Blog No 26 Newbridge to Tadpole Bridge 6 miles 22nd August '25.

This walk was the day after the 'carnival' occasion of reaching Newbridge. I was walking with Alison and Gai. When we arrived at the starting point there was another group of friends and neighbours seeing us off which was again a big surprise. This walk was about 6 miles to Tadpole Bridge.



We were energised by all the well wishing and set off at a good pace. Situated at the gate leading to the beginning of the walk Alison spotted  a mosaic by a local artist marking the starting point.


At the beginning we crossed fields and meadowland which was very pleasant. 


About a mile further the walking started to get very tough in places as the path was narrow and uneven because of the cracks in the ground due to the lack of rain. However Alison and Gai enjoyed picking the blackberries along the way and inspected an observation hide on the side of the track, where the river was one side and a small stretch of water on the other. Good for observing wading birds and no doubt other animals coming for a quiet drink. I think the area was Chimney Wildlife Meadows.


We came to Shifford Lock which was closed to walkers. We were expecting a bench to sit on and take a break. We walked on to the weir bridge where we crossed the river and sat on the steps to have a drink and snacks. There were notices displaying a warning us that Tenfoot Bridge was closed but that it did not affect walkers on the Thames Path. 



At this point a walker we had seen previously caught us up. We were intrigued by the wording on his T Shirt. He told us he was walking for his wife who sadly died last year. She was a walker, he was not so interested,  but in winter months decided that he would do the Thames walk;. He began the walk last year and intends to finish within the next few months. Here he is.


I remembered I neglected to write in the previous blog about meeting a couple along the path. He had MND, raising funds for the Phyllis Taylor Hospice in Northamptonshire with his walking partner.  We wished them well.

We continued our walk with the river now on our left. The path continued to be very narrow and uneven slowing our progress. The clouds were patchy which shielded us a lot of the time but when they cleared it was pretty warm. Mainly Gai and Alison walked together chatting, which is something I find quite difficult to sustain, but good to hear them enjoying the walk.

Eventually the path broadened out again as we crossed fields and meadowland. There were some boats moving slowly past going downstream. Some so discreetly moored close to dense foliage that they were difficult to spot. At this point I estimated we still had a good mile before reaching Tadpole Bridge. Because it was hard going and progress was slow it was not easy on the feet. 



After another forty minutes or so, where the path was more even Gai spotted the bridge. Spirits brightened as we neared the end of the walk.    Tadpole Bridge.



As we turned into the pub gardens, I was heading for the loo but Alison guided me to a covered area with tables. There again to my surprise was Julie, a neighbour and also Jules with little Ted from next door to me, who had come to the pub to greet us as we finished. We sat and chatted, had a much needed drink and crisps before Alison's daughter Beth took us back home.


An enormous thanks to Alison for arranging such a great two day celebration, spurring me on my walk for Elizabeth to the finish at the source of the Thames. Thanks to Gai and Alison for the photographs.

I think this walk was nearer 7 miles than the 6 estimated in the guide book.

Next stretch Tadpole Bridge to Kelmscot, hoping to arrange this with Graham my neighbour for the Sunday 24th August. 

Thank you all for reading my blog, any comments would be appreciated.

Maureen

 


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