🥾 London Loop Hike – Week 5: Kingston Bridge to Hayes & Harlington

📍 Sections 9 & 10 | ~22.2 km | Easy-Moderate | Est. ~7:30h
📅 Date: 30.08.2025
⏰ Meet-up: ~8:30am - 9:00am | Waterloo Station
🚆 Depart: 9:12 Platform 5 | Trains from London Waterloo Station
🏁 Finish: Hayes & Harlington Station
📈 Ascent: ~150 m | 🌿 Terrain: Parks, riverside paths, woodland, urban trails
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🗺️ ROUTE OVERVIEW:
This hike covers two contrasting but equally charming sections of the London LOOP, moving westwards from Kingston Bridge toward the western suburbs near Heathrow.
Starting at Kingston Bridge, we enter the vast green heart of Bushy Park — a historic royal park famous for its wild deer and tranquil lakes. Leaving the park, we follow the River Crane corridor through Crane Park, Hounslow Heath, and several quiet woodland areas including Brazil Mill Woods and Donkey Wood. This peaceful green ribbon provides a nature escape within Greater London, with mostly gentle terrain and scenic views.
Section 10 takes us from Hatton Cross alongside the Grand Union Canal through Cranebank, Waye Avenue Park, and Cranford Country Park. This section has more urban parks and canal towpaths, winding quietly through green spaces before reaching Hayes & Harlington Station for easy train connections back to central London or Heathrow Airport.
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📍 How to Find Us
We’ll be waiting inside London Waterloo Station, in front of Boots, just under the big central clocks, between 08:30–09:00 AM.
⏰ The train departs at 09:12 AM sharp, so please arrive on time.
Look for me with a large white Japanese Akita dog — hard to miss!
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🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:
• Wildlife and lakes in Bushy Park
• Riverside and woodland trails along the River Crane
• Expansive heathland at Hounslow Heath
• Peaceful canal towpaths and country parks
• Close proximity to Heathrow, ideal for easy travel
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🛤️ ESCAPE POINTS / EARLY EXITS:
If you want to shorten your hike or leave early, options include:
• 🚉 Hounslow East Station (Section 9)
• 🚉 Hatton Cross Station (Section 9/10 junction)
• 🚌 Multiple bus stops along Cranebank and near Hayes
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING:
• 1.5L+ water
• Snacks or packed lunch
• Comfortable waterproof shoes or boots
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Optional walking poles, sun protection, insect repellent
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⚠️ PLEASE NOTE:
• Paths may be muddy or uneven in places, especially near woods and riverbanks
• This is a casual community hike — no formal guiding or first aid provided
• Keep dogs on leads and clean up after them
• Pack out all litter and respect wildlife and parks
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📲 STAY CONNECTED:
Join our Telegram group for updates and real-time coordination:
👉 https://t.me/+MddvWlQLaJYwYzM8
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🌿 Ready to explore the mix of royal parks, riverside trails, and suburban greenways? Join us for a refreshing step west on the London LOOP!
— Traventor | Travel Mentors