Staines to Windsor

3 locks: 7.5 miles

A good night's sleep.............
Although Staines riverside (especially on the other bank) had plenty going on at it's bars and eateries.
It was grey early morning but dry as Hallmark drifted away from the Swan Inn and through the centre arch of the Rennie's road bridge.

First passed Church Island where Merganser is still happily moored.
This boat was for many years just upstream from Hallmark at Molesey.

Within 25 minutes Hallmark has steamed under the M25 bridge and is arriving at Bell Weir lock which is alongside the Runnymede Hotel.  We accompanied a massive resturant boat called Passepartout
cruising to Maidenhead and Clifton.

Suddenly houses are gone and parkland open country is all around.
On the right are  Runnymede Meadows with Coopers Hill above with its various memorial nestlings below.  On the left is Magna Carta island.

At French Brothers boatyard a few of their vintage boats are laid up for the winter
Beyond is the Bells of Ouseley, a favourite mooring of mine. Today I am not stopping as I am going all the way to Windsor.
It always seems a long chug on the river beside Windsor Great Park and the Royal Estate. What a wonderful place with Windsor Castle in the distance getting nearer.

Then all of a sudden it is Romsey Lock with a very helpful lock keeper and then Eton Bridge and the Windsor's famous river frontage is here and time to find a mooring.
As it is early in the year it is really no trouble at all.
A great central spot is found.