Benson weir footway closed- Jan 2023 – Dec 31 2025

In the interest of public safety, Benson weir walkway is closed, due to recent damage to the structure from river debris and the heightened potential of further impact damage during winter flow conditions. This closure has now been confirmed to be in place until December the 31st 2025.

Please see the link below for the latest update from the Environment Agency, entitled 'Benson Walkway - Update 2".

The diversion from Benson is to proceed south along ‘Preston Crowmarsh Lane’, then right onto the footway of the ‘A4074’. Then take the next right and proceed along the footway of ‘Benson Lane’ until you reach 'The Street'. Turn right again and head over Wallingford bridge where you will re-join the Thames Path.

A company called Bygone Boating, a vintage boat hire company based at Benson Marina, has started transporting passengers from the marina to the other side by the lock, to avoid walking the diversion.

Ferries run between 10am and 6pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. A single trip costs £2 for adults and £1 for children, while a return trip costs £3 and £1.50 respectively. Trips run every half an hour from the slipway at the marina next to the Waterfront Café. A contact number for the company is 07375 677823.

Please find below PDF description guides to the diversion route from Benson to Wallingford and in reverse.

It is anticipated that the footway will remain closed until works can be carried out.

The Environment Agency are responsible for the structure and have released a briefing document explaining the situation:

Benson weir walkway closure - external briefing v1 d2