How to get there - Abingdon is just a few miles south of Oxford on the A34. If coming from the south it is 6 junctions north from Junction 13 on the M4 (from the north it is 8 junctions south from Junction 9 on the M40). Head east following the one way circuit of the town centre and exit on the A415 following signs to Wallingford. You will cross the Thames via a bridge. There are pay and display car parks either side of the road.
For those with SatNav the postcode is OX14 3HX
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Suggested Launch Site - It's best to launch over the bank to the north of the bridge.
General
Description - We did this trip as Day 1 of a two day trip with an overnight camp at Wallingford. The stretch through Abingdon is particularly attractive with the Boat Centre on the Island and St Helens Almshouses fronting the river. A Mile South of Abingdon Bridge the navigation diverts into Culham Cut with Culham Lock at the far end. All Thames Locks are powered and manned by Lock Keepers.
Beyond Clifton cut (and lock) is Clifton Hampden Bridge and then a selection of attractive riverside properties before Days Lock. If you have the time it is worth a diversion up the River Thame (on the left bank) into Dorchester.
The river is now very rural as it passes Benson (riverside camping here if you need it)and then arrives at Wallingford (more riverside camping). We camped here and then went on to day 2
here.
The days trip is 13 miles and 4 locks.
