Walk Report

Winter Walk from Staines to Putney, Saturday 15th January 2011
23 walkers, 21 miles - leader Andy Shoesmith
Despite problems with the trains, 23 people met at Staines station on a cloudy, but thankfully dry, morning. We set off along the Thames path, into the teeth of a strong, cold, breeze, which encouraged us to maintain a good pace. The path here is much quieter and we only saw a few joggers and dog-walkers. Just beyond Chertsey bridge we were stopped to allow Police to corral two horses, which had obviously been loose on the nearby road. Approaching Shepperton, we passed by the island where two men drowned on New Years Eve. In the daylight it seemed quite placid and it was hard to believe that a tragedy could occur at such a short crossing. During the morning the wind shifted to our backs, which was very welcome. On reaching Hampton Court a dozen of us lunched at the Prince of Wales pub. Others used the excellent cafes and delis. One person dropped out after lunch, so 22 walked along the edge of Bushey Park, over Kingston Bridge, then through the houses to the Kingston Gate of Richmond Park (and a welcome toilet stop). We continued round the Isabella Plantations, into the middle of the Park. At the Pen Ponds 6 people split off, to finish in Richmond. The remaining 16 walked to Robin Hood Gate and across the A3, into Wimbledon Common. Once again the party split, to minimise the impact of the train disruption. 7 headed to Wimbledon and the remaining 9 continued to Putney Heath and then down into Putney. Is that a record "wastage" rate? Overall a good day, with great walking weather.

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