The variety of Nordic Walks

The rut in Bushy Park and elsewhere continues.  This stag had found the cricket ground a good place to defend his herd from the raids by other stags.  Good pasture, great view to see rivals approaching, and a good fence around it to limit the hinds wandering....What more could a stag want?

Mute swans

The weather has been good for Nordic Walking - mild and dry.   The gates at Hampton Court Palace have recently reopened, allowing easy access to Home Park and more variety of routes around the area.

A group of Nordic Walkers this week started in Bushy Park, enjoyed the formal gardens in Hampton Court Palace, walked through the quiet of Home Park, then striding for  about half-a-mile along the Thames riverside, before posing with a guard waiting for Henry 8th, and one of his wives!

Hampton Court Palace formal gardens

Hampton Court bridge and River Thames

Palace guard and Nordic Walkers

An amazing variety of sights and scenery in just over an hour, and 3 miles of walking!

If you are interested in trying Nordic Walking in such lovely surroundings, please do get in touch with me.

I hold regular Saturday walks for differing abilities, including beginners and "Strollers".  All walks are sociable and enjoyable,

Peter

07703-404-931

Hampton Court hotting up.

This week saw another visit to Home Park, which fills the space between Hampton Court Palace and the River Thames, up to Kingston Bridge.  Apparently, it's also known as Hampton Court Park, if Wikipedia is to be believed -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Park

We're having an old-fashioned heatwave in southern England this week.  Beautiful weather for walking, but do please remember to take precautions against the strong sun -

• Use suncream, lip salve and clothes to protect from UV rays;
• Wear a hat, preferably with wide brim to protect the neck;
• Always have sunglasses to protect the eye, and 
• Drink LOTS of water.

[Some Nordic Walkers enjoying the weather by the River Thames]

Fallow Deer keeping in the shade, as golfers warm up on Hampton Court Golf Club. Only the tees and greens are watered, and the fairways are extremely dry. Not that I was on the fairways much when I played here recently....  And all this less than 500 yards from Kingston-upon-Thames!

http://www.hamptoncourtgolf.co.uk/]

The long, white building in the distance is one of the huge marquees being set up for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, starting 6th July.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2010/Plan-your-visit

[Fountain on Long Water, Home Park. 

Hampton Court Palace in the distance]

[Flower border at Hampton Court Palace gardens]

Away from the bustle of the Flower Show preparations, there is always tranquility in Home Park.  If you are walking around it in the near future, please be aware that there are temporary car parks, buildings and fences, which can interfere with following your usual route (grrrr!).

If you wish to Nordic Walk in the Bushy and Home Park, please do call or email to arrange a demo (taster sessions, £5).

Enjoy the weather,

Peter

07703-404-931