FREE HIKE - Enjoy Panoramic views and wildlife havens - Deer Old Richmond Park

The meeting point will be at Richmond Station and we will return to the station after finishing the walk. Please note - part of the walk involves road walking from Richmond Station to Richmond Park

This is going to be around a 15 to 18 km approx., slightly relaxed pace walk. Richmond Park was once a royal hunting ground and, even today, it retains this upper crust image. Covering 2,500 acres, it is a wonderful mix of panoramic views, wildlife havens and landscaped plantations, which are worth seeing in all seasons.

For the most part, the walk will follow the Tamsin Trail, a leisure path that runs around the perimeter of the park and that is for the sole use of walkers and cyclists. The 750 or so deer are free to wander in the park, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.

There are two types of deer in the park - red and fallow deer. Red deer are indigenous to Britain, but fallow deer were introduced about 1,000 years ago. If you see a bird that would look more at home in the sub-tropics than London, it’s probably a ring-necked parakeet. The Isabella Plantation was originally planted with oaks in 1831, but it now has three large ponds, a stream, rare trees, and some magnificent azaleas. In the formal garden of Pembroke Lodge is the highest point in the park, Henry VIII Mound. This prehistoric burial ground is not easy to find (take the higher path past the cottage) but well worth the effort, for here is a view of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. The King was said to have stood on this mound while his second wife, Anne Boleyn, was being beheaded at the Tower of London.

The walk is completely free. The walk leader will guide you through the walk. You need good shoes, a packed lunch, and a good spirit.

This walk is a group event with some route guidance only, no service is inferred nor any risk assumed. It is wholly voluntary. You are responsible for your own safety and for making sure that your actions don’t damage the people, animals, or environment around you.

Stay with or behind the walk leader to maintain the group’s pace and cohesion.

Please be respectful to fellow walkers.

Please make sure to read the about us section of the group before signing up for the events.https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities/

At the end of the walk, we can go to a pub near the station.

My mobile / WhatsApp number if any issues - 07830374629.