There are quite a few visitors wandering around Abingdon at the moment — cameras at the ready or following the treasure trail that includes a clue near our house in West St Helen Street. But the bigger town events are missing — no Excellent Markets, no festivals filling the Market Place with music and colour.

The Swan Upping came through Abingdon eight days ago, but anyone who went down to the river at 5pm on Friday 18th July — the time announced by the town crier — will have missed it.

For those unfamiliar, Swan Upping is an annual ceremonial event in which swans on the River Thames are counted, checked, and marked by a team in traditional uniform, travelling in skiffs.

What I heard is that David Barber, the King’s Swan Marker, didn’t give the crews time to order a pudding at the Barley Mow in Clifton Hampden. The menu there includes choices like Salted Caramel Sundae, Rose Petal & Pistachio Panna Cotta, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. As a result, the flotilla made good time, and by 5pm they had already raised a tot of rum to the King at Abingdon Bridge and were safely inside a local pub.

For four days, including the weekend, the gate barring access to the weir walkway was open — likely forced. Two padlocks were added to secure it on Monday morning.

The walkway remains officially closed due to concerns about corrosion in the steel supports. No date has yet been given for repairs or a possible reopening.

While I was there, I watched insects circling the bright spotlight at the near end of the weir. Spiders moved along their webs, catching an easy meal as the light drew prey straight into their traps.

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.

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.