Thames meander facts for kids

The River Thames in England is a very long and famous river. A "Thames meander" is a special kind of journey. It means traveling along all or part of the river. People do this for fun, for charity, or to set new records. You can meander by walking, rowing, punting, running, or even swimming.

A Thames meander can be a fun trip with friends. These often last a few days. People might use a Thames skiff or a punt for these trips. Other meanders are more serious. They can be competitions or attempts to break records. People use almost any small boat that floats. Many meanders also help raise money for good causes. Journeys often start at Halfpenny Bridge in Lechlade. They usually finish at Teddington Lock in London. Some longer trips go all the way to Gravesend Pier. A running event called the Thames Meander starts in Reading, Berkshire.

Amazing Journeys and Records

People have completed many incredible journeys on the River Thames. Here are some examples of these amazing meanders:

Swimming the Entire Thames

In 2006, a brave explorer named Lewis Pugh swam the whole length of the Thames. He was the first person ever to do this. His journey started on July 17, 2006, near the river's source. This is in Gloucestershire. He swam 147 miles and finished in London. Lewis Pugh did this swim to help people understand climate change.

Record-Breaking Row

Malcolm Knight set a record for rowing the Thames. He rowed from Lechlade to Gravesend. He used a Thames skiff for his journey. He completed this amazing row in April 2005. His record time was 43 hours, 40 minutes, and 56 seconds.

Team Swim for Heroes

In August 2010, a team of eight swimmers took on a big challenge. They were inspired by Lewis Pugh's swim. This team swam the non-tidal part of the River Thames without stopping. It was a relay swim, meaning they took turns. The team included Claire Mans, Ben Watkiss, Sarah Downes, Sam Carson, Louise Hewlett, James Hilditch, Jo Crisp, and Tim Endersby. They were the first to do this non-stop relay. The "Swim for Heroes" team started at the river's source. They finished just past Teddington Lock. They covered 236 kilometers in three and a half days and nights. Their goal was to raise money for Help for Heroes. This charity supports British servicemen and women.

The Thames Meander Race

The Thames Meander 54 mile race is a popular event. It is a long-distance running race. Runners go across the country along the Thames. This race happens every February. It covers a distance of 54 miles.

Famous Boat Trip Story

The funny book Three Men in a Boat tells a story about a boating trip. It describes the adventures and mishaps of three friends. They travel by boat from Kingston to Oxford. It's a classic comedy about a Thames meander.