe
T o w p a th at East Street, O xford
T o w p a th above K e n n in gton Railway Bridge, near Iffley
T o w p a th above A b in g d o n Lock
Keen Edge Ferry, Shillingford
T o w p a th below C o rin g Bridge
T o w p a th above S o n n in g Lock
T o w p a th at Lo w e r Lashbrook below W argrave
T o w p a th below M a rlo w Lock
T o w p a th above Boveney Lock
T o w p a th below R unnym ede Pleasure G round, Egh am
T o w p a th below Staines Bridge
T o w p a th at Laleham W harf
T o w p a th at D u m se y Bend, betw een C hertsey &
S h e p p e rto n
T o w p a th at W e y b rid ge opposite Sh ep pe rton Lock
S h e p p e rto n C h u rch Square
D e sb o ro u g h Island (Old River)
K in g s to n W harf, K in gsto n
S te v e n 's Eyot b e low Kingston Bridge
• Fishing from the bank at these sites is not allowed between
1st M a rch and 31st October.

PUBLIC SLIPWAYS AND

LAUNCHING SITES
• You m ay launch a boat at the sites listed below, but there is
not necessarily a right to park a car or boat trailer.

A b in g d o n M a rin a
A b in g d o n , St H elen's W harf
Cholsey, Papist W a y
C ave rsh am B ridge
W argrave , Ferry Lane
Henley, W h arf Lane
A sto n Ferry, from either bank
M e d m e n h a m Ferry
M arlow , St Peter's Street
C o o k h a m Bridge b y Ferry Hotel
Bray Village
W in d s o r Leisure Centre
Truss's Island, C hertsey Lane, Staines
W e ybridge , Th am es Street
Sh e p p e rto n C h u rch Square
C o w e y Sale, W alton
W alto n W h a rf by A n gle rs Hotel
 Sunbury, Lower Ham pton Road
West Molesey, Hurst Park
East Molesey Drawdock
Thames Ditton b y Swan Hotel
Kingston Thameside
Teddington Drawdock
• These sites are not necessarily suitable for large or heavy boats
and trailers. If in doubt, please check first with your local
Navigation Inspector.

SEWAGE PUMP-OUT
STATIONS
• All of Thames Region's pum p-out stations work on a pre-paid
card system. These sites are highlighted in bold type in the list
below. These cards are available at locks adjacent to the pum p-
outs. Recharging fluid is not provided. Others listed are in
private management and usually available only during the
months April - October. Individual proprietors should be
consulted about hours of operation and there may be some
delay at busy hire cruiser bases while the fleet is being serviced.
Look for this blue and white sign:

St John's Lock
Rushey Lock
Eynsham - Oxford Cruisers
Eynsham Lock
Oxford - Bossoms Boatyard
Oxford - Osney Marina
Abingdon Lock
Abingdon - Kingcraft
Abingdon - Red Line Cruisers
Benson - Benson Pleasurecraft
Wallingford - Maidline Cruises
De Montfort Island, Reading - Bridge Boats
De Montfort Island, Reading - Caversham Boat Services
Caversham Below Lock - Better Boating
Shiplake Lock
Bourne End - Bourne End Marina
W indsor - W indsor Marina
Boveney Lock
Datchet - Kris Cruisers
Egham - Nicholes Boatyard
Penton Hook - Penton Hook Marina
Chertsey - Chertsey M eads Marine
Walton - Walton Marina
Shepperton - Shepperton Marina
Molesey Lock
Thames Ditton - Ferryline Cruisers
Thames Ditton - Thames Ditton Marina
Teddington - Tough Bros.
LOCK STAFF HOURS
OF DUTY
• It is anticipated that locks will be m anned during the following
hours but river users are advised to check with the notices
displayed at each lock.
• For any planned closures see notices displayed at each lock or
ring the Navigation Information Line on 011 8 9535520.
• Teddington Lock - 24 hours attendance.
For all other locks (except Blake's Lock) see following table:

JA N U A RY 9 .1 5 -1 6 .0 0

FEBR U A R Y 9.15 - 16.00

MARCH 9.15 - 16.00 *

A PR IL 9 .0 0 -1 7 .3 0

MAY 9 .0 0 -1 8 .3 0

JUN E 9 . 0 0 - 19.00

JULY 9.00 - 19.00

AUG UST 9.00 - 19.00

SEPTEM BER 9.00 - 18.00 **

OCTOBER 9.00 - 17.00

NOVEM BER 9.15 - 16.00

DECEM BER 9.15 - 16.00

* W hen Easter falls in March: 09.00 - 17.30 G ood Friday to

Easter M o n d a y inclusive.
** 9.00 - 18.30 Saturday and Sunday.
Note: Individual locks may be found closed to traffic on weekday
m ornings between 07.00 and 09.00 for cleaning.
LOCK FACILITIES AND
DIMENSIONS
A note for the follow ing tables
• These figures are issued for guidance only and may be found
to vary with water levels and for other reasons. W hen
considering the length of craft able to navigate through the
locks, always allow 3 metres (10 feet) for the closing of the
lower gates.
• The measurements given in the tables are:
1. Length of lock between heel posts.
2. Minim um width of lock between walls or rubbing piles.
3. Depth on Upper Sill taken at standard head water level.
4. Depth on Lower Sill taken from standard head water level
of the lock below, no allowance having been made for the
gradient of the intermediate reach.
5. Fall from standard head water level to that of the lock
below, again, no allowance is made for river gradient.
L O C K D IM E N S IO N S IN M E T R E S (feet & inches given in bracket
D EP T H
LOCK FAC ILIT IE S LENG TH W ID T H U PPER Sll

S T | O H N 'S SPRLW 33.60(1 I Q 'S " ) 4 .5 2 (1 4 '1 0 ") 1.32(4'4"]

B U SC O T 3 3 .4 7 (1 0 9 '1 0 ") 4 .4 7 (1 4 '8 ") 1.98(6'6"]
G RAFTON H 34.59(11 3 '6 ”) 4 .59(15 '1 " ) 1.67(5’6"]
RADCOT HLW 34.59(11 3 '6 ") 4 .5 7 (1 5 '0 ") 1 .4 9(4 '1 V
RUSHEY SPRLW 3 4.59(113 '6 " ) 4 .5 9 (1 5 '1 ") 1.67(5-6"]
SH IFFO RD H 34.64 (11 3 '8 " ) 4 .5 9 (1 5 '1 ") 1.67(5*6"]
NORTHMOOR W 3 4 .59 (1 1 3 '6 ") 4 .5 9 (1 5 '1 ") 1.65(5-5"]
PINKHILL w 3 4 .59 (1 1 3 '6 ") 4 .9 0 ( 1 6 '1 ') 1 67(5-6"]
EYN SH AM SPR LW H 34.51 (1 1 3 '3 ") 4 .9 7 (1 6 '4 ") 1 .6 5 (5 '5 ']
K IN G 'S W 3 4 .46 (1 1 3 '1 ") 4 .9 7(16-4") 1.67(5-6"]
G O DSTO W 3 3.52(11 0 '0 ") 4 .9 5 (1 6 '3 ") 1.52(5-0"]
O SNEY W L 3 4 .64 (1 1 3 '8 ") 5.25(1 7 '3 " ) 2.74(9-0"]
IFFLEY 4 6.96 (1 5 4 '1 ") 6 .4 7 (2 1 '3 ") 2.2 6(7-5"]
SAN DFO RD 5 3 .0 3 (1 7 4 ,0 ") 6 .6 2 (2 1 '9 ") 2.31(7-7"]
A B IN G D O N SP RL W H 36.57(12 0 '0 ") 5 .7 1 (1 8 '9 ") 2.64(8-8"]
CULHAM LW 3 9.87 (1 30'1 O ') 5 .3 3 (1 7 '6 ") 2 .4 1 (7 '1 T
C LIF T O N W 3 9 .5 7 (1 2 9 '1 0 ") 5.79(19*0") 2.36(7-0"]
D A Y 'S SR 4 6.93 (15 4 -1 0") 6 .4 5 (2 1 '2 ") 2.24(7-5"]
BENSO N W 40.56(1 3 3 '1 ”) 5 .4 6(17-11") 2.23(7*4"]
CLEEVE LW H 40.71(1 3 3 '7 ") 5 .5 3 (1 8 '2 ") 2.13(7-0"]
G O R IN G RW 5 4.68 (1 7 9 '5 ") 6 .4 0 (2 1 '0 ") 2 .9 7(9 '9 "]
W H IT C H U R C H S 41.22(1 3 5 '3 ") 5.48(18 '0 " ) 1 .8 5(6 '1 "]
M APLEDU RHAM R 61 6 9 ( 2 0 2 '5 ") 6 .4 2 (2 1 '1 ") 2.18(7-2"]
C AVERSH AM 40.03(1 3 1 '4 ") 5.46(1 7 '1 1 ") 1 .8 2(6 '0 ")
B LA K E'S 3 7.39(12 2 '8 ") 5 .7 5 (1 8 '1 1 ") 1.80(5*11-
S O N N IN G RL 4 7.57(15 6 '1 ") 5 .4 6 (1 7 '1 1 ") 2 .0 0 (6 '7 ")
SHIPLAKE SP RLW H 40.64(1 3 3 '4 ") S .5 6 (1 8 '3 ") 1.98(6-6")
M ARSH 41.19(1 3 5 '2 ") 6 .4 2 (2 1 '1 ") 2 .1 8 (7 '2 ")
HAM BLEDEN R 6 1 .0 (1 9 8 '3 ") 7 .7 (2 5 '0 ") 2 .2 (7 '3 ")
HURLEY SRLW H 39.82(1 3 0 '8 ") 6 .0 7(19*11") 1 8 8 (6 '2 ")
T EM PLE L W 41.02(1 3 4 '7 ") 5 .46(17-11") 2 .1 3 (7 '0 ")
M ARLO W LW 4 6 .1 0 (1 5 1 '3 ") 6 .0 7 (1 9 '1 1 ") 2.13(7-0")
COOKHAM R LH 55.77(18 3 '0 ") 7.6 2 (2 5 '0 ") 2 .5 1 (8 '3 ")
BO U LT ER 'S W 60.80(19 9 '6 ") 6.47(21 '3 " ) 3 .1 2(1 0'3 ‘
BRAY R L 40.94(1 3 4 '4 ") 5.46(17-11) 2.13(7-0'-)
B O V EN EY SP RLW H 45.59(14 9 '7 ") 5.43(17-10") 2.38(7-10'
ROM NEY L W 7 8.5 0 (2 5 7 '7 ") 7 .4 5 (2 4 '5 ") 2.83(9*3")
O L D W IN D S O R L W 5 4.55(17 9 '0 '') 7.3 6 (2 4 '2 ") 2 .4 8 (8 '2 ")
BELL W EIR RL 7 8 .5 1 (2 5 7 7 '') 7.44(24-5") 2 .6 1 (8 '7 ")
PENTON HOOK RW 8 1 .2 8 (2 6 6 '8 ") 7.56(24-10") 2 .7 4 (9 '0 ")
CH ERTSEY W H 6 1 .1 6 (2 0 0 '8 ") 6 .4 0 (2 1 '0 ") 2.66(8-9")
SH EPPERTO N SRI W 53.16(1 7 4 '5 “) 6 .0 4 (1 9 '1 0 ") 2 .4 3 (8 '0 ")
SU N B U R Y O L D 47.15 (1 5 4 '8 ") 5.86(19-3") 3.07(10’! '
SU N B U R Y N EW S RW 6 2 .7 8 (2 0 6 '0 ") 7 .4 1 (2 4 '4 ") 2 .7 6 (9 '1 ")
M O LESEY SP RLW H 8 1 . 7 8 ( 2 6 8 4 ") 7 .5 6 (2 4 '1 0 ") 2 .8 4 (9 '4 ")
T E D D IN G T O N BARGE 1 9 8 .1 2 (6 5 0 '0 ") 7 .5 4 (2 4 '9 ") 3 .1 5 (1 0 '4 '
T E D D IN G T O N L A U N C H 5 4 . 2 2 (1 7 7 '1 1 ") 7.41(24-4") 4.26(14-0*
T E D D IN G T O N RW 1 5 .0 8 (4 9 '6 ') 1 .7 7(5 '1 0") 1 0 9 ( 3 '7 ")
SKIFF

KEY: S = Sew age disposal

P = Sew age pum p-out
R = Refuse disposal
L = Lavatory
W = Drinking water tap for portage containers only
H = Water hose provided for bulk supplies
DEPTH
LO W ER SILL FALL T ELE P H O N E

1 .3 2(4 '4 ") 0 .8 S (2 '1 (r ) F A R IN G D O N (01 367) 252 3 09

1 .4 7(4 '1 0") 1 .6 9(5'7*) F A R IN G D O N (0 1 36 7 ) 252 4 34
1 4 4 ( 4 '9 ") 1.11(3'8“) F A R IN G D O N (0 1 36 7 ) 810251
1 .5 4(5 '1 ") 1 4 8 ( 4 '1 0 ') F A R IN G D O N (0 1 36 7 ) 240 6 76
1.5 2 (5 '0 ") 1.8 2 (6 '(r) F A R IN G D O N (0 1 36 7 ) 870 2 18
1 .6 0(5 '3 ") 2 .2 3 (7 '4 ") F A R IN G D O N (0 1 36 7 ) 870 2 47
1.44(4"9”) 1.24(4'1”) O X F O R D (0 1 86 5 ) 8 6 2 9 23
1 .6 2 (5 4 ") 1.0 5(3 '6 ") O X F O R D (0 1 86 5 ) 881 4 52
1 .7 2(5 '8 ") ojHcm O X F O R D (0 1 8 6 5 )8 8 1 3 2 4
1 .6 7(5 '6 ") 0 .7 7 ( 2 '6 ”) O X F O R D (0 1865) 553 4 03
1 6 2 ( 5 '4 ") 1 .5 7 (5 '2 ') O X F O R D (0 1865) 5 54784
2 .1 0 (6 '1 1 ') 1 .8 9 (6 '3 ') O X F O R D (0 1865) 2 4 7 0 50
2 .2 6 (7 '5 ") 0.81 (2 '9 *) O X F O R D (0 1 86 5 ) 777 2 77
2 .3 1 (7 '7 ") 2 .6 9(8 '1 0 “) O X F O R D (0 1865) 775889
1 .5 2(5 '0 ") 1.89(6'2”) A B IN G D O N (0 1 23 5 ) 5 23044
1.6 2 ( 5 '4 ") 2 .4 1 (7 '1 1 ') A B IN G D O N (0 1 23 5 ) 522061
1.75(5'9”) 1 .0 3(3 '5 ") O X F O R D (0 1865) 407821
1.9 3 (6 '4 ") 1 ,5 8 (5 '2 '') O X F O R D (0 1 86 5 ) 407 7 68
2.13 (7 '0 ”) 1 .8 7 (6 '2 ') W A LLIN G FO R D (0 1 49 1 ) 8 35255
2 .2 2 (7 '3 ") 0.69(2-3”) W A LLIN G F O R D (0 1 49 1 ) 8 72608
2 .5 6(8 '5 ") 1.77(5-10") W A LLIN G F O R D (0 1 49 1 ) 872 6 87
1,9 3 (6 '4 ") 1.01(3-4") REA D IN G (0118) 9 84 2 4 4 8
2.13 (7 '0 ") 2 .0 5(6 '9 ") REA D IN G (0118) 9 4 1 7 7 7 6
1.8 8(6 '2 ") 1 .44(4'9") REA D IN G (0118) 9 5 7 5 76 4
1.6 3 (5 '5 ") 1.0 7(3 '6 ") REA D IN G (0 1 1 8 )9 5 7 2 2 5 1
1.9 3 ( 6 4 " ) 1.63(5-4") REA DIN G (0118) 9 69 3 9 9 2
1 .90(6'3") 1 .5 5(5 '1 ") REA D IN G (0118) 9 4 0 3 3 5 0
2 .1 8(7 '2 ") 1.3 3(4'4-) HENLEY (0 1 49 1 ) 572 9 92
2 .2 (7 '3 ") 1.44(4’9) HENLEY (0 1 49 1 ) 571 2 69
1.8 8 (6'2") 1.05(3-5") M A ID E N H E A D (0 1 62 8 ) 824 3 34
2 .1 0(6 *1 1') 1 .2 3 (4 1 ") M A ID E N H E A D (0 1 62 8 ) 824 3 33
1.9 S(6 '5 ") 2.16(7-1") M A ID E N H E A D (0 1 62 8 ) 4 8 2 8 67
2.48(8"2") 1.3 0(4 '3 ") M A ID E N H E A D (0 1 62 8 ) 520 7 52
2.13 (7 '0 ") 2.3 9 (7 '1 0 ") M A ID E N H E A D (0 1 62 8 ) 624 2 05
2.13 (7 '0 ") 1.46(4-9") M A ID E N H E A D (0 1 62 8 ) 6 2 1 6 5 0
2.13 (7 '0 ") 1 .4 7 (4 '1 0 ') W IN D S O R (0 1 75 3 ) 8 6 2 7 64
2.6 2(8 '7 ") 2.01(6-7") W IN D S O R (0 1 75 3 ) 8 6 0 2 9 6
2 .5 4(8 '4 ") 1.74(5-9") W IN D S O R (0 1 75 3 ) 8 6 1 8 22
2 .6 1 (8 '7 ') 1 .8 2 (6 0 ") STAINES (01784) 4 3 2 3 33
2 .5 6(8 '5 ") 1 .2 2 (4 0 ") STAINES (01784) 4 5 2 6 5 7
2 .4 6(8 '1 ") 1 .2 2 (4 0 ") SUNBURY (01932) 5 62208
2 .5 9 (8 '6 ") 2.03(6-8") SUNBURY (0 1932) 2 2 1 8 40
2.26(7-5") 1 .8 7(6'2-) SUNBURY (01932) 782 0 89
2.4 8(8 '2 )" 1.8 7(6 '2 ") SUNBURY (01932) 782 0 89
2.41(7*11") 1.85(6-1") 0181 9 7 9 448 2
2.61(8 '7 ") 2.68(8’1 0 ") 0181 9 4 0 8723
2 .7 9 (9 '2 ") 2.68(8-10") 0181 940 872 3
1 .3 4 (4 '5 ') 2 .6 8 (8 '1 0 ") 0181 9 4 0 8723

Note: Water supplies in sanitary stations are unfit for drinking

HEADWAYS OF BRIDGES,
LECHLADE TO TEDDINGTON
• Headways are measured above standard head water level
of the lock below. Allowance must therefore be made for the
gradient of the river at any given time because this will reduce,
to a varying extent, the figures given below as a basic guide.

HEADW AY IN METRES
BRIDGE (feet & inches
given in brackets)

Lechlade 4.72 ( 1 5 '6 “)

St john's 4.22 (1 3 '1 0 ")
Eaton 2.97 ( 9 '9 ")
Radcot 3.45 (1 1 '4 ")
Old M an's 4.27 (1 4 '0 ")
Tadpole 4.52 (1 4 '1 0 ")
Tenfoot 3.71 (12 '2 ")
Shifford Lock Cut 3.66 (12 '0 ")
N ew 3.50 (1 1 '6 ")
Hart's 3.27 (10 '9 ")
Swinford 4.49 (1 4 '9 ")
O xford Western By-pass 4.11 (1 3 '6 ")
Godstow 2.56 ( 8 '5 ")
Medley 3.05 (10 'O ")
O sney 2.28 ( r 6 ")
O sney Railway 3.55 (11 '8 ")
Road Bridge 3.71 (1 2 '2 ")
Public Footpath 3.91 (12 '1 0 ")
Folly 3.12 (1 0 '3 ")
D on nington Road 5.03 (16 '6 ")
Isis 5.03 (16 '6 ")
Kennington Railway 4.11 (1 3 '6 ")
N uneham Railway 4.80 (15 '9 ")
Abingdon 4.24 ( i 3 'i r )
Culham Lock Cut 3.78 (12 '5 ")
Culham, Below Lock 4.49 (1 4 '9 ")
Appleford Railway 3.96 (1 3 0 " )
Clifton Lock Cut 4.06 (1 3 '4 ")
Clifton Ham pden 4.09 (1 3 '5 ")
D ay's Footbridge 4.64 (1 5 '3 ")
Shillingford 5.26 (1 7 '3 ")
Wallingford 5.00 (16 '5 ")
Wallingford By-pass 5.10 (1 6 '9 ")
M oulsford Railway 6.60 (2 1 '8 ")
Goring 5.15 ( 1 6 'i r )
Gateham pton Railway 6.96 (2 2 '1 0 ")
Whitchurch 4.14 (1 3 '7 ")
Caversham 4.57 (15 '0 ")
Reading 5.38 (1 7 '8 ")
Sonning, Under Tie Plates 4.41 (14 '2 ")
Shiplake Railway 5.43 (1 7 '1 0 ")
Henley 4.34 (14 '3 ")
Hurley Upper Towpath 3.98 (1 3 '1 ")
Hurley Lower Towpath 4.39 (14 '5 ")
Temple Footbridge 6.51 (2 1 '3 ")
Marlow 3.86 (1 2 '8 ")
Marlow-Bisham-By-Pass 6.02 (1 9 '9 ")
Bourne End Railway 4.72 (15 '6 ")
C ookham 4.62 (1 5 '2 ")
Cookham Lock Cut 3.81 (1 2 '6 ")
Boulter's Lock 5.26 (1 7 '3 ")
 Maidenhead 5.66 (1 8 '7 ")
Maidenhead Railway 9.80 (3 2 '2 ")
M4 7.77 (2 5 '6 ")
Windsor & Eton By-Pass 6.25 (2 0 '6 ")
Windsor Railway 5.41 (1 7 '9 ")
Windsor 4.01 (1 3 '2 ")
Black Pott's Railway 5.94 (1 9 '6 ")
Victoria 6.17 (2 0 '3 ")
Albert 5.69 (18 '8 ")
Old Windsor Lock Cut 4.34 (1 4 '3 ")
Runnymede 7.01 (2 3 '0 ")
Staines 6.02 (1 9 '9 ")
Staines, Under Key Stone 5.94 (1 9 '6 ")
Staines Railway 6.40 (2 1 '0 ")
M3 6.50 (2 1 '4 ")
Chertsey 5.82 (1 9 '1 ")
Desborough Channel, Upper 5.18 (1 7 '0 ")
Desborough Channel, Lower 5.18 (1 7 0 " )
Walton Temporary 5.56 (18 '3 ")
Sunbury Lock Cut 5.94 (1 9 '6 ")
Hampton Court 5.92 (1 9 '5 ")
Kingston 7.29 (2 3 '1 1 ")
Kingston Railway 6.81 (2 2 '4 ")
Teddington Lock Cut 5.58 (1 8 '4 ")

RIVER KENNET
River Tham es N avigation Kennet branch
• This short waterway leading from the Thames to the Kennet
and Avon Navigation in the centre of Reading is also within the
Agency's navigation jurisdiction so any registered craft may use
it without additional charge or formality. The recommended
maximum draft of vessels is 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches), and
headways of bridges over the navigation channel are given in
the distance table below. Beware of lesser headways if you
depart from this channel.
• When entering from the Thames reduce speed and keep a
sharp lookout for other craft. The towpath side of this river is
frequently not as deep as it looks, so steer well clear of the
towpath bank and allow oncom ing craft room to do the same.
• Dimensions of Blake's Lock are given on page 28. Boat crew
may operate the lock when it is unattended by lockstaff. Please
leave the lock emptying or empty with the gates closed.

T A B L E O F D IS T A N C E S A N D H E A D W A Y S
Kilom etres Kilom etres Headw ay
above Betw een M e tre s
T eddington Places (feet)
(m iles) (m iles)
Upstream limit of 88.93 (55.26) 0.01 (0.01)
Environment Agency,
Thames Region's
Navigation Jurisdiction
Queens Road Footbridge 88.92 (55.25) 0.36 (0.22) 3.00 ( 9 ' i r )
Watlington Bridge 88.56 (55.03) 0.11 (0.07) 2.95 (9 '8 ")
Kings Road Bridge 88.45 (54.96) 0.47 (0.29) 2.90 ( 9 '6 ')
Blake's Lock 87.98 (54.67) 0.39 (0.24)
Railway Bridge 87.60 (54.43) 0.05 (0.03) 6.20 (2 0 '4 ")
Gas M ains 87.55 (54.40) 0.05 (0.03) 4.77 (1 5 '8 ")
Railway Bridge 87.50 (54.37) 0.06 (0.04) 6.70 (2 2 '0 ")
Kennet M outh &
River Thames 87.44 (54.33) 0.00
USEFUL ADDRESSES
Environment Agency Boat Safety Scheme
Thames Region Willow Grange
Kings Meadow House Church Road
Kings Meadow Road Watford WD1 3QA
Reading RC1 8DQ Telephone: (01923) 201408
Telephone: Reading (0118) 9535000 Fax: (01923) 226081
Fax: (0118) 9500388

Environment Agency Pollution Hotline

The River Wey Navigation
freephone 0800 807060 to report
National Trust
pollution, fish deaths or other
Daphune Wharf
environment interest.
Wharf Road
The following can be contacted at the Guildford
above address: Surrey GUI 4RR
Fisheries & Conservation Manager Telephone: (01483) 561389
Telephone: (0118) 9535504

Public Relations Port of London Authority

Telephone: (0118) 9535555 Devon House
Navigation & Recreation Manager 58 - 60 St Katharine's Way
Telephone: (0118)9535525 London El 9LB
Telephone: (0171)265 2656
Fax: (0171)265 2699
Local Navigation Offices
Cricklade Bridge to head of Days Lock
British Waterways
Island
Willow Grange
Osney Lock
Church Road
Bridge Street
Watford
Oxford OX2 0AX
Herts WD1 3QA
Telephone: (01865) 721271
Telephone: (01923) 226422
Fax: (01923) 226081
Head of Days Lock Island to tail of
Hurley Lower Lock Cut
Department of Trade & Industry
Caversham Lock Island
Marine Licensing Section
Kings Meadow Road
Waterloo Bridge House
Reading RC1 8BP
Waterloo Road
Telephone: (0118) 9535533
London SE1 8UA
Telephone: (0171) 215 2047
Hurley Weir Stream to
Penton Hook Lock
Marine Safety Agency
Boulter's Lock
London District Marine Office
Raymead Road
Central Court
Maidenhead SL6 8PE
1b Knoll Rise
Telephone: (0118) 9535577
Orpington, Kent BR6 0|A
Telephone: (01689) 890400
Penton Hook Lower Lock Cut to
Teddington Ministry of Defence
Riverside Works Main Building
Fordbridge Road Whitehall
Sunbury on Thames TW16 6AP London SW 1A2HB
Telephone: (01932) 781946

Craft Registration (& Weir Permits)

for the Thames
P.O.Box 214
Reading RG1 8HQ
Telephone: (0118) 9535650

General Emergency
(Out of Office Hours)
Telephone: (0118) 9535000
Royal Life Saving Society Royal Yachting Association
River House RYA House
High Street Romsey Road
Broom Eastleigh
Warwickshire Hants SOS 4YA
Telephone: (01789) 773994 Telephone: (01703) 627400
Fax: (01789) 773995

British Canoe Union

The Resuscitation Council (UK)
|ohn Dudderidge House
9 Fitzroy Square
Adbolton Lane
London W1P 5AH
West Bndgford
Telephone: (0171) 388 4678
Nottingham NC2 5AS
Fax: (0171) 383 0773
Telephone: (0115) 9821100
Fax: (0115) 9821797

Metropolitan Police
Wapping Control
Telephone: (0171) 275 4421 The St |ohn Ambulance
1 Grosvenor Crescent
London SW1X7EF
Thames Valley Police Telephone: (0171) 235 5231
Underwater Search Unit Fax: (0171) 235 0796
Police Training Centre
Suihamstead
RC7 4 DU The British Red Cross
Telephone: (0118)9325580 9 Grosvenor Crescent
London SW1X 7E|
Telephone: (0171) 235 5454
Sports Council
Fax: (0171) 23S 7447
16 Upper Wbbum Place
London WC1H 0QP
Telephone: (0171) 388 1277
Countryside Commission
Fax: (0171) 383 5740
71 Kingsway
London W C2 B6ST
Royal Society for the Telephone: (0171)831 3510
Prevention of Accidents Fax: (0171) 831 1439
Cannon House
The Priory
Queensway Central Coundl for
Birmingham B46 BS Physical Recreation
Francis House
Francis Street
Radio Communication Agency London SW1P IDE
Ship Radio licensing Unit Telephone: (0171) 828 3163
New Kings Beam House
22, Upper Ground British Sub-Aqua Club
SE1 9SA Telfords Quay
Telephone: (0171)2110211 Ellesmere Port
Fax:(0171)2110507 South Wirral
Cheshire L65 4FY
Telephone: (0151) 3506200
Fax:(0151) 3506215

WMst every cart has been taken to o w n the

accuracy aI this (formation, the Agency cannot
accept any reporaM ty for any errors or
 TABLE O F DISTANCES C R IC K L A D E TO TEDDINGTON
Distance ab o v e T e d d in g to n B o u n d a ry O belisk To next place
dow nstream
Statute
M ile s km s km s m ile s
135.18 217.55 Cricklade Bridge 6.81 4.23
130.95 210.74 Castle Eaton Bridge 4.34 2.70
128.25 206.40 Hannington Bridge 5.55 3.45
124.80 200.85 Round House 1.13 0.70
(Thames & Severn Canal - Closed)
124.10 199.72 Halfpenny Bridge Lechlade 1.05 0.65
123.45 1 9 8 .6 7 S T J O H N 'S L O C K 1.85 1.15
122.30 1 96 .8 2 B U S C O T L O C K 2.15 1.34
120.96 194.67 Eaton Footbridge 3.22 2.00
118.96 1 91 .4 5 G R A F T O N L O C K 1.93 1.20
117.76 189.52 Radcot Bridge 1.05 0.65
117.11 188 4 7 R A D C O T L O C K 0.35 0.22
116.89 188.12 Old Man's Footbridge 3.88 2.41
114.48 1 8 4 .2 4 R U S H E Y L O C K 1.16 0.72
113.76 183.08 Tadpole Bridge 2.93 1.82
111.94 180.15 Tenfoot Footbridge 2.83 1.76
110.18 1 7 7 .3 2 S H IF F O R D L O C K 4.14 2.57
107.61 173.18 Newbridge 1.87 1.16
106.45 171.31 Hart's Footridge 1.62 1.01
105.44 1 69 .6 9 N O R T H M O O R L O C K 2.48 1.54
103.90 167.21 Bablockhythe Ferry 3.73 2.32
101.58 1 63 .4 8 P IN K H IL L L O C K 2.22 1.38
100.20 161.26 Swinford Bridge 0.16 0.10
100.10 1 6 1 .1 0 E Y N S H A M L O C K 4.37 2.71
9 7 .3 9 1 56 .7 3 K I N G 'S L O C K 1.51 0.94
(Dukes Cut junction with Oxford Canal)
96.45 155.22 Godstow Bridge 0.30 0.19
9 6 .2 6 1 5 4 .9 2 G O D S T O W L O C K 2.89 1.79
94.47 152.03 Medley Footbridge 0.28 0.18
94.29 151.75 Sheepwash Channel 0.34 0.21
(junction with Oxford Canal)
94.08 151.41 Osney Bridge 0.36 0.22
9 3 .8 6 1 5 1 .0 5 O S N E Y L O C K 1.40 0.87
92.99 149.65 Folly Bridge 1.20 0.75
92.24 148.45 Donnington Bridge 1.13 0.70
91.54 1 4 7 .3 2 IFF L E Y L O C K 0.93 0.58
90.96 146.39 Kennington Railway Bridge 1.77 1.10
89.86 1 4 4 .6 2 S A N D F O R D L O C K 5.17 3.21
86.65 1 39.45 Nuneham Railway Bridge 2.21 1.37
85.28 1 3 7 .2 4 A B I N G D O N L O C K 0.77 0.48
84.80 1 36.47 Abingdon Bridge 3.38 2.10
82.70 1 3 3 .0 9 C U L H A M L O C K 2.07 1.29
81.41 131.02 Appleford Railway Bridge 2.45 1.52
7 9 .8 9 1 2 8 .5 7 C L IF T O N L O C K 0.72 0.45
79.44 127.85 Clifton Hampden Bridge 4.08 2.53
76.91 1 2 3 .7 7 D A Y 'S L O C K 4.36 2.71
74.20 119.41 Shillingford Bridge 2.01 1.25
7 2 .9 5 1 1 7 .4 0 B E N S O N L O C K 1.99 1.24
71.71 115.41 Wallingford Bridge 5.31 3.30
68.41 110.10 Moulsford Railway Bridge 3.16 1.96
6 6 .4 5 1 0 6 .9 4 C L E E V E L O C K 1.00 0.62
6 5 .8 3 1 0 5 .9 4 G O R IN G L O C K 2.07 1.29
64.54 103.87 Gatehampton Ferry 4.48 2.78
61.76 9 9 .3 9 W H IT C H U R C H L O C K 0.19 0.12
61.64 99.20 Whitchurch Bridge 3.48 2.16
5 9.48 9 5.72 M A P L E D U R H A M LO CK 1.36 085
58.63 94.36 Roebuck Ferry 4.62 287
55.76 89.74 Caversham Bridge 0.82 0.51
55.25 88.92 Reading Bridge 0.28 0.17
5 5.08 8 8 .6 4 C A V E R SH A M LO CK 1.20 075
54.33 87.44 River Kennet 3.03 1 88
(Blake's Lock Kennet & Avon Canal)
34
 To next place Time to lock
downstream downstream at
8 kilometres per hour
kms miles
0.47 0.29 36 mins
4.21 2.62
0.34 0.21 36 mins
4.46 2.77
1.21 0.75 35 mins
3.38 2.10
3.34 2.08 45 mins
2.55 1.58
1.03 0.64 8 mins
2.43 1.51 24 mins
0.70 0.44
0.25 0.15 49 mins
3.71 2.31
1.69 1.05
0.79 0.49
3.35 2.08 26 mins
1.08 0.67 26 mins
0.32 0.20
2.03 1.26
0.40 0.25 39 mins
4.70 2.92
1.90 1.18 29 mins
0.48 0.30
0.68 0.42
0.69 0.43
0.58 0.36 37 mins
0.63 0.39
2.39 1.49
1.23 0.76
2.17 1.35 36 mins
2.53 1.57
0.24 0.15 35 mins
1.36 0.85
0.52 0.32
2.45 1.52
2.78 1.73 24 mins
0.35 0.22
0.26 0.16 25 mins
3.06 1.90
0.88 0.55 36 mins
0.81 0.50
0.53 0.33
2.53 1.57
2.38 1.48 36 mins
1.29 0.80
1.12 0.70
0.31 0.19 59 mins
3.15 1.96
0.97 0.60
0.71 0.44
2.60 1.62
0.39 0.24
0.00 0.00

Inevitably, journey times between locks will take longer

d or unpowered craft.

lock DOW NSTREAM . W hen travelling upstream please read

Time to lock Distance above Ted din gton Boundary Obelisk
dow nstream at
8 k i lo m e t r e s p e r h o u r Statu te
M ile s Km s
5 2.45 8 4 .4 1 S O N N IN C LO CK
52.16 83.94 Sonning Bridge
4 9.54 7 9 .7 3 S H IP L A K E L O C K
49.33 79.39 Shiplake Railway Bridge
4 6.56 7 4 .9 3 M A R SH LO CK
45.81 73.72 Henley Bridge
1 5 m in s 4 3 .7 1 7 0 .3 4 H A M B L E D E N LO CK
41 m in s 41.63 67.00 Medmenham Abbey and Ferry
4 0.05 6 4 .4 5 HURLEY LO C K
2 3 m in s 39.41 6 3.42 TEM PLE LO CK
37.90 60.99 Marlow Bridge
3 2 m in s 3 7 .4 6 6 0.29 M A R L O W LO CK
37.31 60.04 Marlow Bypass Bridge
5 2 m in s 35.00 56.33 Bourne End Railway Bridge
33.95 54.64 Cookham Bridge
3 3 .4 6 5 3.85 C O O K H A M LOCK
5 8 m in s 3 1.38 5 0.50 BO U LTER S LO CK
30.71 49.42 Maidenhead Bridge
30.51 49.10 Maidenhead Railway Bridge
4 7 m in s 2 9 .2 5 4 7.07 BRAY LO C K
29.00 46.67 M4 Bridge
1 8 m in s 2 6 .0 8 4 1 .9 7 B O V E N E Y LO CK
24.90 40.07 Windsor Bypass Bridge
3 3 m in s 24.60 39.59 Windsor Railway Bridge
14 m in s 24.18 38.91 Windsor Bridge
2 3.75 3 8.22 R O M N E Y LOCK
23.39 37.64 Black Pott's Railway Bridge
3 0 m in s 23.00 37.01 Victoria Bridge
21.51 34.62 Albert Bridge
2 0.75 33.39 O L D W IN D S O R L O C K
19.40 31.22 Pats Croft Island
1 7 .8 3 2 8 .6 9 BE L L W E IR L O C K
2 8 m in s 17.68 28.45 Runnymede (M25) Bridge
16.83 27.09 Staines Bridge
16.51 26.57 Staines Railway Bridge
21 m in s 1 4 .9 9 2 4.12 P EN T O N H O O K LO CK
13.26 21.34 M3 Bridge
5 6 m in s 1 3 .0 4 2 0.99 C H ER T SEY LOCK
12.88 20.73 Chertsey Bridge
3 2 m in s 1 0 .9 8 1 7 .6 7 SH EPPER T O N LO CK
10.43 16.79 Desborough Channel Upper Brid<
3 4 m in s 9.93 15.98 Desborough Channel Lower Bride
9.60 15.45 Walton Bridge
3 6 m in s 8 .0 3 1 2 .9 2 SU N B U R Y LO CK
6.55 10.54 Platts Eyot
4 8 m in s 5.75 9.25 Garricks Eyot
5 .0 5 8 .1 3 M O L E S E Y LO CK
1 h r 1 9 m in s 4.86 7.82 Hampton Court Bridge
2.90 4.67 Ravens Ait
2.30 3.70 Kingston Bridge
8 m in s 1.86 2.99 Kingston Railway Bridge
5 0 m in s 0 .2 4 0 .3 9 T E D D IN G T O N L O C K
0.00 0.00 Teddington Boundary Obelisk
2 8 m in s

5 4 m in s
T h e journey times show n above are for guidance onl>
because of the need to slow dow n when passing moc
32 mins
The times given are between the lock indicated a n d tl
the time from the lock you are travelling towards.
RESPECT THE RIVER
Respect For Safety
• Always obey warning signs.
• Children and non-swimmers should always wear a life­
jacket.
• Swimming in rivers is dangerous and should be avoided.
• Wear non-slip footwear and use grab-rails when moving
around deck.
• Always carry a fire extinguisher and bilge pump.
• In emergencies call 999. Craft should carry sufficient life­
jackets for everyone on board.

Respect For Others

• Keep a sharp lookout for anglers and their lines.
• Always steer on the right hand side when safe and
practical.
• Observe the speed limit and take care when passing
others.
• Give way to vessels coming downstream near bridges
and sharp bends.
• Avoid turning round near bridges, bends or locks.
• Always leave lock gates shut when the lock is empty.

Respect The Environment

• Avoid making wash. It can cause erosion to river banks.
• Avoid water pollution.
• Dispose of oil at a used oil bank. Take care not to overfill
the fuel tank.
• Please take all rubbish home with you.
• Avoid trampling around river banks during the breeding
seasons.