Is it possible to commute to London from Henley on the Thames?
Remember that there is a speed limit on the Thames (although the trip boats seem to disregard this and get away with it!). Husband thinks it’s 5 m.p.h. but it’s 3 years since we took our boat down there so memory may be hazy; although there isn’t traffic congestion, this will slow your progress substantially. There are are obstacles, too, as already mentioned, especially in summer when there are quite a lot of boaters out on the river every day – the Lock Keepers do like to fill their lock if possible before allowing passage. If they’ve clocked-off before you get there, winding the big locks needs a lot of time and patience, and muscles like Charles Atlas If you calculate lock timing on a canal – I always allow 15 minutes when times are quiet. For a thrilling trip in a small boat, there is nothing to beat coming out onto the Thames amidst the huge sea-going vessels you encounter there. Remember to close all doors and windows, have your anchor accessible, wear a life-jacket and drive in
