The Thames above Oxford has an idyllic, pastoral character. William Morris referred to an ‘earthly paradise’. The river here was part of the old Thames-Severn commercial route, but that traffic died sixty years ago leaving this water quietly to itself. There are miles of fine river sailing for small dinghies. An easily lowered (gunter) mast is essential for boats that want to travel along the river, but there are long stretches of up to six miles or so without overhead obstruction for dinghies with ‘fixed’ masts, for a day’s sailing or even a weekend trip.

There are few points of formal access to the river, but in several places the local populace has contrived access points, to which they can drive, involving a sloping or low bank. These are usually used for canoes or small inflatables, but a 12’ dinghy could easily be manhandled into the water and out again. I have done this singlehanded with my Otter. At each lock, the keeper will expect to see the Thames licence sticker (£2.76 for dinghies).

The 14 miles of unlocked river above Lechlade is not sailing water, and is normally for canoes, but it is fun to do in a light dinghy with oars or paddles (see Bulletin No. 59).

Most of the 15 sites mentioned below are out in the green, so to speak, so I give the Grid Reference — this is not a phone number — to help in locating the spot. The local reference library will have a set of maps with grid references. The banks of the river are denoted as L (left) and R (right) going down with the stream,

R Cricklade 104937 Ford at Rose Cottage Farm, bottom of Thames Lane. This is the highest point of legal navigation. Ask permission at the farm. R Castle Eaton 145958 The lawn of the Red Lion pub slopes into the river. Ask at the pub after a few drinks. R Lechlade (1) 210992 The car park at the public recreation green flanks an arm of the river. L Lechlade (2) 213994 Riverside Cafe. Proper boatyard, chandlery, car park. Slipping 80p in and same out. Pricey but best for security of trailer and car for a period. R Buscot 224984 National Trust picnic spot. Low bank. R Anchor Inn 247985 Make friends with the landlord and ask if you can push boat through his beer garden to cross bridge to the far bank. Good X-in-basket and other meals and snacks here. L Kelmscott 255987 In field at end of riverside road leading from the village. R Radcot 286995 Public green on island between the two bridges. L nr. Canfield 300003 At Old Man’s bridge. L Standlake 391013 At bend of river at SW of common. R Appleton 432021 Above weir at Northmoor Lock. Ask nicely at lock. R Bablockhythe (1) 436043 Ferry (disused) slipway. L Bablockhythe (2) 435043 Ferry (disused) slipway. Parking and trailer by arrangement at Ferry pub. X-in-basket and other meals R Pinkhill 444074 Slip at Caribbean Cruiser boatyard R Swinford 443086 Along dirt road from Eynsham Lock and low bank just above bridge. Ask nicely at lock to use track.