Saturday, 16 January 2016
Thames Path
Walton-on-Thames → Richmond
Distance: 13.06 miles
Ascent: 37 metres
Duration: 3 hours 38 minutes
Towards the centre of the dart board
« Not walked | Not walked »
When we resumed walking the Thames Path in October we were determined to finish before the end of the year. We didn't quite achieve that, but having crossed the M25 last time we feel the end is in sight.
It's been a cold day, and the path has been muddy where the ice has started to melt. At Kingston we crossed the line of the London Outer Orbital Path, and at Richmond we intersected the Capital Ring. Slicing through these concentric round-London routes it feels as through we're working our way to the bullseye of the dart board of the capital.
The highlight was brushing past the Royal Palace at Hampton Court. There's no getting away from its splendour, but it's disappointing that the entire park is hidden from the river behind a double-fence or high hedge.
Originally we'd planned to walk further today but there seems little point. No matter how far we go we'd still have two walks remaining so stopping at a good transport hub seemed sensible option.
If all goes to plan, next time we'll pierce the final circle: the Jubilee Walkway at the heart of the city.