Thames and Hampton Court Place grounds.

Walk Report for Sunday the 20 March

15 of us set out from the Molesey Cricket Ground car park in cool weather. Our route took us along the Thames past the Lock to Hampton Court. We were joined by 4,000 half marathon runners at Hampton Court going along the riverside to Kingston. So we had to be on our best behaviour for all the supporters!

Arriving at Kingston Bridge we were serenaded by a Rock Choir (although in truth it was for the runners not us). We headed back through Home Park in peace and quiet arriving at the now locked gates in to the Palace Grounds. Apparently this earlier than scheduled summer closure (to now be permanent) is a major irritation for the local park users. However we easily overcame this obstacle by going out of the side gate and back in to the Grounds by the ornate gates. The display of spring flowers in the grounds was appreciated by all before we arrived at the Bridge. From there various parties split off in search of lunch, the Cricket Ground Cafe being a favourite. The walk of 5.5 miles took us about 2 1/2 hours.

Shamley Green

Walk Report 6th March

With the weather set fair 14 of us started from picturesque Shamley Green heading out of the village to join the Greensands Way. We followed this for some distance before branching off along Downs Link which follows the course of an old railway.

 

We later trekked across country passing a number of ancient and delightful cottages and farmsteads, taking in great views of the distant hills then skirting the Wintershall Estate before returning to our start point by way of Birtley House. We were a month or so too soon for the bluebells, although the eagle eyed botanists amongst us managed to spot one or two early specimens.

 

Unusually for Surrey we encountered only one small hill and surprisingly little mud on our route. As it was Mother’s Day the local pubs were likely to be too busy to accommodate us all for lunch, but three of us enjoyed excellent light lunches at The Snooty Fox Cafe in Shalford to round off a very pleasant morning.