Autumn Colours in Richmond Park

My colleague, Kay Speakman, and I organised a Nordic Walk through Richmond Park at the weekend.  The park is at its best now, with the leaves turning and the bracken dying back.  Kay had done her homework, and kept us entertained with facts about the park (who would have known there were 1300 species of beetle there?  Or 130,000 trees?), as we walked round.

Hazel copse on the Tamsin Trail

The day started cool, but we all worked up a sweat after a brisk 5-mile walk around the perimeter of the park.  Richmond Park is about 1,000 hectares, about twice the size of Bushy Park, where we hold regular Nordic Walking sessions.  It's also more undulating, with several climbs getting the pulse rate quickening
http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/Richmond-Park.aspx

Traffic jam in Isabella Plantation

We started at the historic Pembroke Lodge, which must have one of the best views in London; then across the north of the park, with views over to London, where the new Shard of Glass building can be seen poking above the skyline.

We followed the Tamsin Trail for part of its way, and then through the Isabella Plantation.
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond_park/isabella_plantation.cfm

Emerging from the Plantation, we found the main herd of Red Deer, with some unsuccessful stags making a last-ditch effort to attract some females.

"What do you think of my antlers, then?"

But the dominant stag seemed in no mood to share his harem.  Another year of celibacy for the unlucky males.....

The boss!

Continuing towards Ham Gate, then back up the hill to Pembroke Lodge, where welcome refreshments were obtained.  We'd started wearing fleeces and jackets and by lunchtime, it was t-shirt weather again!

One of our regular walkers, Alison,  couldn't join us as she was cycling from Reading to Bath for the charity, Homestart  http://www.home-start.org.uk/homepage
The walkers on Sunday generously donated cash to this good cause.  Alison says,  "Thank You!"

Cocker spaniel towing nordic walker up Richmond Hill

We have another longer walk planned for the 11th December at Denbies Vineyard near Dorking.  If you would like to join us, please do get in touch with Kay or myself.  We'll supply the poles, and tuition, if needed.

Colourful Isabella Plantation and Nordic Walkers

If you want to learn this sport and join existing classes, please contact us (details below), or find a class near you by looking here - http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

Peter
07703-404-931

Kay Speakman - http://www.pole2pole.uk.com/