SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How long is the Thames?

A. Legally, Cricklade is the furthest point of navigation but few boats venture above Inglesham, in Lechlade, where you will find the old junction of the river with the old Thames and Severn Canal at the Inglesham Round House. The river passes through Oxford, Abingdon, Wallingford, Reading, Henley, Marlow, Maidenhead, Windsor and Staines before reaching London. Inglesham to Teddington covers 124 miles (199.5km) through 44 locks. Teddington to the Thames Estuary 66 miles (106.2km) and one half-tide lock.

Q. How many locks are on the Thames?

A. There are 44 locks on the Thames, each with its own residential lock keeper

Q. Who is responsible for the tidal Thames in London?

A. The Environment Agency's jurisdiction as navigation authority ends a few metres downstream of Teddington Lock. The river is tidal from Teddington to the sea and is the responsibility of the Port of London Authority for navigation management. The Port of London Authority can be contacted on 020 7743 7900.

Q. Where is the source of the River Thames?

A. The source of the Thames lies at Trewsbury Mead, Thames Head in a remote Gloucestershire meadow beneath the boughs of an elderly ash tree. For most of the year the spring is dry and you may find the riverbed remains without water for some distance. The infant river follows through fields and near to several small Cotswold villages, before passing through the middle of the Cotswold Water Park. Eventually the river reaches the town of Cricklade where the right of upstream navigation ends. As the river continues its path to Inglesham the flow of the river is increased by the flow of the River Coln which joins it. Inglesham is marked by the Inglesham Round House.

Q. Which way is Upstream?

A. Upstream is towards the source, Trewsbury Mead ( OS map reference ST 980 994) Downstream is towards London and the river estuary near Southend On Sea