Category Archives: River Thames

Abingdon Weir Bridge Still Closed – No Progress, No Timeline

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The footbridge across the weir at Abingdon Lock remains closed, with no indication of when it might reopen. Despite being shut for safety reasons on April 22nd due to corrosion in the structure, there is no visible work on site and no updates on site from the Environment Agency on a repair schedule.

This closure cuts off a popular circular walk across the Thames and leaves many walkers, runners, and visitors upset. The route is particularly well-used during the summer months and has long been part of daily life in Abingdon.

Temporary Closure of Abingdon Weir Walkway – April 2025

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We are back in Abingdon after a short time away and find the Abingdon weir walkway has been temporarily closed for safety reasons following an engineering inspection.

The Environment Agency is investigating corrosion found in the steelwork supporting the pedestrian bridge. The walkway has been shut while the full extent of the damage is assessed and any necessary repairs are planned.

A temporary footpath closure notice has been issued by Oxfordshire County Council and is expected to last from 22 April 2025 until 12 May 2025. The footpath diversion is over Abingdon Bridge to Abingdon Lock.

The First Day of Spring in Abingdon

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The first day of spring brought blue skies and sunshine to Abingdon. People went outdoors to enjoy the town’s riverside beauty. Signs of the changing season were everywhere. Cherry blossoms from a fallen tree still bloomed and added colour to this view of Abingdon Bridge and The Nags Head pub.

Yellow daffodils near the water’s edge brightened the view of Abingdon Bridge and The Riverside Cafe – a popular spot for those wanting a coffee and cakes or lunch with a view.

From another angle, the spire of St Helen’s Church rose above The Riverside Cafe.

Cherry trees also bloomed near the Old Gaol.

For people who did not have to work  there was a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the first day of Spring in Abingdon, the vernal equinox, when day and night are of nearly equal length. Although up to recently I used to think it was March 21st.

A walk by Abingdon Lock

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These discoveries on the walk round by Abingdon Lock may be old news to some, but here they are anyway …

On Wednesday, November 27th, a narrowboat broke free and sank near Abingdon Lock. The vessel remains submerged against the weir wall, its hull held in place by the river current and ropes.

The boat owner and their dog are safe. A large tree branch is entangled behind the boat as the river flows around and through it.

I did hear that the lock keeper provided temporary shelter in the lock house until alternative arrangements could be made for the boat owner.

In an update, the lock keeper has written on a board that insurance and recovery companies  must wait for the river flow to subside significantly before removing the boat.

Apart from what must be a sad episode for the boat owner, there was a beautiful winter sunset this evening at the lock.

A second discovery on the walk was the opening of the new Sushi takeaway on Bridge Street.