There are two rivers that run through Oxford: the Thames and the Cherwell. It can be a bit confusing when looking at maps of Oxford. It seems there is a third river called the Isis that runs through the city. In fact, the Isis is the name given to the part of the River Thames above Iffley Lock which flows through the Christ Church Meadow and is the main place of rowing for Oxford University.
The river isn't very wide here. It's nothing like the Thames tidal river in London. It's not even wide enough for proper rowing competitions so alternative "bump" races have been invented to determine which college has the best crew. Boats of all kinds go up and down the Thames all year, but summer is when you see a plethora of recreation boats. I biked into Oxford yesterday, in the long midsummer evening, and this is what I saw. The 3-mile path along the Isis is simply glorious this time of year and I was reminded of how much the river here is beloved by all alike.
I wouldn't be too keen to swim in the water -- it doesn't seem that clean.
Kayaking lessons
The Salter Boat that goes between Oxford and Abingdon
A typical houseboat or barge
Kayaking at Iffley Lock
A water safety class that "rescued" a victim towed in the boat behind
The Kings Arms at the Standford Lock (our nearest pub)
The Four Pillars hotel houseboat
Let sleeping ducks lie
Moored for the evening
The Iffley Lock
The Lock-keepers house at Iffley Lock
Old Iffley Bridge
Someplace to rest your weary feet
The popular Isis Pub which is only open Thursday through Sunday in the summer
Looking back at old Iffley
Sunset
Bridge to a boathouse
College boathouses
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