ROCHESTER TO RICHMOND: A THAMES ESTUARY SAILOR’S VIEW

Those who assume that the only way to sail up the Thames is in a single tide-fuelled surge from Queenborough to Limehouse or St Katharine’s may need to think again. Nick and Christobel Ardley find half a dozen overnight stopping points. Whimbrel, their Finesse 24, noses her way into forgotten creeks where Ardley salutes lost industries and identifies dead barge bones with enduring affection that reflects his childhood growing up on board one of these distinctive work boats. Beyond Limehouse, they take to their feet to explore London’s pools, wharves and hidden rivers as far as Richmond Bridge. Ardley’s style is idiosyncratic but his fund of knowledge and quirky enthusiasms make this an absorbing read. Ardley’s latest cruising log can be read on p62 of this issue. The author will also be giving an illustrated talk at the Essex Book Festival on March 20. Visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk.