Down to Brentford

We were determined to clear Richmond Locks on the high tide - when it is possible to navigate through on the level as well as leaving the Thames today. So, we set off by 8:15. It was a generally sunny day, although a cold wind blew at times, especially when straight along the river. The first lock we had to operate ourselves as it was still before the time the keeper comes on duty (9 o'clock). However, it was just after nine when we arrived at Shepperton Lock, the second for the day and the keeper had just turned over the sign board from 'Self Service'.

Sunbury Lock still has the second lock at this site operational, alongside the newer, powered lock. The original lock, slightly higher up, no longer exists.

The river gradually widens and the range of chalets, houses, houseboats and other eccentric dwellings develops as we progress downstream. We also had to contend with a wide variety of water activities. Not just the more familiar rowing crews, but also skiffs, dinghies and different types of canoe, including some with outriggers. There were also the trip boats which start from many different places along the river.

The bridges are usually quite elegant. as we approached Kingston Bridge, we were able to ask some of the people on the bank about where we could buy some milk as we had suddenly realised that we were about to run short! Turned out that we were very close to Waitrose so we moored at a convenient site just above the bridge and made a quick foray for basic items, including a rather tasty loaf which we soon demolished as lunch after we set off once more.

At Teddington we were reminded by the lock keeper of the need to inform Brentford of our passage - she kindly contacted them for us, but no prior booking was needed at this time of the year.otherwise we might have had a difficulty!

Large, historic houses and other prominent buildings are a feature of this stretch of the canal, including Syon House, built on a large bend in the river and placed so that two sides of the house have river views.

Richmond Lock seemed rather insignificant at the end of a bridge across the whole width of the river. we had no need of it and sailed through the arches on the level.

By the time we arrived at Brentford we were quite pleased - the very evident difference in maintenance levels of Thames locks compared with those on the canals was immediately apparent.

Overall we enjoyed today's trip rather more than we had anticipated and there was plenty of variety in the scenery and navigation was not as daunting as some descriptions have it! No cause for complacency, however.

We moored early, after a couple of locks with the prospect of a roast dinner, courtesy the friendly butcher we found in Windsor yesterday!