Spring soon?

Finally, after what seems an age, signs of Spring are beginning to appear. Lots of snowdrops , and a few crocuses (crocii?), have appeared in Hampton Court Palace gardens.

We walked through there on Sunday. There's a good circuit of about 3 miles from Bushy Park (Diana Fountain), past the Maze at the Lion Gate, through the wilderness area into formal gardens and then through the gate into Home Park. Head towards Kingston through this very quiet park.

At the exit near Kingston Bridge, there's some ponds, an Ice house, and the Kings Head pub, which advertises itself as a "Husband creche". "Leave your husband here for a couple of hours, while you go shopping - we'll look after him!"

Cross the road, and head up Sandy Lane. After about 100 yards,there's a gate back into Bushy Park.

The day before, it had been a beautiful crisp day, and the group had requested we walk around Esher Common. We met at Garsons Farm in Esher and set off around the pine woods. Slightly more undulating than Bushy Park, but the views were worth the effort.


Some feedback from a participant -

"Thank you so much for last Saturday, we both had the best time. I know that the weather helped - and even you can't control that - but it was immensely enjoyable"


Saturday 27th February - No Nordic Walking class!

Due to prior commitments, there will be no class in Bushy Park this coming Saturday. Normal service will be resumed at 9am, March 6th, from Diana Fountain car park, Bushy Park. Arrive early to avoid the runners!

Have a great weekend, and hope you see some spring flowers this week.

Peter

07703-404-931

Saturday 20th February - Esher Common

As an alternative to Bushy Park, we'll meet tomorrow at 9am at Garsons Farm (good car park, shop and cafe).

Then it's only a few yards to the wooded and hilly Esher Common. The weather forecast is frosty, so hopefully we'll have some conditions like those in the photo.

For more details about SimplyNordicWalking just call Peter on 07703-404-931

Enjoy your walk!

Swans, Royals, D-Day and Bouncing Bombs

Lovely, long walk along a part of the Thames that I don't know well, despite living close to it. Maybe it's because it is relatively quiet and free of pubs that I don't frequent it much?

Starting at Walton Bridge, I followed the river for about 5 miles to Hampton Court. Passed the Swan pub where I used to drink when working in Walton about 15 years ago. This is where the Swan-upping ceremony still takes place, allowing the Queen to keep count of her birds. Saw many dozens of swans, including one black one. Also, spotted grebe, Egyptian and Canada geese, and the usual assortment of ducks, coots, etc.

Leaving Walton behind, you go though a rural section until Sunbury Lock, and The Weir pub. Quiet when I passed, but a lovely setting.

There's then a long quiet stretch with little development on the south bank apart from reservoirs, and small riverside houses on the other bank. A few schools have their boathouses here and some rowers were out to take advantage of the tranquil conditions.

The rural scene gradually gives way to housing at Hurst Park, site of a famous race-course. More boathouses appear as I approach the lock at Hampton Court, passing the historic East Molesy Cricket Club - scene of a match in 1723 between Gentlemen of London and Gentlemen of Surrey, and watched by Frederick, the Prince of Wales.

Frederick entertained the cricketers at the world-famous Hampton Court Palace a few hundred yards downriver, which is still welcoming visitors today. I passed the workmen clearing up the Ice Rink, and, beside the famous Maze, noticed the snowdrop and crocus shoots pushing up. Soon, the gardens will be a sea of colour.

Crossing the road and entering Bushy Park, I enjoy a uplifting finish by walking up the mile-long avenue of chestnut trees, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to be a suitable entrance to the magnificent palace.

It's hard to imagine that this Royal Park in a leafy London suburb, was the headquarters of General Eisenhower's D-Day staff. All the planning for the invasion of France in 1944 was done in great secrecy in a temporary camp within the park. There are plaques to commemorate this spot, and the road alongside is named SHAEF Way (Supreme HQ of Allied Expeditionary Force).

And just round the corner, the famous "Dambuster" bouncing bomb of Barnes Wallis was tested in the National Physical Laboratory. More of that another time, perhaps.

Mail Online - Shapely arms and other body parts!

This article has quite a lot of useful information in it, and the lady in the photo, Lucy, I recognise from my training sessions on Hampstead Heath!

Nordic Walking could give you shapely arms and a pert derriere (and you don't need any snow) Mail Online


Yesterday, I had a lovely, long walk up Petersham Hill, through Richmond Park, across Ham Common and along the Thames towpath to Teddington Lock. Beautiful day.

This site shows the route and height climbed!

Nordic Walking in Bushy Park - Saturdays

Walking near Esher Common.



Walking has started in Bushy Park on Saturdays. In fact there are a couple of classes run by different instructors. Mine start from the Diana Fountain car park, at 9am, at the moment.


I say 'at the moment' as there is a large group of runners having their weekly 5k run at 9am on Saturdays. I may move the start to another car park or time. Please call me for details. (07703-404-931). I will also post any changes here.


http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bushy/Home.aspx


I intend to continue the classes on most Saturdays, except the 27th February, and May 1st.


The weather for last week was crisp and frosty. Gloves were needed until we warmed up.

Most of the park's birds were walking on the icy pond, although a couple of ring-necked parakeets were posing for a couple of visitors with telescopes who perhaps didn't realise that the parakeets are quite common in these parts. I think the RSPB survey rates them as more common than blackbirds!

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/ringneckedparakeet/index.aspx

Whether you go out walking, or watch the Rugby, enjoy your weekend.