Hampton Court to Addleston

30 Nov. About a dozen of us braved the inclement weather to cover this lovely riverside walk. After admiring Hampton Court Palace we had to walk on the road for a short distance because part of the Thames Path was flooded.  It was not long before we were confronted by the most bizarre spectacle: the sight of a handful of ‘hardy’ women literally being propelled along the Thames (near Hampton) by a very swift current!  They were smiling as they held onto floats and assured us that the water was not cold! 

‘Not cold’?

Memorial Sun Dial at Hurst Park

As we progressed along the footpath which was quite muddy in places, we made pit stops at Hurst  Park, Sunbury Lock and Walton Bridge, where we were joined by another member of our group.  Lunch was at Weybridge in the bright and occasionally sunny conservatory of a riverside pub. 

Afterwards we left the Thames and headed towards the Wey Navigation, which runs all the way down to Guildford. We were soon confronted by a barrier: a red and white striped tape stretched across our path, with a sign stating that the towpath was closed due to flooding.  In fact this was not the case (it was accessible) and we could see others including dog walkers ahead of us.  It was not long before we reached the restored former wharves at Coxes Mill Lock.  From there we made our way to Addlestone Station, a much closer alternative to West  Byfleet, which was our original destination. 

Daphne, with thanks to France for additional photos.