Kyle and I had a wonderful hike from Hammersmith to Richmond. While we were 30 minutes late to the start because of London Bridge being closed due to too many Millwall fans headed up to Wembly for a game, we made our way to the group and caught up by 12pm for the nine mile hike.

We started by walking through Chiswick, with it’s lovely homes along the Thames.

We caught the group just before Barnes Bridge. Once we were there, the pace increased to a double time march! Kyle and I were also asked to sign an accident and liability release by the guide. Good thing as we were later to find out.

We hiked on through Mortlake and Sheen Common to end up at Richmond Park. We hiked out of the park to Richmond Hill for an amazing view and drink at the Roebuck.

Refreshed and fed, we hiked back into Richmond Park, checking out the view to St. Paul’s Cathedral (nine miles away as the crow flies) and tried to stay in the shade as it was HOT!

St. Paul’s Peep Hole—where King Henry the VIII would look for the flag on the Tower of London to see if there had been a beheading while he was in Richmond Palace.

We hiked down the hill and on to the Ham Polo Club.

Feeling a bit hot and dirty (rather than summer white and dressed for polo) we stopped only for a moment to see who was winning the match.

Ham House

Directly in front of Ham House was the Thames

Houses and boats along the Thames

The path went right along side the Thames

And soon we were in the Thames due to the path being flooded

Gross stuff floating by

No one seemed prepared for this

We did finally make it to Richmond Village after much swearing.

Picnics by the flood waters

Pasty folk on the hillsides

Kyle and I concluded our day with some gelato in a small alley of Richmond with our new friend Kresilla

The line was out the door but worth the wait