Walk to Battersea Park and along the Thames to Putney Bridge 6 miles/9.5 kms

Join us for a stroll to Battersea Park and along the river. We shall walk from Clapham Common Station (Northern) and visit Battersea Park before following the river and ending to Putney Bridge (District line/Rail/Buses). Battersea Park is the first park in the country where Sub-Tropical gardens were planted in 1863.

Walk length is 6 miles/9.5 km approx., linear. This is a relaxed walk, though you need to be able to walk at a normal pace. The end time may be earlier or later in function of the weather and pace.

SUB-TROPICAL GARDENS
In the age of Darwin and exploration of the natural world, weird and colourful exotic plants became a must-have and in 1863, Battersea sub-tropical gardens were created. John Gibson, Battersea Park's first superintendent had been sent earlier to India in 1835 by the Duke of Devonshire who wanted wild orchids.

The gardens were destroyed during WW2, to provide allotments to feed the population. In 2004, a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund helped restore the gardens to their former glory. Plants are covered with fleece and straw, and flowers kept in greenhouses during the winter. https://www.batterseapark.org

The area, once filled with disused workshops and run-down estates has been recently redeveloped. Still, we can easily grasp the Victorian Past.

At the end of the walk, we may have optional drinks at the Rocket pub near Putney Bridge.

Comfortable walking shoes and bottled water are recommended.

WEATHER POLICY
The walk might be cancelled the day before or shortened on the day if bad weather is forecast. BBC weather https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather
Other unforeseen circumstances might also force us to cancel at short notice.
We apologise for the inconvenience it might cause.

WALKING POLICY
Personal Safety:
The organizer will ensure that you are comfortable during the activity (e.g. toilet break, gentle pace...). However, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY and need to be fit for the walk. You should let the organizer know if you have a medical condition.

You need comfortable walking shoes preferably with ankle support, appropriate clothing (warm in winter, hat in summer...). It is also recommended to carry bottled water and some snacks.

Please let the organizer know if you need to drop off the walk, so we know you're well.

Dog Walks:
We welcome dogs. Please, check the dog policy of the parks visited.

By attending the event you accept our policy.

My number is Beatrice - 07581666250

Please update your RSVP if you cannot attend.

Meetup cost per person:

£5 payable cash on the day and before the walk starts.

If you wish to pay with PayPal, please send £5 to paypal.me/londonnaturewalks You must have a PayPal account (It's free to register). Upon payment, you'll be added as 'paid'.

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This meetup is organised in conjunction with https://www.meetup.com/London-Stress-Relief-Walks-and-Socials and https://www.meetup.com/London-Nature-Walks-and-Socials