RIVER THAMES

ROUTE IN DETAIL

GETTING IN / OUT AND PARKING​

Amble free street parking here. Just double check there is no 'park run' planned. 

Cars cannot be left there between 7:30 and 10:30 am or 4:30 to 5:30pm weekdays. 

You can pay to park and paddle by contacting Wokingham Waterside Centre, 

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Once parked walk over the large open field and put it on the slipway next to the waterside centre.

There was no charge when we went. 

SECTION 1 – WOKINGHAM WATERSIDE CENTRE TO SONNING LOCK

DREADNOUGHT REACH

Leaving the waterside centre, turn downstream towards Sonning Lock.

This stretch of the Thames is known as Dreadnought Reach and provides an attractive introduction to the paddle.

The river is relatively broad here, with a mixture of open water, trees and countryside. On your left, you’ll pass the Caversham Lakes area, including the Redgrave-Pinsent Rowing Lake. The rowing lake was created through gravel extraction and subsequent restoration of the surrounding landscape.

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Keep an eye out for rowing boats and other river traffic.

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SONNING LOCK

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Sonning Lock is one of the prettiest locks on this section of the Thames. Surrounded by attractive riverside scenery, it makes an excellent place to pause before continuing downstream. There should be a clearly marked canoe portage on the right-hand side when approaching downstream.There is a short carry around the lock, with a re-entry point immediately below.​

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SECTION 2 – SONNING BRIDGE & VILLAGE

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​Immediately below Sonning Lock, you’ll paddle beneath the beautiful Sonning Bridge. This historic brick bridge was completed in 1775, replacing an earlier wooden structure. The bridge is particularly distinctive because its roadway is narrow enough to require traffic lights to control vehicles crossing.

For us kayakers, the brick arches and surrounding riverside buildings make this one of the most photogenic parts of the trip. Look out for the fun modern art often located on the bridge by a local artist. 

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SECTION 3 – SONNING TO ST. PATRICK’S STREAM

Leaving Sonning behind, the Thames becomes increasingly rural. The river passes attractive properties, open countryside and wooded banks.

ST PATRICK’S STREAM ENTRANCE

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Approximately 1.5 miles downstream from Sonning, look for the entrance to St Patrick’s Stream on the right.

The entrance is identified by two wooden markers and a notice warning that the stream is unsuitable for launches.

The entrance requires particular attention. The can be a shallow lip towards the right-hand side, which can damage under-stern rudders.

Paddlers should also watch for shallow water, submerged obstacles and overhanging branches.

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SECTION 4 – ST.PATRICK’S STREAM

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE PADDLE

St Patrick’s Stream is arguably the most interesting section of this circular route.

The stream winds through beautiful Berkshire countryside, offering a completely different paddling experience from the main Thames.

The waterway becomes narrower, with trees, vegetation and natural riverbanks creating a secluded atmosphere.

There are occasional riverside houses, but much of the route feels wonderfully peaceful.

THE STREAM

St Patrick’s Stream bypasses part of the main Thames navigation and drops approximately five feet over roughly two miles. This creates a natural downstream current.

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Under suitable conditions, the gentle movement of the water makes for an enjoyable journey through the countryside.

However, the stream can become significantly more challenging following heavy rainfall.

Overhanging branches, fallen trees and other obstructions may present hazards, particularly when the current is running quickly.

This is not a section to attempt during strong flows or when Thames navigation warnings are in force.

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STREAM JUNCTION

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Approximately two-thirds of the way along St Patrick’s Stream, another smaller watercourse joins from the left.

The original guide identifies a small weir a short distance upstream along this tributary.

Avoid approaching or attempting the weir without specific local knowledge and a safe inspection.

Continue along the main stream towards its junction with the River Loddon.​

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SECTION 5 – RIVER LODDON TO SHIPLAKE LOCK

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Towards the end of St Patrick’s Stream, the waterway joins the River Loddon. This short section provides another change of scenery before returning to the main Thames.

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Follow the Loddon downstream until it meets the Thames just below Shiplake Lock. At the junction, turn upstream towards Shiplake Lock. The return journey now begins in earnest.

SHIPLAKE LOCK

Shiplake Lock is another attractive Thames lock with an interesting history.

Approach the lock via the left-hand channel heading towards the weir and you will come to a floating pontoon on the right. Marked here. It was all operational in October 2026 when we last paddled it. 

From here, paddlers carried their boats across the island before relaunching near the lock, no more than 50 yards. 

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SECTION 6 – SHIPLAKE TO SONNING

Leaving Shiplake Lock, continue upstream along the River Thames.

This section takes you past Shiplake College, which sits beside the river. The surrounding landscape includes attractive countryside, riverside properties and mature trees. Eventually, you’ll pass the entrance to St Patrick’s Stream again.

This time, continue along the main Thames towards Sonning.

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PADDLING UPSTREAM

Unlike the outward journey, this section involves paddling against the Thames current. Under normal summer conditions, this may be relatively straightforward for reasonably experienced paddlers.

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However, even moderate increases in river flow can make upstream progress considerably more demanding. Allow sufficient time and energy for the return journey.

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SECTION 7 – SONNING TO WOKINGHAM WATERSIDE CENTRE

Continue upstream beneath Sonning Bridge. You’ll then need to negotiate Sonning Lock again, following the appropriate portage arrangements.

Once above the lock, retrace your outward route along Dreadnought Reach.

Pass the Caversham Lakes area before returning to Wokingham Waterside Centre.

 This completes the circular paddle. Do let me know how you got on...