Boats, boats, boats. A Thames walk - Richmond to Hampton Court

I was in Twickenham for the American Football. Travelling down beforehand gave us a chance for a great walk
We started at this bridge in Richmond, where our hotel was. This is the railway bridge and lock.

A glorious Autumn day.

There are plenty of house boats along the river: this was my favourite group.

Leaving Richmond Bridge behind, we started our walk upstream

 The river was busy

Most of the walk was along the river bank but for a short period, it was through quiet riverside woods

Teddington Lock: it is absolutely huge

Looking back at the lock

There were lots of boat stores along the river

...plus all kinds of boats (and boathouses)

  
Approaching Kingston upon Thames,

Kingston Bridge

By now, we were hungry - but there were lots of lovely cafes right by the water here. The first since Richmond itself. 

We crossed the Bridge here at Hampton Wick

Continuing on the north bank, we passed more boats

...including the Southern Belle

This was a strange island called Thames Ait - you can hire it for functions.

Another paddle boat, in action this time - and disturbing the fishermen.

There were boatyards and clubs every mile or so

We passed Hampton Court Palace, but there are too many railings to get a good view.

Paddle boat, rowing boat and cruiser

Hampton Court's chimneys. Walking had taken much of the day, so we didn't have time to visit the Palace itself

We had planned to get a bus back (there are 4 per hour) but we saw this boat: £10 for a boat ride back to Richmond. We jumped aboard

Better view of Hampton Court from the boat! 

Even though it was now late afternoon, there were plenty of dinghies on the river for our return trip

It looked great fun

We arrived back, to walk home through the Old Deer Park.

This walk was so lovely, we thought we might try to do the whole of the Thames Path, but in sections. Should be easy to do, with the good transport links, at least for the greater London bits.
Today's walk: about 8 miles along the Thames Path. There is a choice of routes at first- north or south bank, but we followed the south as it looked to be closer to the river. From Kingston/Hampton Wick, it's the north bank only. The walking was easy but full of interest. Large chunks were surprisingly isolated.  
The boats run every day in the season, but weekends only from October. 

Along the Beacon Way - Sandwell Valley. A nice Autumn walk for you

I discovered the Beacon Way on my map - I hadn't realised that there was a long distance path in Sandwell. So, I thought I'd have a little look.

From the centre of West Bromwich, my satnav said I was 6 minutes from this spot. It took longer because of the traffic, but amazingly, this walk really is right near the town centre.



I parked at Sandwell Park Farm. The trees were beginning to turn Autumnal - should be good for half term, I think

There's lots to do here in this lovely park

Even crossing the M5 (which splits the park in two) is an adventure!

Just the other side is Swan Pool, complete with gulls and cormorants

...and of course, swans.

I followed the path past Swan pool and on to the next stretch of water - Forge Mill Lake

 ...with loads of teasels growing alongside

The River Tame has truly been tamed here, as it runs beside the dam .

Interesting signposts 

Part of the National Cycle network, and sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, apparently - but now in need of a bit of TLC!

The river is quite shallow

Railway bridge

I could hear the motorway, but it seemed a world away here

The autumn colours were just starting

I love this picture: cows grazing next to the (invisible) M5, and the railway

I turned away from the River here, (and actually lost the path!)

I should have been the other side of the M5 but I missed it and followed this cycle path instaead

This year has been great for berries! (Or rose hips, in this case)

I reached the Tame Valley Canal, and found a sign. If you peer at it closely, you can see it's the Beacon Way, which I had now rejoined

The canal looked very inviting

...especially the bridges, but I had to turn back as I only had time for a short walk.

I returned by the same route. Who would believe this is 6 minutes from the town centre? Sandwell is so lucky to have this wonderful resource so close at hand

Sandwell Valley Park is very well set up for leisure. If you don't want to walk, there are bikes for hire (but no toilets,which is a bit surprising). It is a favourite with many Black Country families, but if you have never visited, I can definitely recommend it.

The next section of the path would take me to Barr Beacon - but that's for another day

Today's walk - 3 miles out and 3 miles return, making a total of 6 miles. An easy walk with great views and surprisingly rural. The M5 is only glimpsed for a moment - the rest of the time the walk is green and pleasant. I would recommend this walk, even if you don't follow my route exactly. Don't expect good waymarking for the Beacon Way though - the signs are tiny - and often missing! take a map if you want to be sure - or just walk freely and enjoy the adventure