It has been almost a year since I last walked this stretch of the Thames and the walk appears shorter each time I do it. This time it was stroll with two stops. Having set out late morning, the first stop was early on to each lunch bought locally. Then when nearly at Hampton Court there was another stop to discard the thin jacket I was wearing. The weather was indeed warm, but not hot, perfect for walking.
At Hampton Court it was treat time – an ice cream! Over the Hampton Court bridge next to the train station there is a small park I’d never been into before. This is where I sat and had a great view across the river towards Hampton Court Palace. This side of the river is also where the River Ember feeds into the Thames – something else I did no know!
I am planning another Thames walk, a part I have not walked before. With any luck (and of course it is down to the weather) I may attempt that next week.
Before I sign off this week I just wanted to highlight a walk I know well which came up on a guest blog post of The London Wildlife Trust. The writer Jini Reddy, author of the book Wanderland (which I have just bought) has walked what I call ‘the horse field’ near me, and The Hamptons Wetlands, as well as Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Cannizaro Park. Do check it out here. There are some great photos too.
Finally, last evening I watched the most spellbinding concert from the Natural History Museum. A mixture of music, poetry and art based on the words of Robert Macfarlane (writer) and Jackie Morris (artist). It was a magical and moving tribute to wildlife. I had tears in my eyes during the song where the tree talks to the woodcutter. I highly recommend this. The recording made last night is on YouTube for a short while only. Catch it while you can.
My London+ 