Sign in

John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦

@johnmtippetts.bsky.social
78 followers 19 following 248 posts

Happily retired IT developer. Love walking & taking pics. Thames Path walked 7 times. 362 mile coast to coast Great Chalk Way completed in 2025 mywalks.uk #GreatChalkWayIn25

PostsRepliesMedia
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 20h
The Devizes Millennium Chalk Horse above Roundway has just had a much needed makeover with 30 tonnes of new chalk. He looks so much better than he did in August! He was re-chalked by the National Grid and local volunteers as part of a bigger project that is removing pylons by burying power lines.
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
That road was closed to vehicles when I did this walk last year but I was able to walk along it
100
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Very impressive Keld 👏. Just before you reached Hatch End you were within a few hundred yards of where I was brought up. Me & my mate used to spend a lot of time trainspotting at Hatch End Station in the days of steam & when the Bakerloo Line extended all the way to Watford - a long, long time ago!🤣
110
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Many more photos from this year's 21.6 mile Great River Race along the #Thames between Millwall and Ham House, Richmond #greatriverrace flic.kr/s/aHBqjD4RTT
flic.kr
2026 - September 12th - Great River Race
Annual 21.6 mile rowing marathon along the Thames between Millwall and Ham House Richmond
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
🧵2/2 By the time I reached the rowers in Richmond, the tide was on its way out, making life that much more difficult for these crews, so 👏👏👏. Very enjoyable experience. I have so many more photos I'll post & share via Flickr in next couple of days #greatriverrace greatriverrace.org.uk
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
🧵1/2 The Great River Race is an annual 21.6 mile rowing event on the Thames between Millwall & Ham House in Richmond. Each crew must carry a passenger & cox along with a 3’ x 2’ flag. A handicapping system ensures fair play. #greatriverrace #thamespath30
111
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The latest Tideway public space at King Edward Memorial Park is now open. Having visited all the others, IMO it's the best. It provided a great viewing platform to watch the Great River Race yesterday - 21 miles from Millwall to Ham House greatriverrace.org.uk #ThamesPath30 #greatriverrace #Thames
011
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Yes - it is very good timing. I started the K&A Walk a couple of weeks ago, reaching Thatcham from Reading. I'm planning on walking to Bath, on to Bristol and finally to the Severn Estuary in the next few weeks
130
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Last year, in walking the Great Chalk Way from Dorset to Norfolk, I chose to reach Avebury from Win Green via Salisbury. I have now walked the alternative route to Avebury by simply continuing along the Wessex Ridgeway. So enjoyable! @theridgewaynt.bsky.social www.mywalks.uk/others/gcw/w...
mywalks.uk
Wessex Ridgeway in Wiltshire - part of the Great Chalk Way
The Wessex Ridgeway stretches for 136 miles from Lyme Regis in Dorset to Marlborough in Wiltshire and is one of the constituent trails comprising the Great Chalk Way - also referred to as the Greater ...
001
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
One of Britain's quirkiest bus routes, the 23A, runs on 1 day a year between Warminster & the deserted village of Imber, through the middle of an MOD training area on Salisbury Plain. Yes - it's Imberbus Day! www.mywalks.uk/post/wessex-... #ImberbusDay #Imber
mywalks.uk
Imberbus Day 2026 - Visiting the ghost village of Imber by bus from Warminster. Imber sits within the MOD's Salisbury Plain Training Area
Imberbus Day takes place every year in August or September. A convoy of buses, many of them former London Transport double deckers, ferry people from Warminster Station to the ghost village of Imber, ...
011
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Oliver's Camp had a chalk horse cut in 1845 just below the top of the fort. Sadly, it was neglected & eventually disappeared from view - but I like to think that I could still see his head! In 1999,about a mile from Oliver's Camp, the Devizes Millennium White Horse, was cut 🧵2/2
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Roundway Down Iron Age Hill Fort in Devizes. Battle of Roundway Down was fought here in 1643 during the English Civil War. Aka Oliver's Camp or Oliver's Castle, even though Cromwell never went there!! A really beautiful place to visit. More brown than green though in August 🧵1/2
100
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow yesterday afternoon - and all to myself for once. Just so atmospheric & peaceful! @theridgewaynt.bsky.social
100
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Gosh - that is so impressive. I'm not confident enough to tackle the whole of the South West Coast Path, particularly solo. Like most people I've done odd bits of it & I'm happy to leave it at that!
110
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Apparently if you don't cross another boat going the other way it takes about 3 hours. There were lots of volunteers on hand to help
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Wow! How many miles was that? 👏👏
100
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
My walks along the Wessex Ridgeway introduced me to Devizes, the Kennet & Avon Canal & in particular the Caen Hill Locks. 29 locks rise 237 ft over 2 miles. Photos cover locks 29 to 44. What a beautiful sight! The K&A Canal Walk beckons next for me! Reading to Bristol & on to Avonmouth (maybe!)
220
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Whilst the start/finish of the #ThamesPath is bone dry for much of the year, here's a video I made in 2003 showing that it isn't always like this! Note my words - I'm not getting into any arguments as to the source of the river!! 🤣🤣🤣View in 4K if poss youtu.be/aPWrgCK30SE?... @andysin33.bsky.social
youtu.be
The River Thames Flowing From The Source January 2023
YouTube video by John Tippetts
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
👏👏Well done Keld!
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The first 1¼ miles of the #Thames from the start of the Thames Path to the A429 at Kemble. Completely dry of course at this time of year @thamespathnt.bsky.social @andysin33.bsky.social
120
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
We must!
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Happy 30th Birthday to the Thames Path National Trail!
120
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I’m taking the rest of this month off as well as August. Plenty of time to think about an autumn walk, which definitely won’t be the Thames Path! 🤣
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
🧵2/2 Came face to face with a Roe Deer in North Meadow Cricklade. From here to the Source, any water in the river was just standing & much of the riverbed was dry. Fabulous day & fabulous 232 mile journey once again from Grain. Happy Anniversary Thames Path! #ThamesPath30
020
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Some photos of yesterday's final stage of the #ThamesPath from Lechlade to the Source at Trewsbury Mead. The river was flowing - just - as far as Cricklade but this must surely be due to the contribution from the River Churn that joins here #ThamesPath30 🧵1/2
110
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I have also completed the optional 2nd half of the Wessex Ridgeway this year
100
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Thanks Andy. I completed the trail in 11 legs in 2024 & said then I could never better that. But I'm 2 years older now (72), heavier, wrapped it up over 5 rather than 6 weeks, wasn't as tired as I was at the finish in 2024 & enjoyed every minute! I'm over the moon with how everything went this year!
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Stage 11 of my #ThamesPath walk today between Lechlade & the Source. Completed the trail the hard way (uphill) albeit the wrong way ( @andysin33.bsky.social ). Had to celebrate in the customary way at the Thames Head. More photos of today’s walk to follow
250
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Thank you! Looking forward to reaching the Source, followed by a pint at the Thames Head!
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Stage 10 of my #ThamesPath Sea to Source walk between Newbridge & Lechlade on what was a gorgeous day with loads of people out on the river & walking the trail. Saw 2 families of swans with 7 cygnets in total which was encouraging 😀. Many thanks to the volunteers who keep the grass etc in check 👏👏👏.
040
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
They 'relieved' rather than 'revived' your wallet then! 🤣It's a lovely place for a pint & much nicer than the place over the bridge IMO - but that's as far as it goes for me. Premier Inn will always win!!
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Naturally there were cows but this stage is more about the sheep. The cows we encountered come next!
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
After lunch in Cookham, the Swan Uppers' flotilla passed through Bourne End en-route to the end of day 2 at Marlow. I do hope they found lots of cygnets #SwanUpping 🧵2/2
020
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
David Barber, the King's Swan Marker assisted by the Swan Markers of the Vintners & Dyers, the other Swan Uppers, as well as members of Swan Support were kept busy yesterday at Maidehead with a family of 9 cygnets. It was then on to Boulter's Lock & Cookham. #SwanUpping 🧵1/2
120
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Thanks Andy. I’ve always stopped at Swinford Bridge in the past but it was only 1 o’clock so I just carried on. Will make for an easier walk to Lechlade. Then the final push to the Source. Next week hopefully
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Thames Path - Abingdon to Newbridge today. Well earned pint at The Rose Revived downed just in time to catch the bus back to Abingdon. Perfect day! 2/2
320
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Stage 9 of my Thames Sea to Source walk. Thanks to the cooling breeze I was able to reach Newbridge from Abingdon today - 24 miles 1/2
110
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Thames Path - Abingdon to Newbridge today. Well earned pint at The Rose Revived downed just in time to catch the bus back to Abingdon. Perfect day! 2/2
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Trust you had the lovely breeze I had all day on my walk
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Thanks for your concern! I'm certainly confined to barracks for the rest of this week at least.
100
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
@thamespathnt.bsky.social was actually on a mission to track down the recently erected fencing for the new Thames road bridge at Culham - part of the South Oxfordshire HIF1 road scheme for which a diversion will definitely be required. I reckon Wendy must have walked about 5 miles in the heat!
010
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Yesterday's Goring to Abingdon walk via #TheRidgeway as far as Wallingford. Met Thames Path Champion Wendy at Clifton Lock. Curtis & his wife have excelled themselves this year with their flower display. Ice cream sales fund more plants, so no need to feel guilty! @thamespathnt.bsky.social
141
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Marsh Lock Horsebridge at Henley. Closed beyond the lock since May 2022. A great loss to the residents of Shiplake and the #ThamesPath. This wonderful bridge must be renovated. If it helps make this happen sooner rather than later, then I'm happy to chip in via the proposed crowd funding
021
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
My 3rd walk was Henley to Goring, starting from the mural created by Vickie Amiralis to commemorate the 30 years since the Thames Path was officially opened as a National Trail. #thamespath30
040
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
My walks coincided with Henley Regatta week which is supposedly all about the rowing!! 🍾🥂🍾 Unfortunately I arrived at Henley a bit late for that so I had to make do with lots of people who'd had too much Pimms & sun 🤣 2/3
230
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Before the next heatwave I squeezed in another 3 sections of the #ThamesPath this week - Teddington to Windsor, Windsor to Henley & Henley to Goring. That's 70 miles officially. Nice weather for getting the drone up 1/3
140
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is enough for me!
200
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Congratulations Keld 👏👏👏
000
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Richly deserved awards presented to Peter & Wendy at the conclusion of the Thames Path 30th Anniversary Relay on Sunday👏👏👏 @riverthamessoc.bsky.social @thamespathnt.bsky.social #NationalTrails #ThamesPath30
220
John Tippetts 🇺🇦 🇬🇱 🇨🇦 @johnmtippetts.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
2/2 - At Barnes I passed the bench dedicated to David Sharp & his wife. David is known as the Father of the #ThamesPath After more than 20 years he saw his vision come to fruition in 1996. Pitstop for tea & coffee at NT Ham House. Finish at The Anglers Teddington Lock! What a great day😀#thamespath30
030