Thames Slipway and Launching Sites

[SpyderMatt]

Of all those on the list you don’t mention which you launched at?

[SpyderMatt]

Ignore...just realised there’s a second page ....

[Froglet]

The problem with a lot of these is always going to be finding parking, especially if you're trailering. Where were you considering?

[SpyderMatt]

I just called Hurley Riverside and the slip doesn’t open until May, and you now cannot buy a day ticket, it’s £150 for a season only. so that out...
Does anyone know where we can launch the SIB into the non tidal Thames tomorrow that they know is currently open with parking (no trailer) .?

[Froglet]

Most of the public slips are always open and parking can almost always be had nearby, even if not right by the slip. For a sib with wheels you're in the best position to make use of the slips. They're often not practical for larger, trailered vessels.

One of the first places I ever launched was Medmenham. It can be pretty chilled, but on a sunny Saturday you probably want to be there fairly early or you'll be competing for parking with a few other boaters, along with loads of dog walkers and picnickers. Parking along Ferry Lane is free, but don't block the turning space at the end. I used to trailer there in the past and just pushed my trailer into the woods and locked it to a tree.... but you won't have that problem if you're inflating from the boot.

Streetview link: https://goo.gl/maps/y6MgUDh82ZjZp1nJ9
Boatlaunch link: http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/view-slipway/1723

I picked Medmenham because most of the other public slips are in town or village centres and I didn't want the pressure of an audience. However you'll still have a steady stream of passers by. And the stretch of river is quite picturesque. There's a huge derelict water analysis site to the west that is ripe for redevelopment. When or if that happens the nature of the slip will change beyond all recognition. The site closed in 2004 and was demolished maybe a decade later. I'm guessing the locals have been fighting it. There are quite a few expensive looking properties down the lane.

If you head downstream you'll go towards Hurley lock with nice views of Danesfield house and you'll see the little slip at Hurley right opposite the weir as you head into the lock cut. Upstream is Hambleden and it's a fair run in between the two locks so you could just head up and down for a bit if you don't fancy queuing for a lock.

You can pick up a day license at one of the locks if you haven't already obtained one. They will want to know that you're insured too, but no safety cert needed for a sib. I'm sure a lot of the kayaks I've seen launching at Medmenham don't bother with a license, but the Environment Agency do set up spot checks around some of the locks, particularly on a weekend.

Medmenham slip

The old abbey to the East

Heading upstream towards Hambleden

Hope you have fun whichever launch site you choose.

Cheers

Simon

[Froglet]

Oh and don't forget the 5mph speed limit. But that's probably ideal if you're both running in and getting the feel of a new boat.

[rogerblack]

Another option is Ferry Lane, Aston. You can launch from the north or south side of the river but south is better as there's more parking - free however same as Froglet advised for Hurley you'd need to get there early to have a fair chance of a spot. Turn off Aston Lane into Ferry Lane, carry on some distance past the Flowerpot Inn.

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.5537837 ... 312!8i6656

[Froglet]

Good shout. I've never tried Aston, but often felt a thirst come upon me as I motored past the sign for the pub.

[SpyderMatt]

This guys, really appreciate it. Great info...

[rogerblack]

Good shout. I've never tried Aston, but often felt a thirst come upon me as I motored past the sign for the pub.

There is a wooden jetty by the launch point so even if coming from another point on the river it's easy to tie up and stop for a pint or three, as boats often do there.