A walk from Kingston to Kew along the Thames Path.

Kingston Bridge.

We got here on two buses yesterday (researched on traveline) and planned to take a boat or two to Greenwich.
Our research on the boat timetables was less rigorous and we discovered that it was some hours before the next tourist boat boat was due. 
So we decided to walk a bit.....

The Thames path here is full of interest.

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Teddington Lock.

We detoured from the Thames path and discovered a surviving gatehouse to the site of Richmond Palace.  See blog entry below or click here to go straight to it. 

Please see the next blog entry for details of this Lock and Weir.

Below Richmond Lock some boats are left high and dry with the receding tide.

These picturesque scenes are tainted by a constant sequence of planes on final descent into Heathrow airport.  This tranquil path is also subject to fast cyclists who mix dangerously with pedestrians in my opinion.

Kew pier and a boat ride to Westminster.  Greenwich was abandoned for this day after this unplanned yet fascinating walk.

Thames Barriers -- keeping water out; and in at Richmond Lock and Weir

The Thames Barrier is an awesome structure built to avoid floods in London from extreme high tides.  Click the link  http://sussexrambler.blogspot.com/2009/02/eastenders.html for more pictures from Canary Wharf to the barrier.

Way upstream past central London at Richmond is a different barrier, built to keep water in the river; seen above from upstream.  These photo's taken yesterday.

The view of the lock from the bridge looking downstream as the tide is going out.

The impressive engineering to vertically lift the 32 tonnes steel sluice gates.

The view from downstream as the tide goes out.  The sluices are raised and any boats must use the lock at £5 a time.  What magnificent engineering built in 1894.  Click here for further information from the Port of London Authority (PLA) on Richmond Lock.  And click here for more PLA information on the Thames Barrier.

Richmond Palace: a residence of King Henry VII, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

We walked from Kingston to Kew yesterday along the Thames Path, taking a short detour to see the remains of Richmond Palace.

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Click here for more information on the history of this palace and its role in the history of the monarchy in England.

2,000 years old yew trees in Kingley Vale, West Sussex

Near Chichester in Kingley Vale are these awesome old trees, visited today with Mid Sussex Ramblers  Click on the links for more information about this magical place and the Ramblers.

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A 6 miles circular walk through Amberley Wild Brooks.

The walk starts at the car park by The Old School off Rackham street; OS grid ref. TQ 121/050143

Heading along the footpath westwards and then north, Rackham Plantation has a diverse mix of mature trees.  The Rowan, above, is laden with berries at this time of year.

There are lovely old Chestnut, beech, oaks and pine trees.

The view across the Wild Brooks where we shall soon walk and beyond to the South Downs.

Turn left, northwards, along a quiet lane past fields of asparagus; the ground here being sandy and perfect for such a crop.

At the T junction turn left to Greatham Bridge (direction Coldwaltham).

Greatham Bridge looks like it has seen better days: its longest stone arch having collapsed and being replaced with an ugly iron construction.

Take the footpath (the Wey South Path) before the bridge southwards along the River Aron.

DANGEROUS MARSH! You can best keep to the path then!

Some views of The Wild Brooks follow.

Some more pictures of the wildlife from a walk on 14th June 2016 can be seen at this link, 

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNszOT63caNbzyN_3mf8ocu4RTlXRweKruFrLFE

A lone deer watching me watching it.

This herd were very close before they bolted away and watched me from a distance above.

From here the path leaves the Wild Areas and enters a more tamed environment.

Amberley Castle.  Clck here for details on this luxury hotel.

The Farm track into Amberley is grotty.  Amberley itself is a charming village.

Thatched cottages are charming.  The farm house, above, with walls of napped flints uses local materials to full advantage; it is very fine.

Leave Amberley eastwards past The Sportsman pub: a wonderful establishment with great real ales.

Turn left along the Literary Way path and back to the car park.

Just 6 miles this is a fine walk through mature forests, Wild Brooks and the charming Sussex village of Amberley.  The road sections are unavoidable but are quiet and not too long.

To see other outstanding walk suggestions click here for Peter Lovett walks website

Should you be looking for a public speaker on natural history or history click here for Peter Lovett talks website  Enjoy Sussex!