Hamming it Up
A rare day with Mr B and an exceptional cold and bright one. After the distress my failing shoes have been providing to my feet lately, it was a relief to keep warm and dry. My mind had wandered from a possible Surrey Hills walk to one heading north and the idea to make a more enjoyable day of it. I have to be careful not to overdo it with S as he is more accustomed to cycling than thumping his legs along the trail. It makes a difference, as it turns out and becomes apparent in the hobbling on and off trains on the way home. I was also still cruel enough to set out painfully early on a day off but, it seems, S is still quite willing to spend this time with me on a precious day of leave.
This a trip within the wealthy county of Surrey, on the hunting estates of Royalty and via the stately homes of the nobility. A wander through the sandy heaths and woodlands, between the reservoirs, along the tributaries of and by the thoroughfare of the Thames itself.
Oxshott is reachable in an hour-and-a-quarter via Gatwick and with a travelcard from Burgess Hill. Return was via the 65 bus and a train from Richmond.
We left the station and were swept with the schoolkids out into Oxshott Heath. As children have a rather wonderful journey to Reed's School through the undulating wooded heathland, climb the south slope to the war memorial. Continue with the ridge and bear north to the west side and Sandy Lane. Take the horseride north to cross the Cobham Bypass, after the pond at the East Bridge.
You are now on Esher Common. Continue to the signpost pointing west on Longy Down. There are a wealth of benches on the heath and common for ample seated picnics. We stopped to dangle our legs and enjoy the frosty morning light. Find your way to Fiveways and the northern corner of Black Pond. Black Pond was a little stinky and we moved swiftly on. The marked footpath seems to have shifted a little and represents an Easy Access Trail that bends towards the Portsmouth Road.
Go straight over to West End Common. Bear right on the path to head north. From the horseride, we weaved our way north but not on any defined path I would recommend. We made it to a clearing leading to Margy Pond. You could walk to the east near the car park or the west, above the River Mole on an area known as The Ledges. Go east from here until you see a very straight line to the north. This is the site of a rifle range constructed in the winter of 1859-60 for the use of the 6th Surrey (Esher) Volunteer Rifle Corps.
Follow the range to the open part of the Common and West End Pond. Pass The Prince of Wales on your left as you follow West End Lane north. At the recreation ground is a welcome coffee trailer. We warmed our hands at Winterdown Coffee. Cross the grass to the gate to cross the Mole on Lammas Lane. Keep going west and turn right on the footpath to South Weylands Farm. Follow the signs through to another path going onward. Over the fields to the right, you might spot that which remains of Esher Palace. The gatehouse tower was built for the Bishop of Wayneflete in the 15th century but a Henry Pelham of Laughton made the 18th century alterations. Go under the railtrack and you'll be on the banks of the river and at the viaduct sluice.
Continue on the side of the river until you reach an inaccessible footbridge and the path goes left into Molesey Heath Nature Reserve. Work your way north through this once rubbish tip. On the northern edge, go east on the footpath. Cross the Mole on Ray Road and continue across Nelson Field. Stay near the banks of the Mole and finally cross back, as you squeeze beside this and another tributary, The Ember.
You are now in East Molesey. Follow Bell Road to the church then left and right to join Walton Road. Go left on Hansler Road and right on Arnison Road. North on Bridge Road will take you to the Bridge. We stopped at the reasonable hour for brunch at Henry's. A suitably Henry VIII themed meal ensued.
Now, continue over the bridge, pass Hampton Court Palace on the Hampton Court Road, go round the corner and enter the Lion Gate. At this point, second banana had to be eaten and jumper had to come off` because there was a small grump about the way to navigate Bushy Park. We pretty much headed north with the boy deer hiding in the bracken on our right, after the Diana Fountain. You can go wherever you wish to exit north. Cross Park Road and continue North on Avenue Gardens and Victoria Road at Teddington. Go over the footbridge at the station and north on Station Road. Turn right on Bridgeman Road and left on Field Lane to the High Street. More eateries are available here. Go right until it merges with Ferry Road and you are in sight of the Teddington Lock Footbridge and Teddington Weir.
Now we are in the Ham Lands. You have a choice of paths and could stick with the Thames beyond Teddington Reach and Eel Pie Island for a longer walk. Alternatively, cross the Ham Lands and join Riverside Drive to the T junction on Ham Street. In an attempt to rendezvous at tour time we jogged in the wrong direction to the Palm Centre and then back left in the correct direction to the front door to the National Trust's Ham House. The tours during the time we visited were to allow staff to do important conservation work. The 17th century interiors of the Stuart home of the Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband, the Duke are unique survivors. The Duchess was the daughter of William Murray and the house was gifted to him by Charles I. She inherited the home, navigated the turbulence of the Civil War, the restoration and very much earns the title of 'badass'.
After the house, join the bridleway known as Ham Avenues, at the east of the property and keep in this direction through to the edge of Ham Common. We had a wander around to visit some notable buildings of our own inclination, including the church and then fortuitously caught the 65 back to the station.
Comments
Post a Comment