How to get there - Sonning Eye is an Island in the Thames 3 miles north east of Reading on the B476. (map)
Suggested Launch Site - The suggested launch site is down the grassy bank from the small car park next to the weir stream.
General
Description - From the launch site go left (downstream) for one mile until houses appear on the right (south) bank. Enter St Patrick's stream between the pilings keeping well to the right. St Patrick's stram can be popular with fishermen but we did this trip on a weekday in October and saw none. St Patrick's Stream by-passes Shiplake Lock and therefore has a good flow (falling 5 feet in a mile and a half). The River Lodden joins from the right before rejoining the main channel of the Thames just below Shiplake Lock.
Turn right and proceed downstream for half a mile. Immediately after the St George & Dragon pub on the right, the stream divides - go right under a wooden footbridge and continue straight ahead into the Hennerton backwater. There is on particularly low bridge (see photo album)before the backwater meanders past secluded properties for one mile.
On rejoining the Thames turn left to return to Sonning for a 10 mile trip (one lock on the return) (route) or if you are able to organise a shuttle with a second car proceed to Remenham for a 7 mile downstream trip through Marsh Lock and Henley on Thames.
