How to get there - Wallingford is on the west bank of the River Thames, halfway between Oxford and Reading. It is best approached via the A4074 (turning west onto the minor road at Crowmarsh Gifford) (map)
Suggested Launch Site - The launch site is over the bank of the park/ camp site to the north of the old bridge. This was the second leg of a two day trip having camped overnight at the campsite. The site is council owned and operated and is functional rather than luxurious but very conveniently located for all of the ammenities of Wallingford.
General
Description - Turn south under Wallingford Bridge and in 1 mile pass under the new byepass bridge. In addition to the normal cruiser river traffic, this stretch is also popular with rowers. Moulesford Railway bridge was built by IK Brunel for the Great Western Railway.
The Beetle & Wedge Hotel (several up market restaurants) marks the site of the old ferry between Mouleford and South Stoke and utilises the buildings of the old manor house. A mile further on is Cleve Lock followed by Goring Lock half a mile further on. As all Thames Locks these are powered and manned by Lock Keepers so there is no need to portage.
Goring is a popular stop with the river cruisers, no doubt in part due to the several pubs that are only a short walk into the village, before the final four miles or rural river to Pangbourne. The Child-Beale Wildlife Park is passed on the right bank before the river joins the road and the railway for the final mile into Pangbourne. The Swan public house was where we chose to leave the river (there is a slipway for larger craft). We had left the car in the public car park the other side of the station to avoid congesting the pub car park and just brought the car up to the pub to load up.
