Stunning weather, stunning walk, stunning East End Girls!

Well once again the Loop section from Moor Park is outwith reach due to engineering work but we're not despondent, we'll get there in months to come.

Well if you can't get your first choice, you look out one equally as good and as the forecast was so positive I turned my thoughts to the river and one of the most stunning sections of the Thames Path which we completed last year.

Photo shows the girls as they wander along.

We met at Teddington, a first for me and what a lovely amble from the station down to the River - I did think that there were plenty of great shops to spend money in, so a return visit definitely needed. But that's for later.

As we crossed the footbridge to the South Bank there is a great view of the locking system which is the biggest on the Thames. According to the National Trail Guide of the Thames Path here you see the seldom used boat rollers, then the skiff lock and something called the coffin lock.


Richmond 3.5 miles or 5.6 km further along the river and we knew that here we would have a well earned rest and stop for coffee.

I love this part of the Thames as you glimpse Richmond in the distance but before that you look up to your right at some of the stunning houses on the heights and also see where the Capital Ring Path which we've also done joins the Thames Path. This path takes you along Petersham Meadows where there are cows grazing and where the Thames is allowed to flood in its traditional way. There are public toilets at this stage, always much appreciated.

Here are Sonia on the right, our most recent addition to the East End Girls, and Marie enjoying some refreshments.

Soft drinks, muffins and coffees all allowed as by now a number of calories have burned up. Lindsey is always wanting to know how many calories she has used so she can decide just how many she can now replace. The longer the walks, the more calories!

Everyone enjoying the atmosphere and the sunshine and getting ready to head on further.

As usual Richmond was buzzing, it's another place I must come back to some day just to soak up the atmosphere and chill but not today. Time now to navigate the crowds and pass further along seeking out wider paths and space.

Richmond Lock is another familiar spot for many of us, we've crossed this before and set out along the North Side of the river but again not today, we're sticking south and enjoying following the Thames Boundary of the Old Deer park reliving past walks as we go. We also bypass Kew Gardens and discussion once again returns to the idea of doing the treetop walk sometime.

It's here too that we decide on lunch as it's now about 2.00 and some members are due to leave us around Kew Bridge. It's really important to integrate new members into the walk allowing everyone to walk at their own pace whether that be slower or fast and provide opt out spots where possible. It was Anne's first walk with us and although she walks regularly, 11.5 miles is not her usual distance and 7.5 miles to Kew Bridge is a very respectable distance.

We choose a spot along the path offering both sun and shade, again catering for all tastes. Cajsa, our sun worshiper enjoys a chance to top up the tan and Teresa, Chris and Geraldine choose the steps and wall as seats.


So as the afternoon continues the group gets smaller, Anne at Kew Bridge, Geraldine and Vanessa at Barnes Bridge and the rest of us continue to Putney Bridge.

Interesting to note the contrasts in the river at it's different stages, very green and lucious at one point and then a lot more sandy where the tide is out, I don't think I've ever seen the tide so low as it was here.

A few more stops to find and loo and have a break and a chance as we walked to appreciate the architecture especially of note for me after Barnes Bridge where some of the terraces are very seaside like. It was around here that the tide out photo below was taken.

There have been some stunning transformations in the terraces adding very modern extensions, mainly of glass to take advantage of the light.

Apparently Gustav Holst lived along here from 1908 while he was Director of Music at St Paul's Girls School in Hammersmith.

Before we reach Putnet Bridge, one of my favourite buildings, The Harrod's Depository where keeping the facade, it has been transformed into water front appartments.

And finally to our destination but with the sun still shining and loads of people taking advantage of a pint by the river, we relented and stopped too. Here's Teresa holding court. A caption competition in the making....

Another fine walk.....