Walk 5th April 2017 Richmond Park - Ham House - River Thames - Richmond

Start point:- TQ212740

Distance:- 12.1 km; 7.52 miles

Time taken:- 3 hours 15 minutes

Route:-

Roehampton Gate CP Richmond Park - White Lodge - Pen Ponds - Isabella Plantation - Ham Common - Ham House - Thames Path - Star and Garter Home - Holly Lodge - CP

This walk was led by a member of Mole Valley Ramblers, with 28 walkers and this will be reflected in the time taken to complete the route.

Richmond park https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park one of the Royal Parks has loads to do and see, so don't expect not to see people generally enjoying this open space.

The route will take you past White Lodge - a Georgian hunting lodge

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lodge,_Richmond_Park . Sadlers Wells ballet school was granted permanent usage of the lodge in 1955. Pen Ponds, https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park/about-richmond-park/landscape-history a lake divided in two by a causeway, was dug in 1746 and is now a good place to see water birds. In the 19th century, several small woods were added. These include Sidmouth Wood and the ornamental Isabella Plantation, http://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=3500398 both of which are fenced to keep the deer out.

The walk moves on to Ham House - a 17th century treasure trove. And famous for four centuries of tulips https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden. on into Richmond and past the Star and Garter home now being redeveloped into luxury apartments

http://www.richmond.gov.uk/local_history_starandgarter.pdf

Just before the house after climbing a short hill the view of the River Thames is wonderful.

Finally back into Richmond Park and to the car park