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Walkers discover delights of Richmond

A group of thirteen walkers set off from the Jolly Farmer on Richmond Green at 2pm on 6 June, following the lanes to the Richmond bank of the Thames and then undertaking the mountainous climb to the top of Richmond Hill.  A well-deserved rest provided an opportunity for group photo, taken by an obliging local.

The Thames from Richmond Hill (photo Trevor Watkins)

We entered Richmond Gate into Richmond Park where we rectified an unfortunate navigational error by scaling a high fence.  After an ice cream halt at Pembroke Lodge, we headed across open parkland in the hope of seeing deer, but they proved to be sheltering from the scorching  afternoon sun. Next came a twenty-minute excursion among the ponds and ornamental shrubbery of the Isabella Plantation, followed by the push to The New Inn via the Ham Gate, where the more observant caught a glimpse of a running stag, and Ham Common Nature Reserve.

Enjoying the shade of the John Beer Laburnam Walk, shortly before the Pembroke Lodge ice-cream halt

The final third of the walk followed the long straight avenue leading to Ham House.  We reached the river just after high tide but still had to negotiate a number of watery patches.  After passing a brood of Canada geese and their seven chicks, we re-joined the outward route at Buccleuch Gardens and returned to Richmond along the river bank.

Savouring the wide open spaces of Richmond Park - but bereft of deer

Supper was taken at the White Cross, the third pub on this walk – a record –where we were reunited with our social member Ted Mouat who had fallen foul of the second navigational error of the day by misreading his instructions and heading for the wrong Richmond Bridge.   All’s well that ended well, however, and he was greeted with rapturous applause when he caught up with us at the White Cross.

The thirteen walkers at the top of Richmond Hill

The route, designed by Dick Jones, provided a highly enjoyable and different outing, with plenty of variety and a reminder that there are fine walks to be accomplished by using public transport within the confines of London. 

The next walk is planned for Monday June 27, with the start/finish in Woodmansterne.