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Indeed, what a day to be out in the hills, only being stuck in London with no car, getting out in the hills is something of a challenge: nevertheless, we made the most of it.
Living in West London relatively close to the river, access to the gem that is the Thames Path is really easy. Being a Scot, I was initially pretty sceptical about the path - "oh but it's still London" etc., but actually there are some really lovely parts and lots of possible route variations. Last time we did a similar route to this, but circled back via Isleworth, Syon Park and Brentford - sadly today there wasn't enough time, but still.
Here is a map of our route from the GPS - sadly it's not interactive as apparently the file is too big for WH!
First views of the river, tide quite low
Kew Bridge
Ugh traffic, yes this is London
Arriving on the South Thames Path
I love walking along this part of the path next to Kew Gardens and the Old Deer Park - sometimes it feels as if you're not really in the city at all.
A heron!
After walking for an hour at a nice leisurely pace we arrived at Richmond Lock, quite a feat of Victorian Engineering
Before heading on down to Richmond
It seemed that everyone had called in to work sick - half of London must have been in Richmond basking in the sun. We decided to have some refreshment.
Heron again!
You're not going to catch any fish there mate!
1 hour and a couple of pints later we headed back up the path - last time we crossed over Richmond Lock and headed back up the Middlesex bank, but sadly not this time.
Under Twickenham Bridge
Fire truck/boat...?!
The 'drawbridge' into Kew Gardens
Nearly Home
Lovely way to spend what would have been a perfect hill day without being TOO frustrated!
