Walking The Thames Path: Section 6.2: Dorchester to Wallingford

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Weather: Sunny, Heavy Showers
Section Length: 8.4Km
Fantastic Place: Shillingford

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The Route

This blog entry is a bit delayed (OK very delayed as I did the walk back in 2022!)

Outside of weeks away from home, or long weekends, most of the Thames path will be walked in short sections such as today. I get a lift to the starting point from Liz, who then goes for a mooch around a pretty town (in this case Dorchester and Wallingford).

Dorchester is a pretty little town/village with an ancient abbey at its heart and several pubs. The walk starts with a pleasant stroll along the River Thame to its confluence with the Thames. On the approach to Shillingford the path leaves the river for some tedious road walking into the village. The return to the river is via a pretty lane beside gorgeous gardens and at the end a thatched boathouse. 

Shillingford bridge is quite impressive (it has road signs warning of ducks). The river, once you return to it, is wide and peaceful at this spot until you approach Benson where there is a busy marina and my great fear - a weir.

The Dreaded Weir at Benson

I don't know what it is about weirs. They are crossed usually by sturdy bridges with high hand rails but there is something about the mix of still deep water and rushing water over the weir itself that gives me the heeby-jeebies! 

The river on the far side of the weir returns to a peaceful tree lined stretch on the run into Wallingford. Wallingford has another fine Thanes bridge. A great spot to stop, meet up with Liz and scoff a very good sausage roll while watching people swim in the river.

Rather Fancy Boathouse

Wallingford Bridge

Fine Tree on Wallingford High Street