Wallingford

The day was planned, but like all good plans sometimes they don’t always run smoothly.  The first stop was Clifton Hampden, the idea was to walk round the village and then have lunch at The Plough, before chugging to Dorchester and mooring for the night.  The village was small, full of thatched cottages, very picturesque, but guess what?  It was Monday and The Plough (which has a Chinese restaurant)  just happened to close on Monday lunchtimes.  So we settled for a hot sausage roll from the local post office. 

The next stop was Dorchester where we wanted to stay the night and complete a circular walk next day.  We couldn’t find a suitable mooring anywhere, so that plan  was also ditched and we decided to continue until something interesting showed its face.

And something did.  Wallingford was reached, and though the town moorings above the bridge were taken we found an excellent bank pitch (see pics) after the bridge and opposite the rowing club house.  Bonus also being free of mooring charges. 

If you have never been to Wallingford it is well worth a stop to investigate,  its small enough to walk round, at least 4 pubs, one hotel, selection of eating establishments, and plenty of  interesting old buildings and to cap it all only minutes from the river.  Waitrose sits easily in town and handy enough for carrying bags back to the boat.

The  morning was spent strolling round town followed by lunch in a riverside pub then a casual afternoon enjoying the sun on the riverbank.  We had company on the bank that kept rubbing their noses on the mooring spikes.  They were so friendly that when they ambled by you could touch them quite easily.  Did wonder whether Murray should be worried next week.

The forecast is for rain on Thursday and the following 2 days, so tomorrow it's down to Reading and onto the Kennet & Avon.