HAM TO ISABELLA PLANTATION VIA AVENUES, WOODS, RICHMOND PARK AND THE THAMES
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The postcode to use is TW10 7RS.
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This is approximately a 5.5 mile flat, circular walk which will be the first one for the year. It is a lovely walk and I suspect there will be a few puddles and a few slippery bits, but the main ones you can bypass if you wish to stay out of nature reserve. So please wear sensible footwear with a good grip on the soles.
After passing Ham House we follow some avenues down to Ham Green and through a nature reserve to reach Ham Gate in Richmond Park. Another 10 minutes later and we are in the Isabella Plantation which is at its best when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom, but it is still lovely and peaceful and you can have a 10 minutes rest and use the toilets there. I will then lead a 15 minute walk around the plantation and you can wait by the entrance if you need a longer rest. It is then back via Elm Walk in the park and onto the river via Petersham nursery. Nice plants and a renowned cafe/eatery! We are now just 15 minutes from the car and if you have not visited the nursery it is lovely and worth seeing. I will head back to the car but if you stay It would be almost impossible to get lost.
If you are a member of the National Trust, Ham House will be available after as well, so bring your membership card.
NO DOGS AND £4 PLEASE.
You can call me on 07395 004461 if you are late or lost and I will do everything to help you find us and maybe catch up which is easy this time.
For refreshments after, it seems the New Inn on Petersham Common, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7DB is the best option. Parking is not easy on the main road but there would appear to be lots of space on Sudbrooke Gardens which is almost opposite the pub on Petersham Road. We will be passing it on the walk so I will point out the relevant places.
I hope to see some of you there.
Mike