The Thames in Maidenhead 26 March 2016

The forecast weather for the Easter Weekend was not good - only Friday was going to be clear and sunny, the rest of the weekend was going to be given over to Storm Katie, so I had to get out on Friday.  I work in Maidenhead a couple of times a month but I've never spent any time here, except an occasional visit to the South African shop (certain things are necessities in life - Crosse & Blackwell Mayonnaise, Spray n Cook etc.).  The Thames runs through Maidenhead - a very different Thames to the London river, as you will see.

The first part of the walk is alongside the road but once the road branches off it becomes quite urban for a while with some spectacular houses.  This one is for sale - you can just imagine the asking price!

Quite idyllic.  There were quite a few boats out.  During the summer the river is packed!

There is an island in the middle of the river.  One side is the weir and the water is quite fierce.

On the other side of the island is Boulters Lock.  It was quite fun to sit a while and watch how the process works.  Quite a few of the Lock Keepers that I've seen are women.

Further on along the path you come out into farm land and open countryside.  It's not very far to Cookham, only about 4 miles.  A very pleasant walk on a beautiful sunny day, and warm!

But I was heading off to London later in the day so I didn't walk all the way.  There were some interesting sights on the way back too - I did find the old man made of wood quite creepy!

And the birds drying off their wings and basking in the sun.  Lovely.