“An ait!” I exclaim. Sunbury Lock Ait sits here in the River Thames. It is adjacent to Sunbury Lock. This island is a unique place. It lies between Walton-on-Thames and Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey.
The Sunbury Lock Ait is unpopulated. However, it is accessible. You can reach it by a footbridge. The bridge crosses the lock cut from the Thames Path towpath. Walkways on the lock gates also provide access. Another walkway links to Wheatley’s Ait upstream. It crosses the weir, but is closed to the public.
This long, thin island is inaccessible from Sunbury-on-Thames. There, you’ll see a long section of public riverbank. Also visible are Victorian terraces with moorings. Two pubs with moorings add to the scenery.
The island existed before the lock cut was widened and deepened. For centuries, it was known as “Sunbury Church Ait”. The City of London Corporation purchased it from several owners. They built the lock, which was completed in 1815. A flash weir had existed since at least the 18th century. The footbridge and old lock house mark the original lock’s location. It was upstream of the present locks.
Today, Sunbury Lock Ait is home to trees, ferns, and brambles. You’ll also find the Middle Thames Yacht Club here. A private boat mending yard operates on the island, too.
Sunbury Lock is near the Weir Hotel. There are actually two locks. They sit downstream of the original lock, built in 1812. The older, hand-operated lock dates to 1856. It is now seldom used. Lord Desborough opened the newer lock in 1927. A slide allows for the portage of small boats.
The main weir lies between Sunbury Lock Ait and Wheatley’s Ait. It creates a strong stream in the backwater. A footbridge links the islands, but public access is restricted.
Historically, the earliest weir was built in 1789. It diverted water to deepen the channel for navigation. The first lock plan appeared in 1805. A modified scheme in 1809 led to the first lock. It opened in 1812. By 1852, the lock had become dilapidated. Water companies planned major water extraction below the lock. This spurred its rebuilding and relocation to its current site in 1856.
The Queen’s Swan Uppers begin their annual journey here. It is called ‘Royal Swan Upping’. They record the swan population every July. Jerome K. Jerome mentioned Sunbury Lock in his book Three Men in a Boat. Visit on a summer weekend and you might find a tea shop. Inaccessible by road, the area has become a wildlife haven. Swans often nest here. You can spot Egyptian geese. You might even see pipistrelle bats.
Sunbury Weir offers the highest volume and speed for freestyle kayaking on the River Thames. However, it is not suitable for inexperienced paddlers.
The annual Sunbury Regatta has been held since 1876. It attracts racing craft from many parts of the country. Sunbury Lock Ait remains a place of natural beauty. It is a testament to the Thames’ rich history.