With a sunny and dry May Bank Holiday weekend forecast, we knew we had to make the most of it. Living in the UK has taught us that good weather is never to be taken for granted. To make the weekend even better, family were joining us for an overnight stay on Saturday, wherever we happened to end up. After a little discussion, we settled on Goring-on-Thames for Saturday night and Wallingford-on-Thames for Sunday, before returning to Reading on the Monday morning.
Goring is one of our favourite stretches of the Thames. Not only is it surrounded by beautiful countryside, but it is also steeped in history. Thousands of years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, meltwater forced the River Thames through the chalk hills here, carving out what is now known as the Goring Gap. This dramatic landscape changed the course of the river, directing it through Berkshire and onwards towards London.
Today, the Berkshire Downs rise to the south while the Chiltern Hills stand to the north, creating a spectacular natural gateway through which the Thames flows. It is definitely an area of natural beauty and stunning to view from the deck of the boat when underway.
On either side of the river sit the twin villages of Goring and Streatley, linked by a bridge.
We always enjoy spending time here. There are quiet lanes to cycle, fascinating old houses to admire and beautiful churches tucked away. There are a few excellent pubs (four if I remember correctly) and these we appreciate even more after a day exploring on two wheels.
This weekend we decided to put our fitness to the test by cycling up the side of the Gap above Streatley. To be completely honest, "cycling" may be stretching the truth slightly. Much of it involved pushing our bikes up the steep chalk hillside while questioning our life choices. The climb was hard work, but as often happens, the reward was waiting at the top. The views across the Thames Valley, the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs were simply breathtaking and more than justified the effort.
After a hair-rising speedy cycle back down the hillside, we returned to the boat and enjoying a well-earned shower and a short rest, dozing in the sunshine and reading. Word must have got around that we carry duck and swan food on board because before long we had two sweet little duck visitors venturing on to the deck of the boat. They became increasingly brave, getting ever closer in search of a snack.
That evening, we cycled back into Goring and popped into one of our favourite pubs for a delicious pizza and a well-earned drink. Afterwards, it was back to our floating home for a quick backgammon challenge before turning in for a very early night.
Family will be joining us in the morning as we continue upstream, through the Goring Gap and onto Wallingford. We are looking forward to sharing one of our favourite stretches of the Thames and enjoying the journey through the eyes of others.
Tonight, however, the combination of sunshine, fresh air and a long day outdoors has caught up with me. My eyes are ready to close.
