Walk Report

Part of the Beverley Brook Walk, Wednesday 9th June 2010
17 walkers, 8 miles - leader Andy Davies
17 of us set off from Putney on a warm, humid but dry evening and crossed the Thames via the railway bridge footpath. Turning northwest along the riverbank we soon arrived at the point where the Beverley Brook enters the Thames and looked back to note an impressive cloud formation above Putney bridge. We followed the path beside the brook towards Barnes Common, slowed only by the unsuccessful attempt to spot beavers (the brook's name derives from 'beaver's ley' - home of the beavers), then after quiet residential streets we reached some very well maintained allotments and crossed Palewell Common into Richmond Park by Roehampton Gate. Continuing alongside the brook for a while we turned west up through the elegantly named Spankers Hill Wood, skirted Pen Ponds while trying not to disturb any nesting skylarks in the field and, thanks to Chris, found the tunnel-like path lined with flowering rhododendrons through Sidmouth Wood. After enjoying the views from King Henry's Mound we headed down to Petersham Gate, crossed the meadow with grazing cows and strolled along the riverside to the White Cross for some good beer and food. The group commented on how pleasant it was to enjoy such a quiet leafy walk in London.

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