EA 11059 Thames User Guide.qxd

Would you like to find out more
about the River Thames?
Then call us on
0845 601 5336
A user’s guide to the
or visit our website
River Thames
www.visitthames.co.uk
Would you like to find out more about
us, or about your environment?
Then call us on
08708 506 506
getting to know
(Mon-Fri 8-6)
email
enquiries@environment-
your river
agency.gov.uk
or visit our website
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24hrs)
floodline 0845 988 1188
Environment first: This publication is printed on
paper made from 100 per cent previously used
waste. By-products from making the pulp and paper are
used for composting and fertiliser, for making cement
and for generating energy.
GETH0408BNTF_E_P

Welcome to the River Thames
safe for the millions of people who use it,
We are the Environment Agency,
from anglers and naturalists to boaters,
navigation authority for the River Thames
walkers and cyclists. This leaflet is an
from Lechlade to Teddington. We care for
essential guide to helping the wide variety
the river, keeping it clean, healthy and
of users enjoy their activities in harmony.
To help us maintain this harmony, please
To encourage better understanding amongst river
users, there are nine River User Groups (RUGs)
read about activities other than your own
covering the length of the river from Cricklade to
to help you appreciate the needs of others.
Tower Bridge. Members represent various river
users, from clubs and sporting associations to
commercial businesses. If you belong to a club that
uses the river, encourage it to join the appropriate
group. Contact your local waterway office for details.
Find out more about
the River Thames at
www.visitthames.co.uk

Before you go...
• Be aware of potential health risks associated
with water recreation.
Please take note of the following reminders to make
In the event of an accident or emergency, call 999.
sure you have a safe and enjoyable time on the
River Thames.
Respect the environment
Respect others
• Do not damage riverbanks, vegetation and
wildlife, especially during the breeding season.
• Learn about other people’s activities so you can
appreciate their needs and intentions, especially
• Shut gates, keep to footpaths, guard against fire
when in competition.
and take your litter home.
• If planning an event on the river, contact your
• Avoid making wash, it can cause erosion to
local waterway office to ensure it is co-ordinated
riverbanks.
with the needs of others.
• Avoid pollution.
• Keep a lookout for anglers on the bank. Do not
Report pollution incidents to the Environment
disturb them, keep your distance and avoid their
Agency Emergency Hotline 0800 087060.
tackle.
• Always steer on the right hand side where
Contents
possible to avoid collision.
• Give way to boats coming downstream near
Part 1
bridges and sharp bends.
Navigation and recreation advice
1
• Watch your speed and take care when passing
Regulations
1
others.
Be safe on the water
4
• Leave the lock gates shut when the lock is empty.
Navigation 6
Safety at locks
11
• Remember excessive noise can disturb others.
Water sports and recreation advice
12
Respect safety
Motorised boats
18
Take account of river conditions. All activities can
be enjoyed with minimum risk if you follow some
Part 2
simple safety guidelines (see page 12).
Structures, facilities and services
23
• Always take note of warning signs.
Lock facilities and dimensions
23
• Wear non-slip footwear and use grab rails when
Lock staff hours of duty
28
moving around on deck.
24-hour moorings
29
• Boats should carry a fire extinguisher, bilge
Public slipways and launching sites
30
pump and enough life jackets for all on board.
Commercial sewage pump-outs
31
• Keep a close eye on children.
Connecting waterways
32
• Children and non-swimmers should wear
Table of distances and headways
35
life jackets.
Useful contacts
43
• Swimming in rivers is dangerous.

Regulations
Regulations
Part 1
declaration of conformity when
applying for a licence. For further
Navigation and recreation advice
details call 01923 201278 or go to
www.boatsafetyscheme.com.
Regulations
• As the registered owner, you must notify us of
Our navigation jurisdiction extends over the River
any change of ownership during the registration
Thames between Town Bridge, Cricklade and the
period. Failure to do so is an offence.
boundary obelisk about 210 metres (230 yards)
• Licences are not transferable and the licence
downstream of Teddington Lock. It also covers the
plate must be clearly displayed on your boat at
River Kennet from its mouth, upstream to 64
all times.
metres (70 yards) east of the High Bridge in
• If you lose or damage your licence plate, you can
Reading.
get a duplicate licence from our Craft
Various regulations and byelaws govern the use of
Registration Department, call 0118 953 5650.
the river and its banks for boaters, anglers, river-
• The boat name, shown exactly as it
side owners, walkers etc. Whether you want to
appears on the registration
erect a landing stage, hold a regatta or a
certificate, must be clearly marked
sponsored walk, please check with the local
on either side of the bow and on
waterway office and read the ‘Water sports and
the stern in plain letters in the
recreation advice’ on page 12.
following minimum sizes:
Registration and licensing
5.1 cm (2”) for a boat no more than
All boats (motor launches, canoes, sailing
6.09 m (20’) in length
dinghies, sailboards, rowing boats etc.) must be
7.6 cm (3”) for a boat between
currently registered and licensed with the
6.09 m (20’) and 9.14 m (30’) in length
Environment Agency. Registration certificates
usually expire on 31 December, although short
10.2 cm (4”) for a boat between
period registration certificates may be obtained for
9.14 m (30’) and 15.23 m (50’) in length
boats visiting the Thames.
15.2 cm (6”) for a boat exceeding
• Your boat must be river worthy, and should not
15.23 m (50’) in length
carry more people than it is designed for or the
• The name of your boat must be easily
law permits. It is an offence to carry more than
distinguishable from any trade name. No other
12 passengers without a passenger-carrying
advertising sign or notice may be displayed
certificate issued by the Maritime and
unless it is in relation to the owner’s river related
Coastguard Agency.
business.
• Your boat must comply with construction and
equipment specifications. You are required to
produce a valid boat safety certificate or
1 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 2

Regulations
Be safe on the water
Speed limits
Be safe on the water
The maximum speed for power driven boats
Every year there are accidents on the river, many of
upstream of Teddington is 8 kilometres per hour
which are serious – some fatal. We recommend you
(approx. 5 miles per hour) over the bed of the river.
have some basic first aid knowledge and learn how
To help you check that you are not travelling too
to cope in an emergency. See www.rospa.com for
fast, there are transit marks at:
more advice.
Oxford, Port Meadow – upstream of Medley Boat
Weirs are dangerous
station
• Warning signs should be respected. It is both
Day’s Lock – upstream of the lock
dangerous and illegal to interfere with weir gates
Reading, Dreadnought Reach – downstream of the
and sluices. In an emergency, always seek
entrance to the Thames and Kennet Marina
advice and help from the lock keeper.
Bourne End, towpath at Cockmarsh – downstream
• Any river activity poses a greater risk when there
of Bourne End railway bridge
are strong currents, higher river levels or cold
Shepperton – the Desborough Channel
weather conditions.
Kingston – towpath downstream of Ravens’ Ait
DO NOT take risks and never underestimate the
power of the river.
Each site has
two pairs of
• When large yellow CAUTION STREAM
markers. These
INCREASING / DECREASING
are black and
warning boards are displayed at
white poles
locks, all unpowered boats are
with a red
advised to moor up until the
triangle topmark, they are set exactly so when
stream abates. When INCREASING is indicated,
navigating at 8 kilometres per hour you will take
powered boats are advised to seek safe
60 seconds to travel from one pair to the other.
mooring. When DECREASING stream is indicated,
If you have taken less than 60 seconds you are
powered boats may proceed with caution.
travelling too fast. Please slow down.
• When large red CAUTION STRONG
Exemptions from this speed limit include:
STREAM warning boards are
displayed at locks, all boats are
– Any boat taking action to avoid danger to person
advised not to navigate until the
or property.
stream abates.
– Boats engaged in training,
• For recorded information on river conditions and
coaching or umpiring
strong stream warnings, call our floodline on
rowers and which display
0845 988 1188 and select option 1, followed
a pennant or mark issued
by quick dial number 011131.
by us.
In strong stream conditions you are advised to
keep off the river
3 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 4

Be safe on the water
Navigation
Maintenance work on the river
Navigation
• When maintenance work is carried out on the
Rules of navigation for all boats
river, it may be necessary to moor plant and
barges where they might present a hazard;
• Obey the rules of navigation and byelaws.
always try to anticipate the unexpected.
Copies are available from our waterway offices.
• A diver’s flag (International Code
• Steer on the right hand side where it is safe and
Flag A) indicates that divers are in
practical. Remember even when you have right of
the water.
way you have a responsibility to avoid collision.
• Yellow buoys mark dredgers’ anchors.
• Avoid turning your boat near bridges, bends and
Slow down and navigate past the dredger on the
locks. Do not turn across the bows of oncoming
side showing two all-round GREEN lights or two
boats; wait until it’s safe.
white diamonds in a vertical line. Two all-round
• Keep a sharp look out at all times for any
RED lights or two RED balls in a vertical line mark
hazards, taking action when necessary. If in
the side where chains and other obstructions
doubt, slow down or STOP.
may exist.
• Always take care when overtaking and keep clear
of other boats.
• Near bridges or sharp bends, boats going
upstream must give way
to boats coming
downstream.
Other navigation tips
• Always keep a good
distance from anglers on the
riverbank. Avoid their tackle
and create as little disturbance as
• Allow plenty of room for tugs and barges to
possible.
manoeuvre in lock cuts and other narrow
• It is safer for unpowered boats to enter the
channels. Laden barges need deep water and
lock last.
may swing wide on bends. Take care not to pass
between a tug and its tow. A tug with a tow may
• Powered boats should slow down and maintain
display a flashing amber light.
a steady course when approaching swimmers or
sub-aqua divers, rowing boats, canoes and
• For information about river works and any lock
sailing boats. Be aware that in times of little or
closures, call our floodline on 0845 988 1188
no wind, sailing boats have almost no control so
and select option 1, followed by quick dial
it is up to you to avoid them. If in doubt, clearly
number 011132.
indicate your intention and always be ready to
give way to avoid collision.
5 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 6

Navigation
Navigation
• When approaching an event, navigate slowly and
Sound signals
cautiously and take advice from officials or
These official sound signals are used by skippers
marshalls.
to warn other boaters of their intentions.
• Sailing races are usually held round a series of
1 blast – going to starboard (right)
buoys, you should avoid these. There may be
2 blasts – going to port (left)
congestion near sailing clubs when dinghies
gather to race which should clear within minutes.
3 blasts – engines are going astern
You should be prepared to STOP and proceed at
4 blasts (pause) 1 blast – turning right round
a slow, steady pace when clear.
to starboard
• When near rowing boats remember the crew of
4 blasts (pause) 2 blasts – turning right round
an uncoxed boat has difficulty keeping a lookout
to port
ahead, even a cox may have limited vision.
1 long 2 short blasts – unable to manoeuvre
• For more information about events, see
Remember them, understand them, and use them
displays at adjacent locks or call our floodline
as appropriate
on 0845 988 1188 and select option 1, followed
by quick dial number 011133.
Navigation lights
• If in a convoy, ensure there is ample space
Lights must be shown when navigating between
between each boat to allow good vision ahead
sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility as
and room to manoeuvre.
follows:
• Children should always be supervised. Don’t let
1. A bright WHITE light on the
them sit in dangerous positions where a turn,
mast or staff at the bow, not
change of speed or wash from
less than 1.2 metres (4 feet)
another boat could toss them into
above the hull
the water.
2. A GREEN light on the
• Children and non-swimmers
starboard side
should always wear life jackets.
3. A RED light on the port side
Advice for commercial users
4. A WHITE light on the stern.
• Skippers of commercial boats should look
Normally British boats may only
out for other river users and be aware that many
fly the Red Ensign. It is illegal to
people may be inexperienced or intimidated by
fly any other national British flag
the size of passenger boats or tugs with barges.
unless you have permission from
• Take care when overtaking. The size and drag of
the Ministry of Defence.
larger commercial boats can be very disturbing to
smaller boats.
• In narrow lock cuts, remember some boats may
draw up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) or more and might
not be able to manoeuvre quickly.
7 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 8

Navigation
Navigation
Maximum boat dimensions
At certain times of the year parts of the Thames
between Cricklade and Inglesham are only navigable
by small boats. Below Lechlade the navigation
channel is normally available for boats of the
following approximate drafts:
Lechlade to Oxford
0.9m
3’0”
Oxford to Reading
1.2m
4’0”
Reading to Windsor
1.3m
4’6”
Windsor to Staines
1.7m
5’6”
Staines to Teddington
2.0m
6’6”
Overhead cables
In open stretches below Oxford, cables are usually
12 metres (40 feet) above summer water level –
allow 4 metres (13 feet). If in doubt lower your
masts or aerials. Take particular care in locks, lock
cuts, back waters and reaches above Oxford, where
cables may be much lower.
Marking obstructions
The diagram opposite shows the system of marking
for shoals and other obstructions on the Thames.
The four shapes of topmarks used – can, triangle,
sphere and two spheres – are shown, together with
directions for passing them safely when going
upstream. When going downstream the reverse
applies.
• Wrecks or other temporary obstructions in
midstream are marked by an isolated danger
buoy, which may be passed on any side. Where
they must be passed on a particular side the
appropriate can or triangle topmarks will be used.
• In all cases boats should pass well clear of a
marking buoy.
Note: We are not responsible for marking obstructions
• A large RED disk usually means the navigation
that lie outside the navigation channel. You must
arch of a bridge is closed.
proceed with particular caution when approaching any
bank or if you leave the main navigation channel.
9 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 10

Safety at locks
Water sports and recreation advice
• Lock gates must always be properly closed before
Safety at locks
slowly opening the sluices to fill or empty the
• In narrow lock cuts, please remember some
lock. After use, leave the lock empty and the
boats draw up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) or more and
gates shut, as in many cases there is a public
might not be able to manoeuvre quickly.
right of way over the gates.
• When waiting for a lock, form an orderly queue at
the lay-by moorings as near to the lock as
Water sports and recreation advice
possible. Queue jumping is bad mannered
– it arouses ill feeling and can cause confusion
Please read and understand the code of practice
and delays entering the lock.
and safety rules, produced by governing bodies of
each sport, before taking part (contact details on
• Once the lock is full, any remaining boats should
page 45).
move forward along the lay-by to ensure those
waiting in the channel (perhaps in difficult
Angling
conditions) can moor at the back of the queue.
• Before you go fishing, you will need a valid rod
• Obey the lock keeper’s instructions. For both
licence (if you are over 12). You can pick one up
safety and efficiency reasons they may not
at any post office, from the sales hotline on
necessarily instruct boats to enter the lock in
0870 166 2662, or via www.environment-
strict order of arrival.
agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.
• Stop your engine once the boat is moored in the
• Your rod licence does not give you the right to
lock. Turn off radios and other music or noise.
fish from the riverbank or a boat; you must have
• Secure your head and stern lines around the
permission. Downstream of Staines, fishing is
bollards. When water is rising or falling in the
free where there is public access, upstream of
lock, adjust your lines to keep them fairly taut.
Staines it is mostly private or leased to clubs
Make sure your boat does not become caught up
which may sell day tickets on the bank.
as the lock is emptying.
• You can fish at some of our sites on the Thames
• Please keep dogs on your boat, or on a lead
with a permit (terms and conditions apply).
whilst passing through the lock.
For details, call 0118 953 5650 or see
www.visitthames.co.uk/fishingforms.
• Do not fend off with hands, feet or boat hooks.
• Observe the fishing seasons, rules and byelaws
• Do not open fuel tanks or strike matches.
applicable to the stretch you are fishing. You
• Do not moor upstream of the vertical white line
cannot fish in lock cuts and approaches to locks
on the lock wall or your boat may be damaged.
between 15 March and 31 October inclusive.
• Lock keepers’ hours of duty are displayed at
Fishing from or over lock lay-bys or in lock
locks and on page 28.
chambers is not allowed at any time.
• When the locks are unattended, you may work
• Take care when casting and ground baiting,
them yourself, at your own risk. Some locks have
always ensure the area is clear. Remember your
power making them easier to operate (see pages
hook, lines and ledger weights can be
23-26). Operating instructions are posted at locks.
dangerous.
11 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 12

Water sports and recreation advice
Water sports and recreation advice
• Beware of fishing near overhead electric cables.
• If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in
Contact or close proximity between cable and
restricted visibility, light coloured tops should be
rod may cause fatal injury.
worn and an all round WHITE light or two WHITE
• Discard tackle with care as fishing hooks and
lights covering 360 degrees must be displayed.
nylon line are dangerous to birds and animals.
• Some weirs and
• The use of lead shot (between the weights of
sluice gates provide
0.06g and 28.35g) for fishing is prohibited
ideal conditions for
– use lead free alternatives.
white water canoeing.
Other weirs are
• If fishing at vacant recognised mooring places,
dangerous and must
please be prepared to move if a boat wishes to
not be used. If in
moor.
doubt, consult the local waterway office. Do not
• All boats have a right to navigate the full width
canoe just above weirs or try to shoot them.
of the river. Be aware, you could be hidden from
• Keep clear of sailing boats, motor cruisers and
view by bankside vegetation and boats may
rowing boats particularly when racing or coaching
accidentally carry away your line.
is taking place. Remember it is difficult for rowers
• If fishing from a boat, take care not to obstruct
to see canoes.
the main navigation channel and do not fish
• Do not follow behind larger boats or get in their
from a moving boat.
way by suddenly altering course, particularly in
Camping and picnicking
narrow waters. Remember larger boats are less
• There are over 20 campsites along the river,
manoeuvrable and canoes can use much
some can be found at the following lock sites:
shallower water.
Rushey, Pinkhill, Eynsham, Day’s, Hurley and
• It is safer for canoes to enter the lock last.
Cookham. There are also many picnic sites.
You can avoid the lock by using canoe portage.
For further details, see www.visitthames.co.uk.
Rowing and sculling
• Please do not camp or light fires without
• Be aware of other users and change speed and
permission.
direction as necessary to avoid incident.
• Please do not put portable barbecues on picnic
• If you choose to row in strong stream conditions
tables.
stay away from weirs, obstructions and bridges,
• Please take your litter home.
especially whilst turning around. At such times a
Canoeing
rescue boat should be in attendance.
• Always wear buoyancy aids or life jackets, and
• If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in
helmets when in white water. You should
restricted visibility, light coloured tops should be
preferably have had formal instruction, be able
worn and an all round WHITE light or two WHITE
to swim and adhere to the British Canoe Union
lights covering 360 degrees must be displayed.
Code of Practice.
• Remember the cox is always in charge and is the
master of the boat.
13 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 14

Water sports and recreation advice
Water sports and recreation advice
• When overtaking other boats, remember to keep
Diving
a clear distance. Do not turn across the bow of
• All diving activities must have prior written
oncoming boats, wait until it is safe.
approval from the local waterway office, who will
• Remember it is difficult for other users to see
advise on how to mark the diving area with
fast moving rowing boats, which lie low in the
suitable marker buoys.
water.
• Warn other river
users you are
• When visiting stretches of the river other than
below the surface,
those you use for training, ascertain and comply
either by flying the
with the code of practice of local clubs before
diving flag
taking out any boat.
(International Code Flag A) or by displaying a
• It is safer for rowing boats to enter the lock last.
similarly painted board visible to upstream and
downstream traffic. Mark diving boats so you,
Unless intending to use the lock, please keep away
your club and activity can be easily identified.
from its approaches
• Never leave a support boat unattended when
diving is in progress and never dive alone or
without a proper support crew. You should have
had formal instruction and should always adhere
to the British Sub-Aqua Club Code of Practice.
Racing
If you are holding a racing event on the river, please
contact your local waterway office in advance
(contact details on page 43). They will give you
conditions and advice for setting up and running
your event. These tips should also help you:
• Lay starting lines where they cannot cause
Sailing and boardsailing
trouble to passing traffic.
• Be aware of other users and change speed and
• Sailing marks should not be placed near locks,
direction as necessary to avoid incident,
lock cuts, marinas, fuel wharfs, passenger boat
especially when tacking.
landing stages or narrow and shallow places.
• Keep clear of weirs and busy channels.
• The length of the start line must allow a clear
• If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in
route for boats proceeding up and down the
restricted visibility, light coloured tops should be
river. A navigable channel should be available
worn and an all round WHITE light or two WHITE
for non-racing boats.
lights covering 360 degrees must be displayed.
• Keep the time between warning and starting
• Buoyancy aids or life jackets should be worn at
signals to a minimum.
all times.
15 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 16

Water sports and recreation advice
Motorised boats
• When there are several starts in succession,
Walking and cycling
allow an interval between races. During this
There are many rights of way along the river –
interval, boats intending to race should avoid
please use them responsibly.
congregating in the starting area to allow other
• Prevent young children from wandering near the
boats to proceed and avoids delays.
river’s edge.
• Control the number of boats racing at any one
• Keep your dog under control and clean up after
time, and the areas they occupy.
it. At lock sites, keep it on a lead.
• Novices should keep out of busy channels.
• Cyclists have no right to ride on the towpath
Swimming and paddling
although in some urban areas (e.g. Oxford,
• Do not jump or dive into the river from any
Reading and London) it is customary.
bridge, bank, boat or other structure. It is
• Walkers always have priority over cyclists who
dangerous to you and also any boats passing by.
should give way accordingly.
• Do not swim near moving boats, they cannot
• Cyclists should dismount at lock sites. Outside
stop dead and need room to manoeuvre.
towns, stiles and gates make cycling impractical.
Propellers are very dangerous.
• The Thames Path National Trail runs the length of
• Do not swim around moored boats, fallen logs or
the Thames from its source near Kemble to the
blind corners.
Thames Barrier at Greenwich. For more
• Do not swim where there is a strong current and
information contact the National Trails Office or
keep away from weirs and pools.
see www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath.
• Do not swim in locks, lock cuts, narrow channels
or cuttings.
Motorised boats
• Do not attempt to swim across the river, it is
General information
wider and colder than you think.
• All skippers should have some training in
• If children are swimming or paddling, always
handling their boat and ensure at least one
watch them carefully as river depth varies
other person on board knows how to handle it
suddenly and wash from boats can cause them
and where the emergency equipment is located.
to fall over. As there may be sharp objects on the
• The only lavatories approved for boats on the
riverbed, it is advisable to wear bathing shoes.
freshwater Thames are self-contained chemical
• Airbeds or inflated rubber tubes can easily float
types or those that discharge into holding tanks.
or be blown into deep water where sudden loss
Those capable of discharging overboard must be
of buoyancy could be disastrous.
sealed by a member of Waterway staff. Sealing is
undertaken without charge by arrangement with
any waterway office or at Teddington Lock.
17 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 18

Motorised boats
Motorised boats
• AVOID POLLUTION. It is an offence to discharge
chain cable use at least three times the depth of
sewage, or any other matter likely to cause
water. If using synthetic warp, use about five
pollution into the river or to leave rubbish on the
times the depth.
banks. It should be containerised and taken to
• We recommend you carry a first aid
an authorised disposal site (see pages 23-26 for
box, however, facilities are available
sewage and rubbish disposal at locks).
at locks and on patrol launches.
• Oil contaminated bilge water is a pollutant and
• Bilge pumps or balers for emptying water from
must on no account be pumped into the river.
your boat should be carried.
It should be containerised and taken to an
• You should have at least two mooring lines
authorised disposal site. Call 08708 506 506 to
(front and back). The minimum length should be
find the location of your nearest used-oil
7 metres.
recycling plant.
• Always carry a life jacket or buoyancy aid for
• Take care when refuelling, especially with petrol
every person on board.
(petrol vapour is heavier than air and does not
readily disperse if there is a spillage or a leak).
Once aboard
Before refuelling, switch off your engine and
• Wear suitable footwear with non-slip soles.
extinguish all cigarettes and naked flames.
• Always use grab rails when moving around the
Ensure all cooking, heating and lighting
boat, and never run.
appliances are turned off. To ensure the fuel
system is not overfilling, monitor the fuel level
• Children should always be supervised. Don’t let
carefully. Any portable fuel tank connected to an
them sit in positions where a turn, change of
outboard motor must be removed from the boat
speed or wash from another boat could toss
for filling. Mop up any spillage and ventilate the
them into the water.
boat before starting the engine or using naked
• Life jackets or buoyancy aids should always be
flames.
worn by children and non-swimmers and by
• You are recommended to have public liability
everybody in adverse weather conditions.
and third party insurance.
When underway
Essential equipment
• Speeding is dangerous and illegal. The
• Fire extinguishers must be carried. The number
maximum speed limit is 8 km per hour (approx.
depends on the size of the boat (contact the
5 mph), equivalent to a fast walking pace. Unlike
Boat Safety Scheme for details).
a car, a boat will not ‘stop in seconds’ so needs
a longer stopping time.
• A horn or whistle must be fitted to all motor
boats.
• Accidents occur more frequently at high speeds,
particularly from wash. Keep a check on your
• An anchor is your lifeline, carry at least one,
wash, it is often sensible to stop briefly to allow
preferably two. You may need to use them if your
it to settle to an acceptable level.
engine or steering gear fails. Your anchor should
always be accessible. When anchoring with
19 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 20

Motorised boats
Motorised boats
• All moving boats create wash, some more than
Anchoring and mooring
others depending on their shape. Excessive
• In general, boats have a right to anchor in the
wash can:
Thames for up to 24 hours in any one place
– endanger people
provided no obstruction is caused to the
– damage moored boats
navigation channel.
– harm wildlife
• Always respect private rights and, when in
– endanger swimmers
doubt, obtain permission from the owner of the
– cause accidents in galleys
bank before mooring up.
– swamp small boats
• Place mooring stakes well back from the bank
– damage river banks
edge and make sure they do not cause a hazard
– interfere with angling
to passers-by.
• Wash will be increased when in convoy, even at
• Gaps between boats are wasteful so please
a slow speed. Do not travel in a convoy if the
share rings or posts where possible.
resultant wash is too great.
• Moor alongside other boats where possible to
• Do not let time rule your journey. It is an offence
maximise mooring space.
to navigate without care and caution, or in a
• You may land on or embark from the towpath,
manner likely to endanger the safety of others or
but there is no right to moor up to private
the banks of the river.
towpath property without the landowners’
• Boating under the influence of drink or drugs is
consent.
an offence.
• When stopping overnight or leaving your boat for
So think ahead and slow down to avoid accidents
any considerable time, do not moor in shallow
water or with a tight rope or chain as water levels
may fluctuate by as much as 1 metre in a few
hours. If the level drops and your boat is
beached or moored in shallow water, it may be
damaged. If the level rises, and mooring ropes
or chains are tight, your boat may take on water,
be pulled under or break free.
• Always ensure there is ample water below your
keel and sufficient vertical play on any mooring
rope or chain.
21 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 22

Lock facilities and dimensions
Lock facilities and dimensions
Part 2
Drinking water tap for
Electric charging point
portable containers only
Structures, facilities and services
Toilet/s
Accessible toilet/s
Key
Chemical toilet disposal
Refuse disposal
Camping
Recycling facilities
Sewage pump-out
Water hose provided
Note: water supplies in sanitary stations are unfit
for bulk supplies
for drinking
Lock facilities and dimensions in metres (feet and inches given in brackets)
Lock
Facilities
Length
Width
Depth
Depth
Fall
Telephone
upper sill
lower sill
St John’s
33.60(110’3”)
4.52(14’10”)
1.32(4’4”)
1.32(4’4”)
0.85(2’10”)
01367 252309
Buscot
33.47(109’10”) 4.47(14’8”)
1.98(6’6”)
1.47(4’10”)
1.69(5’7”)
01367 252434
Grafton
34.59(113’6”)
4.59(15’1”)
1.67(5’6”)
1.44(4’9”)
1.11(3’8”)
01367 810251
Radcot
34.59(113’6”)
4.57(15’0”)
1.49(4’11”)
1.54(5’1”)
1.48(4’10”)
01367 240676
Rushey
34.59(113’6”)
4.59(15’1”)
1.67(5’6”)
1.52(5’0”)
1.82(6’0”)
01367 870218
Shifford
34.64(113’8”)
4.59(15’1”)
1.67(5’6”)
1.60(5’3”)
2.23(7’4”)
01367 870247
Northmoor
34.59(113’6”)
4.59(15’1”)
1.65(5’5”)
1.44(4’9”)
1.24(4’1”)
01865 862923
Pinkhill
34.59(113’6”)
4.90(16’1”)
1.67(5’6”)
1.62(5’4”)
1.05(3’6”)
01865 881452
Eynsham
34.51(113’3”)
4.97(16’4”)
1.65(5’5”)
1.72(5’8”)
0.84(2’9”)
01865 881324
King’s
34.46(113’1”)
4.97(16’4”)
1.67(5’6”)
1.67(5’6”)
0.77(2’6”)
01865 553403
*Godstow
33.52(110’0”)
4.95(16’3”)
1.52(5’0”)
1.62(5’4”)
1.57(5’2”)
01865 554784
*Osney
34.64(113’8”)
5.25(17’3”)
2.74(9’0”)
2.10(6’11”)
1.89(6’3”)
01865 247050
Iffley
46.96(154’1”)
6.47(21’3”)
2.26(7’5”)
2.26(7’5”)
0.81(2’8”)
01865 777277
*Sandford
53.03(174’0”)
6.62(21’9”)
2.31(7’7”)
2.31(7’7”)
2.69(8’10”)
01865 775889
*Abingdon
36.57(120’0”)
5.71(18’9”)
2.64(8’8”)
1.52(5’0”)
1.89(6’2”)
01235 523044
Culham
39.87(130’10”) 5.33(17’6”)
2.41(7’11”)
1.62(5’4”)
2.41(7’11’’)
01235 522061
*Clifton
39.57(129’10”) 5.79(19’0”)
2.36(7’0”)
1.75(5’9”)
1.03(3’5”)
01865 407821
Day’s
46.93(154’10”) 6.45(21’2”)
2.26(7’5”)
1.93(6’4”)
1.58(5’2”)
01865 407768
Benson
40.56(133’1”)
5.46(17’11”)
2.23(7’4”)
2.13(7’0”)
1.87(6’2”)
01491 835255
*Cleeve
40.71(133’7”)
5.53(18’2”)
2.13(7’0”)
2.22(7’3”)
0.89(2'11")
01491 872608
*Goring
54.68(179’5”)
6.40(21’0”)
2.97(9’9”)
2.56(8’5”)
1.77(5’10”)
01491 872687
Whitchurch
41.22(135’3”)
5.48(18’0”)
1.85(6’1”)
1.93(6’4”)
1.01(3’4”)
0118 984 2448
*Mapledurham
61.69(202’5”)
6.42(21’1”)
2.18(7’2”)
2.13(7’0”)
2.05(6’9”)
0118 941 7776
Table continued overleaf
* Power available out of lock staff hours
23 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 24

Lock facilities and dimensions
Lock facilities and dimensions
Lock facilities and dimensions in metres (feet and inches given in brackets) continued
Lock
Facilities
Length
Width
Depth
Depth
Fall
Telephone
upper sill
lower sill
*Caversham
40.03(131’4”)
5.46(17’11”)
1.82(6’0”)
1.88(6’2”)
1.44(4’9”)
0118 957 5764
Blake’s
37.39(122’8”)
5.75(18’11”)
1.80(5’11”)
1.63(5’5”)
1.07(3’6”)
0118 957 2251
*Sonning
47.57(156’1”)
5.46(17’11”)
2.00(6’7”)
1.93(6’4”)
1.63(5’4”)
0118 969 3992
Shiplake
40.64(133’4”)
5.56(18’3”)
1.98(6’6”)
1.90(6’3”)
1.55(5’1”)
0118 940 3350
*Marsh
41.19(135’2”)
6.42(21’1”)
2.18(7’2”)
2.18(7’2”)
1.33(4’4”)
01491 572992
*Hambleden
glass only
61.00(198’3”)
7.70(25’0”)
2.20(7’3”)
2.20(7’3”)
1.44(4’9”)
01491 571269
Hurley
39.82(130’8”)
6.07(19’11”)
1.88(6’2”)
1.88(6’2”)
1.05(3’5”)
01628 824334
Temple
41.02(134’7”)
5.46(17’11”)
2.13(7’0”)
2.10(6’11”)
1.23(4’1”)
01628 824333
Marlow
46.10(151’3”)
6.07(19’11”)
2.13(7’0”)
1.95(6’5”)
2.16(7’1”)
01628 482867
Cookham
55.77(183’0”)
7.62(25’0”)
2.51(8’3”)
2.48(8’2”)
1.30(4’3”)
01628 520752
*Boulter’s
60.80(199’6”)
6.47(21’3”)
3.12(10’3”)
2.13(7’0”)
2.39(7’10”)
01628 624205
*Bray
40.94(134’4”)
5.46(17’11”)
2.13(7’0”)
2.13(7’0”)
1.46(4’9”)
01628 621650
*Boveney
45.59(149’7”)
5.43(17’10”)
2.38(7’10”)
2.13(7’0”)
1.47(4’10”)
01753 862764
*Romney
78.50(257’7”)
7.45(24’5”)
2.83(9’3”)
2.62(8’7”)
2.01(6’7”)
01753 860296
*Old Windsor
54.55(179’0”)
7.36(24’2”)
2.48(8’2”)
2.54(8’4”)
1.74(5’9”)
01753 861822
*Bell Weir
78.51(257’7”)
7.44(24’5”)
2.61(8’7”)
2.61(8’7”)
1.82(6’0”)
01784 432333
*Penton Hook
81.28(266’8”)
7.56(24’10”)
2.74(9’0”)
2.56(8’5”)
1.22(4’0”)
01784 452657
*Chertsey
61.16(200’8”)
6.40(21’0”)
2.66(8’9”)
2.46(8’9”)
1.22(4’0”)
01932 562208
*Shepperton
53.16(174’5”)
6.04(19’10”)
2.43(8’0”)
2.59(8’6”)
2.03(6’8”)
01932 221840
Sunbury Old
47.15(154’8”)
5.86(19’3”)
3.07(10’1”)
2.26(7’5”)
1.87(6’2”)
01932 782089
*Sunbury New
62.78(206’0”)
7.41(24’4”)
2.76(9’1”)
2.48(8’2”)
1.87(6’2”)
01932 782089
*Molesey
81.78(268’4”)
7.56(24’10”)
2.84(9’4”)
2.41(7’11”)
1.85(6’1”)
020 8979 4482
Teddington Barge
198.12(650’0”) 7.54(24’9”)
3.15(10’4”)
2.61(8’7”)
2.68(8’10”)
020 8940 8723
Teddington †
54.22(177’11”) 7.41(24’4”)
4.26(14’0”)
2.79(9’2”)
2.68(8’10”)
020 8940 8723
Launch
Teddington Skiff
15.08(49’6”)
1.77(5’10”)
1.09(3’7”)
1.34(4’5”)
2.68(8’10”)
020 8940 8723
*Power available outside lock staff hours, including
Beam locks: St John’s – King’s and Blake’s Lock
lunchtimes (excludes 22.00 – 07.00)
(River Thames Kennet Branch)
See the notes for this table on page 27
Hydraulic locks: Godstow – Teddington
† Open Summer 2008
25 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 26

Lock facilities and dimensions
Lock keepers’ hours of duty
A note for the previous table
Lock keepers’ hours of duty
• These figures are for guidance only and may vary
We aim to staff our locks during the following hours
with water levels and for other reasons. When
but you are advised to check with the notices
considering the length of boat to navigate
displayed at each lock.
through the lock, allow 3 metres (10 feet) for the
closing of the lower gates.
January – March
09.15-16.00*
The measurements in the tables are:
April
09.00-17.30
May
09.00-18.30
Length: length of lock between heel posts
June – August
09.00-19.00
Width: minimum width of lock between walls or
September
09.00-18.00**
rubbing piles
October
09.00-17.00
Depth on upper sill: taken at standard head water
November – December
09.15-16.00
level
Teddington Lock provides 24-hour service
Depth on lower sill: taken from standard head
throughout the year.
water lever of the lock below, no allowance is made
For information on Blake’s Lock, see page 33.
for the gradient of the intermediate reach
Lock keepers’ lunch is 13.00-14.00.
Fall: fall from standard head water level to that of
the lock below, again, not allowing for river
* When Easter falls in March: 09.00-17.30
gradient
Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive
** 09.00-18.30 Saturday and Sunday
Sewage pump-outs
Note: Locks may be closed to traffic on weekday
All sewage pump-outs work on a pre-paid card
mornings between 07.00 and 09.00 for cleaning.
system. Cards are available at locks adjacent to the
pump-outs. Recharging fluid is not provided.
Electric charging points
The charging point is a 240 volt outdoor
weatherproof round 3 pin female connection.
To use a charging point, please contact the lock
keeper before 4pm on the day you wish to use it to
reserve a mooring for your boat.
Toilets
Some of the toilets are only available during
lock keepers’ hours of duty. Some toilets may be a
short walk from the lockside.
For information on lock closures, call our floodline
on 0845 988 1188 and select option 1, followed
by quick dial number 011132.
27 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 28

24-hour moorings
Public slipways and launching sites
24-hour moorings
Public slipways and launching sites
We provide the following free sites for 24-hour
You may launch your boat at the following sites,
moorings. Noticeboards at these sites indicate the
but there is not necessarily a right or space to park
length of mooring.
a car or a boat trailer.
Lechlade – Riverside
*Lechlade – Bell Lane
Bablockhythe – towpath upstream of
*Lechlade – The Trout Inn
The Ferryman Inn
Abingdon – St Helen’s Wharf
Pinkhill – towpath above Pinkhill lock
Abingdon – Abingdon Marina
Eynsham – towpath above and below
Cholsey – Papist Way
Eynsham Lock
*South Stoke – Ferry Lane
Oxford – towpath at East Street
Pangbourne – Ferry Lane
Abingdon – towpath above Abingdon Lock
*Whitchurch – Toll Bridge
Goring – towpath below Goring Bridge
Caversham – Caversham Bridge
Reading – towpath at Kennet Mouth
Wargrave – Ferry Lane
Sonning – towpath above Sonning Lock
Henley – Wharf Lane
Wargrave – towpath at Lower Lashbrook
Aston Ferry – from either bank
below Wargrave
Medmenham – Medmenham Ferry
Marlow – towpath below Marlow Lock
Marlow – St Peter’s Street
Boveney – towpath above Boveney Lock
Cookham – Cookham Bridge (by Ferry Hotel)
Egham – towpath below Runnymede
Bray – Bray Village
Pleasure Ground
Windsor – Leisure Centre
Staines – towpath below Staines Bridge
Staines – Truss’s Island, Chertsey Lane
Laleham – towpath at Laleham Wharf
Laleham – Ferry Lane
Chertsey – towpath at Dumsey Bend, between
Weybridge – Thames Street
Chertsey and Shepperton
Shepperton – Church Square
Weybridge – towpath opposite Shepperton Lock
Walton – Cowley Sale
Shepperton – Church Square
Sunbury – Lower Hampton Road
Desborough – Desborough Island (old River)
West Molesey – Hurst Park
Walton – towpath at Walton
East Molesey – Drawdock
Kingston – Kingston Wharf
Thames Ditton – by Swan Hotel
Kingston – Steven’s Eyot below Kingston
Teddington – Drawdock
Note: Fishing from the bank at these sites is not allowed
* access for small boats only.
between 1 March and 31 October.
Note: These sites are not necessarily suitable for large or
heavy boats and trailers. We have highlighted the ones
where access is for small boats only but if in doubt you
are advised to investigate further before you use it.
29 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 30

Commercial sewage pump-outs
Connecting waterways
Commercial sewage pump-outs
Connecting waterways
The following sewage pump-out stations are in
The following waterways connect with the Thames.
private management and usually only available from
Contact details for the relevant navigation
April to October. You should contact individual
authorities can be found at the back of this guide.
owners about hours of operation. There may be
• Oxford Canal (British Waterways): leads to the
some delay at busy hire cruiser bases while the fleet
Midlands and the rest of the waterway system.
is being serviced.
You can enter from the Thames at Sheepwash
Eynsham – Oxford Cruisers (01865 881698)
Channel above Osney Bridge or via Dukes Cut
Oxford – Osney Marina (01865 241348)
above Kings Weir. All visiting boats must be
Abingdon – Kingcraft (01235 521125)
licensed with British Waterways before entering
the waterway.
Benson – Swancraft (01491 836700)
• River Thames Kennet Branch (Environment
Reading – Bridge Boats, Fry’s Island
Agency): leads to the Kennet and Avon. You can
(0118 959 0346)
enter from the Thames downstream from
Reading – Caversham Boat Services, Fry’s Island
Caversham Lock.
(0118 957 4323)
• Kennet and Avon (British Waterways): leads to
Bourne End – Bourne End Marina (01628 522813)
the Port of Bristol. You can enter via the
Windsor – Windsor Marina (01753 853911)
Environment Agency’s River Thames Kennet
Datchet – Kris Cruisers (01753 543930)
Branch in Reading. All visiting boats must be
Egham – AC Marine (01784 477999)
licensed with British Waterways before entering
Penton Hook – Penton Hook Marina
the waterway.
(01932 568681)
• River Wey (National Trust Wey Navigation): leads
Chertsey – Chertsey Meads Marine (01932 564699)
to Guildford and Godalming. You can enter from
Walton – Walton Marina (01603 717804)
the Thames at Weybridge. All visiting boats must
be licensed with the National Trust before
Shepperton – Shepperton Marina (01932 243722)
entering the waterway.
Thames Ditton – Thames Ditton Marina
(020 8398 6159)
• Grand Union Canal (British Waterways): leads to
Birmingham. You can enter from the Thames at
Brentford or Limehouse via the Regent Canal.
Sewage pump-out stations can
All boats must be licensed with British
be identified by this sign.
Waterways before entering the waterway.
• Tidal River Thames (Port of London Authority):
leads to the Thames Estuary. You can enter
downstream of Teddington Lock. For more
information contact the Port of London Authority.
31 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 32

Connecting waterways
Connecting waterways
River Thames Kennet Branch
This short waterway leading from the Thames to the
9’11’’
9’8’’
9’6’’
s
20’4’’
15’8’’
22’0’’
y
Kennet and Avon (British Waterways) in the centre
a
feet
w
of Reading is also within the Environment Agency’s
d
a

0
navigation jurisdiction. Any boats registered on the
00
He
95
90
.20
77
.
7
3.
2.
2.
6
4.
6
Thames with the Environment Agency can use this
metres
section of waterway for no extra charge.
• The recommended maximum draft of boats is
1 metre (3’3’’), and headways of bridges over
the navigation channel are given in the distance
s
e
table opposite.
l
ac
s
e
7
9
3
3
4
• When entering from the Thames reduce speed
.
01
.22
.
0
.
2
.
24
.
0
.
0
.
0
mil
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
and keep a sharp lookout for other boats. The
towpath side of the river is frequently not as
e between p
deep as it looks, so steer well clear of the
.
01
.
36
.11
.47
.
39
.
05
.
05
.
06
.
00
towpath bank and allow other boats to do the
kms
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
t
anc
s
same.
Di
h
• Dimensions of Blake’s Lock are given on pages
anc
Br
25-26. This lock is not regularly staffed but you
are welcome to operate it yourself, at your own
ennet
6
2
risk. Please leave the lock emptying or empty
s
K
32
e
312
314
350
37
when the gates close.
3 73
3 735
ames
26 73732
77 73868
90
306 73
73
Th
2205 73
2
2
Grid referenc
SU 71842 73
SU 71
SU 7
SU 7
SU 7
SU 730
SU 73050 7377
SU 73058 73811
SU 730
on the River
s
y
a
w
d
a
ames
i
ronment
sdiction
e
Th
er
and he
s
the Env
bridg
e
e
e
of
ation Juri
ig
foot
d
e
e
t
anc
a
Bridg
k
s
Nav
o
d
R
a
s
di
o
L
oc
Bridg
Bridg
am limit
t
on Bridg
R
y
y
Mouth and Riv
a
ain
a
t
re
e’s
M
l
e of
s
ency’s
atling
ak
ilw
s
ilw
b
a
a
ennet
Up
Ag
Queen’s
W
King’s
Bl
R
Ga
R
K
T
a
33 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 34

Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk
The journey times shown are for guidance only. Times are between
Headways are measured above standard head water level of
the lock indicated and the lock downstream. If travelling upstream
the lock below and at the highest point of the span or arch,
please read the time from the lock you are travelling towards.
therefore the measures given in this table are for guidance only.
Location
Distance to next lock downstream
Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h
Headways
kms
miles
minutes
metres
feet
Cricklade Bridge (SU 10137 93973)
18.88
11.73
Round House (SU 20517 98879)
(Thames and Severn Canal – closed)
Halfpenny Bridge, Lechlade (SU 21334 99338)
4.73
15’6”
St Johns Lock (SU 22216 99042)
1.85
1.15
15
St Johns Bridge (SU 22282 99001)
4.22
13’10”
Bloomers Hole footbridge (SU 22627 98815)
3.50
11’6”
Buscot Lock (SU 23016 98092)
5.37
3.34
41
Eaton footbridge (SU 24659 98543)
2.97
9’9”
Grafton Lock (SU 27146 99233)
2.98
1.85
23
Radcot Bridge (SU 28531 99493)
3.45
11’4”
Radcot Lock (SP 29649 00199)
4.23
2.63
32
Old Man’s footbridge (SP 29945 00193)
4.27
14’0”
Rushey Lock (SP 32301 00075)
6.92
4.30
52
Tadpole Bridge (SP 33462 00424)
4.52
14’10”
Tenfoot footbridge (SU 35363 99586)
3.71
12’2”
Shifford Lock Cut Bridge (SP 36681 00823)
3.66
12’0”
Shifford Lock (SP 37049 01064)
7.63
4.74
58
Newbridge (SP 40362 01393)
3.50
11’6”
Hart’s footbridge (SP 42015 01047)
3.27
10’9”
Northmoor Lock (SP 43143 02137)
6.21
3.86
47
Pinkhill Lock (SP 44063 07130)
2.38
1.48
18
Swinford Bridge (SP 44306 08605)
4.49
14’9”
Eynsham Lock (SP 44471 08649)
4.37
2.71
33
King’s Lock (SP 47901 10267)
(Dukes cut junction with Oxford Canal)
1.81
1.13
14
Oxford Western By-pass Bridge (SP 48172 09362)
4.11
13’6”
Godstow Bridge (SP 48402 09210)
2.56
8’5”
Godstow Lock (SP 48509 08945)
3.87
2.40
30
Medley footbridge (SP 49761 07480)
3.05
10’10”
Table continued overleaf
35 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 36

Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk continued
Location
Distance to next lock downstream
Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h
Headways
kms
miles
minutes
metres
feet
Sheepwash Channel
(to Oxford Canal) (SP 50353 06568)
Osney Bridge (SP 50313 06232)
2.28
7’6”
Osney Lock (SP 50359 05861)
3.73
2.32
28
Osney Railway Bridge (SP 50700 05623)
3.55
11’8”
Road Bridge (SP 50942 05521)
3.71
12’2”
Grandpont Bridge (SP 51134 05624)
3.91
12’10”
Folly Bridge (SP 51437 05556)
3.12
10’3”
Donnington Bridge (SP 52432 04367)
5.03
16’6”
Iffley Lock (SP 52574 03667)
2.70
1.68
21
Isis Bridge (SP 52492 03191)
5.03
16’6”
Kennington Railway Bridge (SP 52442 02755)
4.11
13’6”
Sandford Lock (SP 53105 01336)
7.38
4.58
56
Nuneham Railway Bridge (SU 52597 97003)
4.80
15’9”
Abingdon Lock (SU 50646 97113)
4.15
2.58
32
Abingdon Bridge (SU 49950 96860)
4.24
13’11”
Culham Lock Cut Bridge (SU 50367 94770)
3.78
12’5”
Culham Lock (SU 50767 94872)
4.52
2.72
34
Culham Road Bridge (SU 50868 94899)
4.49
14’9”
Appleford Railway Bridge (SU 52662 94165)
3.96
13’0”
Clifton Lock Cut Bridge (SU 54490 94398)
4.06
13’4”
Clifton Lock (SU 54699 94720)
4.80
3.07
36
Clifton Hampden Bridge (SU 54714 95384)
4.09
13’5”
Day’s Lock (SU 56882 93586 )
6.37
3.96
48
Day’s footbridge (SU 56827 93468)
4.64
15’3”
Shillingford Bridge (SU 59660 92050)
5.26
17’3”
Benson Lock (SU 61303 91263)
10.46
6.50
1hr 19
Wallingford Bridge (SU 60816 88098)
5.00
16’5”
Wallingford By-pass Bridge (SU 60812 88096)
5.10
16’9”
Moulsford Railway Bridge (SU 59537 84714)
6.60
21’8”
Cleeve Lock (SU 60064 81820)
1.00
0.62
8
Goring Lock (SU 59679 80876)
6.55
4.07
50
Goring Bridge (SU 59658 80794)
5.15
16’11”
Table continued overleaf
37 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 38

Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk continued
Location
Distance to next lock downstream
Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h
Headways
kms
miles
minutes
metres
feet
Gatehampton Railway Bridge (SU 60615 79545)
6.96
22’10”
Whitchurch Lock (SU 63438 76828)
3.67
2.28
28
Whitchurch Bridge (SU 63614 76837)
4.14
13’7”
Mapledurham Lock (SU 66756 76803)
7.08
4.40
54
Caversham Bridge (SU 71146 74579)
4.57
15’0”
Reading Bridge (SU 71800 74059
5.38
17’8”
Caversham Lock (SU 72063 74033)
4.23
2.63
32
River Kennet (SU 73077 73868)
(Blake’s Lock Kennet and Avon Canal)
Sonning Lock (SU 25244 75439)
4.68
2.91
36
Sonning Bridge (SU 75530 75750) Under Tie Plates
4.41
14’2”
Shiplake Lock (SU 77647 78675)
4.80
2.59
36
Shiplake Railway Bridge (SU 77971 78716)
5.43
17’10”
Marsh Lock (SU 77408 81668)
4.59
3.24
35
Henley Bridge (SU 76367 82643)
4.34
14’3”
Hambleden Lock (SU 78206 85157)
5.89
3.66
45
Hurley Upper Towpath Bridge (SU 82507 84183)
3.98
13’1”
Hurley Lock (SU 82671 84257)
1.03
0.64
8
Hurley Lower Towpath Bridge (SU 82897 84321)
4.39
14’5”
Temple Bridge (SU 83505 84304)
6.51
21’3”
Temple Lock (SU 83717 84374)
3.13
1.95
24
Marlow Bridge (SU 85123 86095)
3.86
12’8”
Marlow Lock (SU 85432 86093)
6.44
4.00
49
Marlow Bypass Bridge (SU 85912 85993)
6.02
19’9”
Bourne End Railway Bridge (SU 89201 87020)
4.72
15’6”
Cookham Bridge (SU 89795 85617)
4.62
15’2”
Cookham Lock Cut Bridge (SU 90373 85619)
3.81
12’6”
Cookham Lock (SU 90550 85516)
3.35
2.08
26
Boulter’s Lock (SU 90285 82391)
3.43
2.13
26
Boulters Lock Bridge (SU 90294 82352)
5.26
17’3”
Maidenhead Bridge (SU 90139 81358)
5.66
18’7”
Maidenhead Railway Bridge (SU 90189 81050)
9.80
32’2”
Bray Lock (SU 91007 79769)
5.10
3.17
39
Table continued overleaf
39 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 40

Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways
Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk continued
Location
Distance to next lock downstream
Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h
Headways
kms
miles
minutes
metres
feet
M4 Motorway Bridge (SU 91294 79484)
7.77
25’6”
Summer Leaze Bridge (SU 91610 78694)
7.30
24’0”
Boveney Lock (SU 94456 77767)
3.75
2.33
29
Windsor Bypass Bridge (SU 96725 77244)
6.25
20’6”
Windsor Railway Bridge (SU 96056 77337)
5.41
17’9”
Windsor Bridge (SU 96726 77244)
4.01
13’2”
Romney Lock (SU 97002 77872 )
4.83
3.00
37
Black Pott’s Railway Bridge (SU 97483 78002)
5.94
19’6”
Victoria Bridge (SU 97893 77484)
6.17
20’3”
Albert Bridge (SU 98430 75645)
5.69
18’8”
Old Windsor Lock Cut Bridge (SU 99254 75134)
4.34
14’3”
Old Windsor Lock (SU 99494 74819)
4.94
2.92
36
Bell Weir Lock (TQ 01732 72062)
4.33
2.84
35
Runnymede (M25) Bridge (TQ 01930 71959)
7.01
23’0”
Staines Bridge (TQ 03190 71518)
5.94
19’6”
Staines Railway Bridge (TQ 03591 71232)
6.40
21’0”
Penton Hook Lock (TQ 04390 69487)
3.13
1.95
24
M3 Motorway Bridge (TQ 05397 67202)
6.50
21’4”
Chertsey Lock (TQ 05427 66839)
3.32
2.06
25
Chertsey Bridge (TQ 05409 66625)
5.82
19’1”
Shepperton Lock (TQ 07334 65899)
4.75
2.95
36
River Wey (to Basingstoke Canal) (TQ 07419 65703)
Desborough Channel Upper Bridge (TQ 07954 65967)
5.18
17’0”
Desborough Channel Lower Bridge (TQ 08905 66139)
5.18
17’0”
Walton Bridge (TQ 09263 66554)
5.56
18’3”
Sunbury Lock Cut Bridge (TQ 10809 68432)
5.94
19’6”
Sunbury Lock (TQ 10967 68546)
4.79
2.98
36
Molesey Lock (TQ 15146 68606)
7.74
4.81
59
Hampton Court Bridge (TQ 15393 68488)
5.92
19’5”
Kingston Bridge (TQ 18020 69728)
7.29
23’11”
Kingston Railway Bridge (TQ 17730 69634)
6.81
22’4”
Teddington Lock Cut Bridge (TQ 16773 71532)
5.58
18’4”
Teddington Lock (TQ 16609 71631)
0.39
0.24
Teddington Boundary Obelisk (TQ 16360 71912)
41 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 42

Useful contacts
Useful contacts
Useful contacts
Environment Agency Incident Hotline
Freephone 0800 807060 to report flooding,
Environment Agency
pollution, fish deaths or other environment issues.
Thames Waterway Department (central office)
Kings Meadow House
British Waterways
Kings Meadow Road
Tel: 01923 201120
Reading RG1 8DQ
Email: [email address]
General Enquiries: 0845 6015336
Web: www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Craft Registration: 0118 953 5650
Boat Safety Scheme
Fax: 0118 957 4165
Tel: 01923 201278
Email: [email address]
Email: [email address]
Web: www.visitthames.co.uk
Web: www.boatsafetyscheme.com
Local waterway offices:
National Trust Wey Navigation
Upper Thames waterway office
Tel: 01483 561389
(Cricklade Bridge to tail of Cleeve Lock)
Email: [email address]
Red Kite House
Howbery Park
Port of London Authority
Crowmarsh Gifford
Tel: 01474 562200
Wallingford
Web: www.portoflondon.co.uk
Oxon OX10 8BD
Office of Communications (Radiocommunications)
Tel: 01491 828459
Tel: 020 7981 3000
Fax: 01491 834703
Email: [email address]
Middle Thames waterway office
Web: www.ofcom.org.uk
(tail of Cleeve Lock to the tail of Bray Lock)
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Kings Meadow House
Tel: 0870 600 6505
Kings Meadow Road
Email: [email address]
Reading RG1 8DQ
Web: www.mcga.gov.uk
Tel: 0118 953 5533
Fax: 0118 957 4165
Ministry of Defence
Tel: 020 7218 9000
Lower Thames waterway office
Web: www.mod.uk
(tail of Bray Lock to Teddington Boundary)
Lock Island
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Shepperton
Tel: 0121 248 2000
Middlesex TW17 9LW
Email: [email address]
Tel: 01276 454900
Web: www.rospa.com
Fax: 01932 230473
43 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 44

Useful contacts
Useful contacts
Metropolitan Police Wapping Control
National Trails Office
Tel: 020 7275 4421
Tel: 01865 810224
Email: [email address]
Thames Valley Police
Web: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath
Tel: 0845 850 5505
Email: [email address]
Residential Boat Owners Association
Web: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
Email: [email address]
Web: www.rboa.org.uk
Sport England
Tel: 020 7273 1551
National Association of Boat Owners
Email: [email address]
Email: [email address]
Web: www.sportengland.org
Web: www.nabo.org.uk
Royal Yachting Association
The Swan Sanctuary
Tel: 0845 345 0400
Tel: 01932 240790
Email: [email address]
Web: www.swanuk.org.uk
Web: www.rya.org.uk
Amateur Rowing Association
Tel: 020 8237 6700
Email: [email address]
Web: www.ara-rowing.org
British Canoe Union
Tel: 0845 370 9500
Email: [email address]
Web: www.bcu.org.uk
Sustrans
Tel: 0845 113 0065
Email: [email address]
Web: www.sustrans.org.uk
British Sub-Aqua Club
Tel: 0151 350 6200
Email: [email address]
Web: www.bsac.com
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the
Natural England
accuracy of this information, we cannot accept
Tel: 0114 241 8920
responsibility for any errors or omissions.
Email: [email address]
Web: www.naturalengland.org.uk
Edition 7/2008
45 Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames
Environment Agency A user’s guide to the River Thames 46