On the Thames, in the north western corner of Oxford, King's Lock has a fall of only 2ft 6in, the shallowest and newest on the river. The river goes through wide open spaces, underneath the Oxford Bypass, to the quieter surroundings of Godstow Bridge and the Trout Inn. It is a manually operated lock, and is only wide enough to allow a single boat to pass through at once.
We assemble for our first stop on the tour, with Nigel (in yellow coat) guiding us. In the foreground, are Phil and Brian debating on the windproofing factors of the official EA fleece jackets?
Below, looking left from where we were just standing:
Below: Having walked over the lock gates, looking back we see the immaculately kept lock-keeper's hut
After a couple of minutes' walk, we look at the neighbouring Kings Weir, still on the Thames. The rain had only just stopped, and it was breezy but not too cold at that point.
