LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked car at Homebase/Halfords Car Park in Staines and started walking immediately along the towpath towards the centre of Staines and it's road bridge. Crossed bridge to Staines town centre on north bank and progressed along the modern and new walkway past shops offices and gardens. Small detour from riverbank around hotels to Thames Street, then Laleham Road to railway bridge and riverbank again. Wide tarmac path south to Penton Bridge and riverbank again. Wide tarmac path south to Penton Hook passing impressive river boats, houses and even a paddle barge. Most unusual. Continued part Lalehame raw water intake and motorway (m3) to Chertsey Lock, Chertsey Stone Bridge and Dumsey Meadow with its cattle. Just past the marina a cormorant calmly sat on top of a pylon surveying the horizon. Towpath character changed dramatically as I passed Ryepeck Meadow houseboats to Shepperton Lock and Foot Ferry near Carte Island. Waited by the ferry boat for the next quarter house before ringing bell. Started raining as the ferry crossed the river and as I was the only passenger the ferryman asked me if I wanted to shelter under his canopy. Short diversion along Walton Road around the southbank rowing club rowing works to park by Walton Lane West Road bridge. Rain intensified dramatically so I sheltered under the bridge. A robin perched on the locked bridge gate only inches from my nose. The storm passed replaced by bright sunshine along Walton cut to Walton Bridge (A244), Walton Marina and Sunbury Locks. Long walk along national cycle route 4, past gravel pits to Platt's Eyot Island. Walked past unusual hedge cutting as rain started again. Sheltered by tall hedge then continued to Hurst Park opposite Hampton Church, passing Hampton Ferry and Molesey, the palace is worth it. Caught bus 461 back to Staines Bridge. Journey took 1.3/4 hours onto old Windsor for another carvery at the Toby Inn.

Location Map: - Start: at Staines - Finish at Hampton Court
(Click on location and use Zoom and BACK Buttons).