It was a cold and damp morning and the river was really running fast.
Would we be able to go or was the stream too much?
Hallmark was ready, but before we cast off we went up to Molesey Lock to check whether yellow or red boards were up.
The lock keeper was really helpful. She said that the flow down to Shepperton was improving and but above Chertsey the stream was still ‘thundering’ down but in a couple of hours it would have reduced considerably.
So we set off towards 4Marine at the Harris Boatyard on Laleham Reach for Hallmark bottom painting and engine service.
We are off. One last look back at Hallmark’s mooring at East Molesey. The journey down to Sunbury was fine. There was a bit of a stream running against us but Hallmark had plenty of power in reserve and we made good time. As we arrived at Sunbury the lock keeper was on hand to swing open the gates and we cruised in.
As we went pass the weir at Sunbury you could see the volume of water coming down the river. It was frothing wildly!
The Environment Agency boatyard just after Sunbury weir always has a great collection of working boats. Here below is one stunning example.
Just after the EA boatyard are some really pretty summer pretty wooden summer houses. Once Easter has gone tents also appear in front of the homes.
This is on the way to Walton Bridge. Despite the flow many rowers are out training.
We are just coming up to the Anglers Inn. This was always a fantastic pub in A prime location. in the summer its beautiful with a patio full of tables to watch the river go by. There are moorings for about ten boats just pass the pub.
It was surprising how little flow their was at Shepperton where the Wey Navigation joins the River Thames below Shepperton Lock.
However getting into the lock was far more difficult than expected. All because a very large hotel boat was moored up on the normal pontoon.
We had a good run down to Chertsey past the low-lying riverside meadows with cows grazing on the right. This is Dumsey Meadow, which is a site of special scientific interest. On the left are new blocks of new luxury apartments called Bridge Wharf all with riverside views.
Hallmark was steered carefully to the centre of the river and took a clear line through the centre arch of Chertsey Bridge. This white stone bridge is stunning with its seven-arches. It was built finished 1785 and is a Grade II listed building. Just after the bridge comes Chertsey lock with the M3 bridge beyond.
The last leg up to Laleham reach was hard work. The river narrows and the stream will be very heavy. At one stage Hallmark stopped moving forward. The stream was just too much But Hallmark I upped the power and we ploughed on.
Our destination is reached. Loads of boats are moored alongside 4Marine at the Harris Boatyard. They are obviously busy! Good news for Steve and Paul who make up the great team here. We move opposite on the village moorings. There is room normally for about eight boats but we are the only people here today.
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