River Thames - Henley-on-Thames to Windsor

Having left Henley at 8.15am, what a pleasure to see numerous rowing crews in training for the forth coming Henley Regatta (1st week in July). 

Just before Hurley Lock you can see the Chalk cliffs on your left before a turn to the right for the Lock.

Chalk cliffs - Hurley

There are bulk water and an elsan facilities just above Hurley lock, however the rubbish collection is out  of action at the moment as they are currently in the process of changing contractors - the next place to empty the refuse for the time being, is above Cookham lock.  We moored  for the evening at the bottom of Temple Lock on the EA moorings, which were a bit overgrown, but offered shade and it was a  perfect spot to watch the many rowing crews working hard while we enjoyed the evening sun and a glass of beer.

The following day we cruised past Bishop Abbey and the National Sports Centre amongst plenty more keen rowers.

All Saints Church - Bisham

We cruised through Marlow followed by Cookham Lock where we met the friendly lock keeper and his lovely dog.  There is bulk water above the lock and an elsan point and rubbish facilities here.

Marlow bridge and All Saints Church

Cruising onwards to Maidenhead, we moored on the visitor moorings.  It is approximately a 20-30 min walk to shops, so after stocking up with provisions, we set off again hoping to moor at the EA moorings before Boveney Lock.  Unfortunately these are limited and they were all full, so we turned around and eventually managed to find a place to moor on the river banking. 

Windsor

The following morning, we cruised through to Windsor and following advice from other boaters blogs/YouTube (thank you Foxes!), we moored in Bath Island inlet.  It is much calmer here rather than on the river as there are lots of trip boats and small day/hourly hire boats which cause a lot of wash. The charge is £10 per night payable to the 'water bailiff' whom patrol regularly in their little powered dingy. 

There is a full size replica of a Hawker Hurricane just next to the mooring which is a great memorial to Windsor resident Sir Sydney Camm CBE FRAeS.

Replica of a Hawker Hurricane - Windsor 

Windsor is great with plenty to see and do and it was delightful to explore this wonderful town with so much royal history. We were fortunate to watch changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle, this takes place at 11am within the Castle grounds, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For £36 each, why not 'dress to impress' and indulge in afternoon tea at The Ivy overlooking Windsor Castle? 

Changing of the Guard - Windsor Castle

In the evening, we walked over Windsor bridge, along Eton High Street towards the famous Eton College with the wonderful antiquated shops/tailors and buildings.

Eton School Hall and Library