Ponds, lunch +lodges:Scenic Richmond Park, Petersham Nurseries +Thames Path walk

Date: Tuesday 1st February
Meet: Norbiton Station. Outside Front entrance.
Time: 10.45 am
Depart: 11.00 am
Cost: £5 payment on the day
Distance: 6 miles

Join me on a walk from Kingston through Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks in London. With protected status for wildlife and stunning views, highlights will include the Pen Ponds, lunch at Penbroke Lodge, followed by Petersham Nurseries and meadows along the River Thames. The walk will end at Richmond station.

The route
After meeting at Norbiton Station, we will commence to Kingston Gate Richmond Park. On route to the Pen Ponds we will view the stunning winter colours of the park, and hopefully spot the wild Parakeets and Red and Fallow Deer that roam the park.

After visiting Isabella Plantation, we will stop for a hot drink before reaching the Pen Ponds, where there's an abundance of bird life and great views of the White Lodge Ballet School.

Moving on, our walk will continue through Sidmouth Woods Conservation area, before reaching Pembroke Lodge Georgian Mansion for Lunch. Pembroke Lodge was originally built in 1754 before being extended by King George III in 1787.

After Lunch we will visit the Lodge Gardens and take a look at the protected view across London of St Paul's Cathedral, from King Henry’s Mound.

Leaving the Lodge we will walk downhill to visit internationally prized garden centre, Petersham Nurseries - home to a lifestyle shop, deli and plant nursery. On arrival we'll be greeted by magnificent life-size elephant sculptures made from dried plant fibres, in support of the Elephant Family Charity, Co-Existence campaign.

The final leg of our walk will take us across Petersham Meadows where the Belted Heritage Cows graze, before joining the Thames Path on route to Richmond Station.

Event Organizer: Sue Raymond 07752375257

Information,
This is a flat easy to manage walk, other than a small hill with steps at the start and a walk downhill near the end.

All current Covid measures to be observed.

There are a number of toilets on route.

Norbiton Station: trains to Wimbledon, Clapham Junction, Waterloo, Kingston, Teddington and Richmond. Numerous buses - 85, 213, 371, 57, K2, K3

Richmond Station: trains to Waterloo, Kingston and District Line. Many buses.

£5 note payment appreciated!