November Weekday Walk: Kew and Richmond
On a brilliantly sunny and warm day, our little group met at St Albans station and picked up one more walker at Radlett. We arrived at Richmond and proceeded to Sheen Common. We walked through woodland paths rather than open land, quiet and calm and into Richmond Park. It was looking lovely in the sun, golden leaves still on a few trees and appears to have changed very little in fifty years. We walked up to a high point with clear views of London and picked out Tate Modern, the London Eye, St Paul's and round to the Wembley Arch. Below us were Penn Ponds, almost a Mediterranean blue. Walking past them we saw several deer well camouflaged by the bracken, a horse rider and ducks, very tranquil.
We then went along Ham Common and up the long drive towards the house which looked very imposing and round to the towpath. There we sat on a sunny bench for our picnic, viewing the river with a grebe, ducks, many boats tied up and the odd person rowing. The tide was very full as we walked to Richmond up the hill to the viewpoint, seeing the North Downs in the distance. Then down Richmond Hill with its fascinating shops to the river and along to Kew, seeing Syon House and alongside Kew Gardens on the way.
We made our way to Kew station and had a slightly interesting journey, getting on a tube instead of the Overground train. This was rectified and we arrived at West Hampstead to run for a train to beat the cheap ticket deadline. Our leader was in front and gallantly held the doors for the rest of us to get in.
This was a truly memorable walk and great thanks to Jane for organising it and looking after us. Janice
We then went along Ham Common and up the long drive towards the house which looked very imposing and round to the towpath. There we sat on a sunny bench for our picnic, viewing the river with a grebe, ducks, many boats tied up and the odd person rowing. The tide was very full as we walked to Richmond up the hill to the viewpoint, seeing the North Downs in the distance. Then down Richmond Hill with its fascinating shops to the river and along to Kew, seeing Syon House and alongside Kew Gardens on the way.
We made our way to Kew station and had a slightly interesting journey, getting on a tube instead of the Overground train. This was rectified and we arrived at West Hampstead to run for a train to beat the cheap ticket deadline. Our leader was in front and gallantly held the doors for the rest of us to get in.
This was a truly memorable walk and great thanks to Jane for organising it and looking after us. Janice
