A Walk Around Lechlade

Old Father Thames, St Johns Lock

A Canal Round House, similar to the one at the junction of the River Thames and Thames and Severn Canal

Leave the car park and go into the town centre and the market place. After visiting the church of St Lawrence follow Shelley's Walk, through the churchyard, past the school and across a field to follow a hedge lined path to the main road. Turn right  passing The Trout public house and over the St Johns Bridge, one of the earliest bridges to cross the River Thames  built in the 13th century.

Take the small gateway on the right and follow the steps down to St Johns Lock. Here is a statue of Old Father Thames brought to the lock side from the head of the River Thames at Trewsbury Meadow in 1974 after the monument was vandalized. Go past the lock, through the gate and follow the Thames National Trail to Ha'penny Bridge. Along the river there is a good view of the church across the meadow.

Go through the arch of the bridge and continue along the river bank passing a foot bridge over the river. Just across the river is one of several canal round houses of the Thames and Severn Canal which joins the Thames at this point. Continue along the river and over several stiles to reach a driveway. Turn right along the drive to the small church of St. John The Baptist at Inglesham. The church was preserved by William Morris, who lived at nearby Kelmscott Manor.

Retrace the route back along the river to the foot bridge which is now crossed to go along the bank of the River Colne, for a short distance and then right to follow a track to a junction. Go right and follow the well defined path over several stiles to reach the main road on the outskirts of the town. Turn right and continue through the town to return to the car.

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