Orwell's Odyssey

Shiplake to Henley
Route by JOHN WELLER (AKA Poolside Percy)

A delightful day out from anywhere around London - this route was done for our friend John Weller’s excellent new book ‘Outdoor Swimming Around London’ – Available now on the link below.

Location: Henley, England
Total distance: 8km
Above distance (hike, WALK, run): 2 miles
Below distance (swim): 2-3 miles
A (start): Shiplake (train station) or Shiplake Lock
B (finish): Henley
Duration: Day trip
Difficulty: Moderate but need to be strong, confident swimmer

Before you set off, please read our safety guide and blog post on the risks of biosecurity. And here is our recommended kit list.

description

Start and directions to Shiplake Lock at Shiplake train station. Paddington or Reading to Shiplake Station (40 mins, most likely changing at Twyford) + 1.6 miles walk (30 mins). From Shiplake Station, turn left at The Baskerville pub and continue along Mill Road for 0.6 miles; turn left onto Mill Lane and the Lock is on your right after 60m. Alternatively, take the scenic route along the Thames tow path from the station - 0.2 miles along Mill Road turn left and follow the well sign-posted Thames Path, in places passing through the bottom of a series of riverside gardens, before arriving at Shiplake Lock (30 mins) Park on Mill Lane Mill, RG9 3NA

GPS: 51.5013, -0.8829

At Shiplake Lock there is a loo and you can get changed amidst the ridge tents on the camping island, an area steeped in history. The Otter Club, one of Britain’s oldest swimming clubs, has been holding races here since 1888, while a young Eric Blair (George Orwell) used to fish from the lock.  It is also said that he based the bucolic dreams of Winston Smith in 1984 on the surrounding area.

There is an excellent pontoon to launch yourselves from. Swimming downriver under the railway bridge, admire the riverbanks, eyots (river islands) and eclectic mix of houses – from Tudorbethan to an elegant Grand Designs house. Generally swimming in Rivers you are meant to swim on the right and make sure to keep an eye out for river traffic, and make yourself seen.

Distance: this is a 3km swim, but there are plenty of places to get out for a breather up to Wargrave sailing club but make sure you research exactly where these are as many ‘outs’ are actually someone’s private garden.

Pack the RuckRaft with everything you need for a fine day out. In early autumn, it was full of extra jumpers and tea flasks, but on a hot summer’s day it would be rude not to tow a picnic hamper and something cold and bubbly. This is Henley after all.

Passing Marsh Lock (after around 2km), Henley finally comes into view. Get out at Singers Park, just before the bridge, and there’s the lovely Chocolate House Cafe in front of you which does a mean Full English, while The Angel on the Bridge pub is right by the river.

Then it’s a short walk back to Henley train station for the trip home.

your guide

Want to give this route a go, but not ready to go it alone? Send us an email to hello@abovebelow.sc and we can put you in touch with a local guide to accompany you.

All our local guides are qualified lifeguards or swimguides with first-hand experience of the route.