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.
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