Wow! the Thames Path Walk has now been completed. We achieved our goal of completing 183.7 miles in homage to the year in which the Provincial Grand lodge for Surrey was founded.
In reality that goal was well exceeded due to numerous diversions, as our personal tracking devices indicated somewhere in the region of 190 miles (For Storm, read that as 250 plus)and over 300,000 steps and moving time of 60 hours over the 10 days!
W.Bros. Bugsy Malone and Paul Day formulated the route and legs so that we could both present a reasonable challenge which could be undertaken in a reasonable time frame. The Provinical Comms team publicised the event in the monthly Surrey Risings.
Prory Gate Lodge members assembled the resources, Maps, First aid kit, dedicated mobile phone, Mini bus, drinking water, snack bars, fuel for entire 10 days and manpower.
At the time of writing the figure stands well in excess of £10,000 from a wide range of very generous sponsors both from the Masonic community and general public at large.
Priory Gate lodge in particular have so far contributed more than £2700 towards that magnificent total.
This event was aimed at Surrey lodges in particular and we were not disappointed, as numerous well wishers and donations flooded in from all corners of the Province.
The main core of the walking party was complemented by members from;
- Weybridge Lodge 6787 – W.Bro Ben Connolly, W.Bro Julien Tidmarsh
- Triumvirate lodge 9505 – W.Bro Stuart Smith, W.Bro Ivan Welham
- Priory Gate Lodge 8202 – W. Bro Mark Malone, W.Bro Paul Day
- Carshalton Lodge 4429 – W.Bro Austin Newman, Bro Graham Jones
Together with son Dominic Malone accompanied by his and our faithful hound “Storm.’ 
We were very fortunate to have W.Bro Steve Butwell join us for the first leg which provided a fantastic initial impetus for us.
We were also joined along the route on day 3 by a strong representation from Windlesham Dawn lodge 9686 which all helped to raise the profile and awareness of our efforts.
Day 1: Woolwich – Putney Bridge: 20 miles
Day one commenced at the Woolwich foot tunnel after a hard slog in traffic across London after leaving Walton on Thames at 6:30 am. This was to prove the most challenging commute of our entire adventure. Our intended set off time of 8am proved optimistic but after a brief search for all walkers. We finally got underway in very pleasant weather and battled our way through the winding stretches of docklands and hordes of tourists at Tower Bridge. Indeed, at one time we were convinced that Canary Wharf was on wheels as it never seemed to leave our vicinity.
The day ended at Putney Bridge as the weary walkers finally met up with the support bus which was organised and driven by W. Bro Colin Paice and assisted by the day’s marshal Bro. Diego Fernandez from Priory Gate. A quick stop at a riverside hostillery was in order before we retired home to soak our aching feet and toes.
Day 2: Putney Bridge – Chertsey Bridge: 24 miles
Day 2 resumed at Putney Bridge and continued through the glorious stretches of Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court. We were again fortunate to engage with fellow Masons and well wishers on the route, some of who joined us on the walk for part of the leg. which always provided a genuine boost to the walking party. The walking was completed on arrival at Chertsey bridge following a pleasant ferry crossing at Shepperton. It was at this stage we left our very own Bear Grylls in the guise of W.Bro Ben Connolly to solo camp until our next stage.
Day 3: Chertsey Bridge – Maidenhead Bridge: 18 miles
Day 3 resumed at Chertsey Bridge, where we were joined not only by Ben, but also Austin Newman from Carshalton lodge accompanying Shelley Leonard. I had the personal joy of welcoming Bro James Malone from St. Simon and St. Jude Lodge 8729 (Leicestershire) who walked all of day 3 and 4 with us. Day 3 was also significant as Windlesham Dawn lodge 9686 turning out in force at Chertsey Bridge and walking a large part of the first leg before hosting a BBQ for its members and friends at Runnymede. Once again raising awareness and funds for our event.
Day 4: Maidenhead Bridge – Henley: 15.5 miles
Day 4 was a beautiful Bank Holiday, in fact the whole 10 days walking remained dry and mostly sunny (GAOTU?) taking us through some breathtaking scenery from Maidenhead to Henley. During which our numbers were bolstered by friends of Dominic – Matt and his Dad John.
Day 5: Henley – Pangbourne: 17 miles
Day 5 took us from Henley where they were busy setting up for the upcoming regattas to the picturesque hamlet of Pangbourne. Despite its beauty our ‘Bear Grylls’ Ben managed to find the only ‘Fools and Horses’ tribute pub to lodge overnight in. Loverly Jubbly indeed.
Day 6: Pangbourne – Dorchester: 16 miles
Day 6 took us through more wonderful countryside to Dorchester on Thames. It was about now some of us were finding our walking feet as we became conditioned to the daily trek. The team were definitely finding their stride.
Day 7: Dorchester to Oxford: 18.5 miles
Day 7 found us starting from the previous days finishing point at and travelling another 18.5 miles to Oxford. Although more built up, the proximity to the river still afforded us with wonderful surroundings and tranquility.
Day 8: Oxford – Newbridge: 13.5 miles
Day 8 was from Oxford to Newbridge (bit of a misnomer as it is one of the oldest bridges spanning the Thames). This was a distance of 13.5 miles which was a mileage reduction for a change. Some might call it a half day although still enough to warm the feet up!.
Day 9: Newbridge – Lechlade: 16 miles
Day 9 was the penultimate day when we were once again joined by Austin and his friend Graham Jones from Carshalton lodge. The day proved to be a bit of a swelterer as the river became ever more undulating. Nevertheless, the team persevered for 16 miles in preparation for the final push on Day 10
Day 10: Lechlade – Thames Head: 22.75 miles
Day 10, The Final day of this epic adventure started off in ‘fresh’ weather in comparison to the previous 9 days but the rain held off. The walking party, further bolstered by our former support bus driver, W.Bro Colin Paice walked the last arduous 22.75 mile stretch.
We had achieved and surpassed our goals and in the process formed strong bonds of friendship while raising valuable donations and awareness for our cause. What more could we ask for. It was truly a wonderful adventure, thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part.
Special thanks must go to W. Bro Colin Paice, who provided the support minibus giving up his own time to drive it of the first 6 days. Keeping it in the family, I had my brother in law Neal Rimay-Muranyi a non mason driving the bus for the last 4 days. The bus was absolutely crucial to the event and would not have been possible without it, so I am indebted to both drivers and also to the Marshals who assisted during the course of the event: From Priory Gate Lodge: W. Bro Steve Pepper, Bro. Maxim Malone and Bro. Diego Fernandez and his wife Alexandria.
Also to my very own mobile Comms team W. Bro Julien Tidmarsh, Weybridge Lodge and deputy festival events chair for his daily Facebook and social media updates.
A gallery of images from the team appear below.
Article by W.Bro. Mark Malone. Copyright© Priory Gate Lodge 2026