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Inglesham, River Thames

Accessible to all craft kept on the connected inland waterways

Silver Propeller Challenge

Location

Lechlade

Visit Inglesham on the River Thames by boat or canoe.

It has been chosen as a Silver Propeller Location because IWA adopted the funding and restoration of the entrance lock to the Thames and Severn Canal to support Cotswold Canals Trust’s restoration work.  A photo of your boat in the vicinity of the junction and round house at Inglesham will be a good proof of your visit.

Complete our challenge by visiting 20 locations from our list, you will receive our exclusive plaque and goody bag.

 

About the River Thames and Inglesham

The River Thames is navigable from Lechlade to the sea, becoming tidal below Teddington Weir and Lock.  Aspirations to link the River Thames to the River Severn, connecting London with Bristol, began to become reality in the 1730s when the Stroudwater Navigation was authorised.  Soon after completion in 1779, the first survey work took place for a canal to link the Stroudwater Navigation at Wallbridge to the River Thames.  The Thames & Severn Canal was completed in 1789 and joins the river at Inglesham, upstream of Lechlade.

Since 1972, the Cotswolds Canal Trust has been working to restore the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn Canal.  In June 2010, IWA took on responsibility for the restoration of the entrance lock at Inglesham and part of the canal beyond.  After a national campaign to raise £125,000 and a lot of hard work by Waterway Recovery Group volunteers, Inglesham Lock is now substantially rebuilt.  The canal entrance and lock join the river just upstream of the River Colne confluence which can be used to turn a 70ft boat.  The lockkeeper’s house at the junction is an unusual round house with an inverted conical roof to collect rainwater.  There are other examples of this style along the Thames & Severn Canal.  The old warehouse beside the round house has been converted into a cottage.

[The photo shows a boat approaching the junction with the Thames and Severn Canal, and its distinctive lockkeeper’s cottage  –  by Paul Strudwick]

Notes for visitors

Location

Postcode: SN6 7RD

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Boat Dimensions

The maximum size of boat that can navigate the upper River Thames is:-

Length: 109′ 10″ (33.47m) – Buscot Lock
Beam: 8′ 2″ (4.47m) – Buscot Lock
Height: 7′ 6″ (2.28m) – Osney Bridge for boats coming up the river
Height: 9′ 9″ (2.97m) – Eaton footbridge for boats coming from Dukes Cut.
Draught: 3′ 0″ (0.9m) – Oxford to Lechlade

Canoeing, Hire Boats and Trip Boats

Canoeing is encouraged on the River Thames with an Environment Agency licence or British Canoeing membership.

Cruisers and day boats can be hired from Cotswold Boat & GRS Marine.

Canoes and Kayaks can be hired from Cotswold Canoe Hire at Lechlade:

The Cotswold Canals Trust offers cruises between St Johns and Inglesham on a replica Thames launch.

 

Challenge Location

Inglesham

Junction of the River Thames with the Thames & Severn Canal

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