Winter on the Thames is all about the weir sluices that form the heart of the British playboating scene. However when the river levels drop and the sun comes out the Thames takes on a different persona so aptly described by Jerome K Jerome in the classic novel ‘Three men in a boat’.Tranquil waters, gentle currents and a generous smattering of riverside teashops and pubs make this river a classic UK touring paddle.This little sojourn involved a return paddle from Reading to Shiplake; taking in the fantastic St. Patrick’s stream, River Loddon, some award winning architecture and a superb picnic in the sun.