July 1st dawned sunny and bright - Happy 152nd Birthday Canada!! I had originally thought I should join one of the "Canada Day" celebrations in London and then thought to myself "Laurie, you don't even go to the events anymore when you're home..". So I decided to go for a walk and carry on along the Capital Ring.
On the walk I had done in May I finished at Richmond Bridge . I hopped on the train to Clapham Junction and there I changed onto a train to Richmond. After crossing the main road from the station I entered Richmond Green. Royal jousting took place here in the 15th and 16th centuries when the Royal families stayed at nearby Richmond Palace. Richmond Palace was built by Henry VII. Elizabeth I loved this palace and spent most winters here as it was considered the warmest of the palaces. She died there on March 24, 1603. Sadly the palace was demolished in the mid 17th century and there are only a few bits of it remaining. Sorry, didn't see it on this walk!
I loved the street that ran along the side of the park; so English!!!
And then turn right and we're off...
There's Richmond Bridge in the distance.
I love these dedicated benches.
A peek into the Deer Park!
After crossing over at Richmond Lock I was now walking on the south side of the river.
I really enjoyed this part of the walk...it brought back lovely memories of my walk along this part of the Thames a year or two or three back.
Ahead is Isleworth...I walked the Thames Path on the other side of the river (in some areas including central London the path runs both sides of the river) so it was great to see the village close up instead of from across the water.
All Saints Chuch in Isleworth. The Tower dates from the 14th century however the rest of the church is much newer. It was rebuilt after two young arsonists set fire to the church in the 1940's.
The walk cut through Syon Park so I stopped at the cafe for a nice cuppa tea and a piece of Victoria Sponge. Delish! And nice clean toilets - bonus! Syon House wasn't open to tour when I was there and I had lots more to walk that day anyway. I didn't dilly dally in the park - someday I will return to Syon Park and visit the house and gardens. There is just so much to do in London - you could spend a lifetime there and still not see it all.
All refreshed and raring to go I strode off past Brentford lock and along the Grand Union Canal.
I never tire of seeing the canal boats! This area used to be full of warehouses most of which have been converted to flats.
The path then carried on to a quieter part of the canal.
The view along this part of the canal was gorgeous and this picture was taken from the bridge as I crossed to the other side. Canal walking is just so relaxing..unless you get overtaken by a racing cyclist. Luckily there were none of those that day.
A few minutes later and I headed off on the path to the Boston Manor tube station. Technically I was almost to Osterley Lock but there was no public transport from there. I ran into a fellow carrying the same Capital Ring book as me on that path! He was heading from the station to carry on with the section I had yet to do. He has completed the Thames Path, working on the Capital Ring, and wants to do the London Loop. (so do I) We stood and yakked for a while. Such a nice guy....yes, pity he was wearing a wedding ring! Having a man friend in London would be very handy I must say!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my walk and looked forward to a few more before I flew home in a few weeks.
On the walk I had done in May I finished at Richmond Bridge . I hopped on the train to Clapham Junction and there I changed onto a train to Richmond. After crossing the main road from the station I entered Richmond Green. Royal jousting took place here in the 15th and 16th centuries when the Royal families stayed at nearby Richmond Palace. Richmond Palace was built by Henry VII. Elizabeth I loved this palace and spent most winters here as it was considered the warmest of the palaces. She died there on March 24, 1603. Sadly the palace was demolished in the mid 17th century and there are only a few bits of it remaining. Sorry, didn't see it on this walk!
I loved the street that ran along the side of the park; so English!!!
And then turn right and we're off...
There's Richmond Bridge in the distance.
I love these dedicated benches.
A peek into the Deer Park!
After crossing over at Richmond Lock I was now walking on the south side of the river.
I really enjoyed this part of the walk...it brought back lovely memories of my walk along this part of the Thames a year or two or three back.
Ahead is Isleworth...I walked the Thames Path on the other side of the river (in some areas including central London the path runs both sides of the river) so it was great to see the village close up instead of from across the water.
All Saints Chuch in Isleworth. The Tower dates from the 14th century however the rest of the church is much newer. It was rebuilt after two young arsonists set fire to the church in the 1940's.
The walk cut through Syon Park so I stopped at the cafe for a nice cuppa tea and a piece of Victoria Sponge. Delish! And nice clean toilets - bonus! Syon House wasn't open to tour when I was there and I had lots more to walk that day anyway. I didn't dilly dally in the park - someday I will return to Syon Park and visit the house and gardens. There is just so much to do in London - you could spend a lifetime there and still not see it all.
All refreshed and raring to go I strode off past Brentford lock and along the Grand Union Canal.
I never tire of seeing the canal boats! This area used to be full of warehouses most of which have been converted to flats.
The path then carried on to a quieter part of the canal.
The view along this part of the canal was gorgeous and this picture was taken from the bridge as I crossed to the other side. Canal walking is just so relaxing..unless you get overtaken by a racing cyclist. Luckily there were none of those that day.
A few minutes later and I headed off on the path to the Boston Manor tube station. Technically I was almost to Osterley Lock but there was no public transport from there. I ran into a fellow carrying the same Capital Ring book as me on that path! He was heading from the station to carry on with the section I had yet to do. He has completed the Thames Path, working on the Capital Ring, and wants to do the London Loop. (so do I) We stood and yakked for a while. Such a nice guy....yes, pity he was wearing a wedding ring! Having a man friend in London would be very handy I must say!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my walk and looked forward to a few more before I flew home in a few weeks.
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