I set out for a long walk with one of my sons, and according to him it ended up being eight and half miles. It was certainly worth it, despite stiff legs for days afterwards. A lot of walking to get there was uphill., and we did take a detour which added to the length of the walk.
We used the usual route via the railway cut and Raynes Park and stopped off at Holland Gardens so my son could adjust his shoe. Then up, up another steep hill to the common. This is where the detour started. Although the Buddhapadipa Temple is closed right now, I did wonder if the grounds would be open so I could get a photo of the outside of the Temple. Sadly, it wasn’t, but I took a few photos anyway (one through a glass window in the wall!). I shall wait for it to reopen and visit again.
From there we doubled back and headed towards the Windmill Cafe. I wasn’t sure it would be open, but I suspected they would be doing a takeaway service to make some money. Well, it was very busy. It had just started to rain, but we stopped for hot chocolate and a portion of chips each. We couldn’t sit anywhere, so we stood under an awning, trying to keep our distance from everyone else.
The Windmill was also closed, but during normal circumstances it opens at the weekends. I’ve never yet been inside it.
We set off back along the path and took a right-hand path to follow the pond round. The rain was pretty heavy by this time, but the walk was beautiful. The trees are just coming into bud and will look very pretty soon. Perhaps a trip back is in order, though this time I shall wait until the first restrictions are lifted and go on the bus! That way I can explore more of the common, which also adjoins Putney Common, where I don’t believe I’ve walked in years.
To get your bearings, the Windmill Cafe is on the opposite side of the common to Cannizaro Park if you approach it from Wimbledon. You will often see horses being ridden on the common as there are stables nearby. And if you have time and the legs for it, do explore Wimbledon Village.
My London+ 