Sunday January 15th Tunnel House Inn walk
On the cold, but sunny Sunday of January 15th, 27 members left the Tunnel House Inn, to start their walk from the eastern entrance of Sapperton Tunnel. They walked alongside the derelict Thames & Severn Canal, passing the remains of Coates’ round house, a legacy of the old canal system. Eventually leaving the canal, the route took them through several fields to the somewhat inconspicuous stone which marks the official source of the Thames.
This is also the start of the 184 mile trail to the Thames Barrier in London. However, there was no visible sign of water, so the group walked on further until some water started to appear.
As the group crossed the Fosse Way, a stream was taking shape and by the time they got to the Lyd Well, it was beginning to flow steadily. After they crossed the A429 Kemble Road, the infant River Thames was bubbling along and the walkers accompanied it to the edge of Ewen. At that point the River left them to make its way to London; meanwhile the group continued through Ewen, passing under the disused railway bridge at Ewen Wharf and eventually emerging near to Smerrill’s Barn. Walking along the road towards the Fosse Way, there were surprisingly good views of the surrounding countryside.
The route carried on towards Coates, but the group turned off and took the path near to Trewsbury House, which eventually brought them back to the canal side and the return to the Tunnel House Inn having walked 6.5 miles.
We would like to thank the Tunnel House Inn staff for allowing us to park and for providing an excellent lunch.
The group, just about to start off, at the Tunnel House Inn.
Walking alongside the derelict Thames & Severn Canal.
Phil dipping his toe in the, still dry, source of the Thames
Looking towards the River Thames, North Kemble.
The first footbridge over the River Thames. Obviously the prototype for Tower Bridge.
Testing out the footbridge.
The Thames just north of Kemble.
In Ewen, the River Thames flows away from us to London.
Walking along the Monarch's Way on the edge of Coates.