A towpath walk, cheerio and a great cruise

On Wednesday whilst moored at Spelthorne we walked the towpath

… and found a really good mooring spot but at £100 per day decided to give it a miss!

We walked towards Chertsey

Across Dumsey Meadow

Blue and yellow my favourite colours … this combination is not good though … the blue flower is Chicory and the yellow is poisonous (to equine) Ragwort.

We passed these railings behind which were several houses and large gardens and we thought that at one time the whole area must have been in the hands of someone most influential not to have their metal railings turned into aircraft during the war.  I wonder who lived here then?

Behind the same railings (but in better condition) I spotted this wall with what appears to be an archway in it, and

… the wall runs away from the river towards these buildings

… to this old building with this motif on the gable.  I wonder if it was once a mill and that there was once a wharf here too

It was to the left behind this house.  Anyone any ideas?

We’d heard that it was going to be a bit chilly early on Thursday morning, and the forecasters weren’t wrong - just below 6 degrees at 7am (but having said that it is almost August)!

… but what a beautiful morning it was!

Saying cheerio to Sue and Vic … we’ll see them again in a few weeks time.  In the meantime we’re heading up river.

Chertsey Bridge and lock

Pied Wagtail hitched a lift whilst he ate his breakfast

Passing the visitor moorings at Lalham Abbey, we must stop here one day and explore.

Waiting for Penton Hook Lock to be ready

… where while I waited for the lock to disgorge its contents (two swans and oh yes, one boat) this wee beastie bit my leg … ouch!

The lock buildings have had a bit of a makeover for the Magna Carta celebrations (800 years)

and the lovely lock keeper disposed of our rubbish for us as we couldn’t find the refuse bins.

Approaching Staines … this spire is almost as iconic as Braunston’s to us boaters

We half expected to pass these two boats today as we knew they had been moored at Runnymede (at least we’ve now a good chance of getting a mooring there!)

Waves and calls of hello to Cleddau and Tentatrice was all we could manage today though

Taking evasive action at Staines railway bridge

Mecure Thames Lodge offers a free mooring if you’re staying for a drink or a meal … we might take them up on that on the way back

Fuel boat Merchant moored on Staines visitor mooring but today it was closed.

and passing the always well-decked-out Swan Hotel

Approaching Runnymede Bridge with the lock in the distance where the lots of families were enjoying the sunshine although the breeze was still a bit nippy on the river.

Bell Weir Lock is all decked out too

… with the famous writings of  The Magna Carta

Lucy Fisher replica steam boat plying her trade as we pass the park

Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial high on Cooper’s Hill

Oh no!

We can see by the reflection that there’s a boat in our mooring spot, but there was just enough room for us to pull in in front of it with the help from Geoff nb Tuppence.

It’s good to be here again!