Thames Path - Cookham Lock and Weir
Cookham Lock and Weir are not actually on the Thames Path. However they are so close I feel that their inclusion in the series is well justified.
The Lock and Weir are snugly tucked away with high trees and wonderful country walks crisscrossing the area. The lock is unique in that it is the only one on the River Thames that has fully operational middle gates. They are not used much nowadays, but they do offer the capability of opening a short, medium or full lock.
They are used mostly in times of water shortages and of course, it's often thought unnecessary to open a full lock of water just for a single boat. They were originally fitted in 1957 when the old manual oak beams were removed and the lock was converted to mechanical operation.
The lock, opened in 1830, is sited on Sashes Island. Sashes is one of the largest islands on the Thames. Its name evolved from Sceaftage (Sceaf's Island), Sceaf being a Saxon name. It is likely that during King Alfreds's reign a fort was built on the island to contain the threat posed by Viking Invaders. Excavation and later dredging in the lock cut have revealed a winged axe, spearheads and other iron weapons of this period.
The island has restriced opening hours (see photo)
The cache is situated very close to the end of a public footpath that goes nowhere. You can get a rare view of the bridge from near this location.
You are looking for a snap-lock container, containing the log, pencil and a few swaps.
Please be careful if you have children with you as the cache is very close to the water edge.
Good luck!