Teddington Lock footbridge. Just a bit of attention here to a public slipway. I am a little uncertain at this point as to what state of the tide it becomes usable (but it is likely to be two hours either side of high water) and it is a drop point only - no parking so regard it as locals only!
Access to the lock is not difficult but if you are on foot (which you probably will be on a point-to-point walk) then it is best to take the start point which is best served by public transport. I chose Ferry Road on the Twickenham side of the river. Walk past two pubs, "Tide End Cottage" and "The Anglers" and you have arrived at this footbridge.
A good look at the extent of the weir..
View downstream from footbridge...
Teddington Locks - boat rollers on the left, the coffin (skiff) lock behind the two white launches, the launch lock (central) and the barge lock on the right with something interesting going on..
"Diver down"...Environment Agency dive-barge on a tri-ennial inspection of the lock. A stream of bubbles between the lock gates shows the position of the diver. His stand-by is ready and suited-up in case of problems and the lines and compressor tender is at the stern of the barge..I haven't heard of any problems...
Looking upstream - The second section of the footbridge which takes you from the lock island down on to the Thames Path (where we are now) and we can see leading straight on past the stair and on into the distance...
A sealed gravel path which is very pleasant to walk on in comparison with the muddy horror on the right...
A Kingston-upon-Thames boundary marker ...( I don't see any warnings so I am going to assume that it is safe to proceed)....
The twin path continues.. (fork left for Ham.).
A pleasant spot....with a good view....
Looking back downriver - Teddington Lock and Weir complex
It is a bleak, cold, November afternoon.....
Approaching Kingston......
A general view ...that is Kingston railway bridge on the right of the picture...
Canbury Park....
Looking back downriver at Stevens Eyot...
We carry on along Barge Walk (Thames Path)
Kingston Railway Bridge (from upstream)
Kingston Roadbridge from downstream...
Upstream Kingston roadbridge. The Thames path crosses the river here so we scale the stairway on the right and cross the bridge...
Immediately after the bridge turn hard left on to the continuation of Barge Walk and follow the path....
Looking upstream - A broad, exposed, breezy part of the reach...riverside..
Looking back downstream at the bridge and the John Lewis shopping complex behind...
A gaggle of river passenger boats moored up...not much trade in November....
Approaching Raven's Ait..(see Wiki)
Suburbia....
Windswept and cold - still exposed... On your right you are passing Hampton Court Park...
Looking downstream at Raven's Ait - see Wiki...
two paths - one occasionally used by horses...
A generous depth between riverbank and park...
A very generous wheelhouse on this chap's vessel - nice in summer....
Riverbank at Surbiton..(see Seething Wells Wiki)
At last.. a softer aspect starting to appear..
Another slipway that needs to be explored....
Approaching Thames Ditton and a pleasant spot...
Huf -haus! - (Like the architect...not sure about the gardener....)
going round the bend...I think my feet fell off a little while back...
Thames Ditton Island...
Boyle Farm island....
Thames Ditton island...see Wiki
That is Hampton Court Bridge up ahead....
Hampton Court Palace wall at last and a pleasant path to walk on...
more...
If you go back to Hampton Court Palace (circular) you will see a note that suggested that if you turned right after you exited the formal enclosed garden and followed down the path you would arrive at a gate which would allow you on to the Thames Path...This is the exit!
The Albany runs a ferry to Hampton Court during the Hampton Court Flower Show ....a more civilised approach altogether!
A very pleasant view of weeds....
Albany Ferry landing...
Capped end of Cigarette Island . River Mole/River Ember joining from the left - see Wiki....
Back entrance to Hampton Court gardens (locked..and not a wheelie bin in sight!).
Hampton Court Bridge...
and another one...(can't make up my mind which I like best..). We are going to walk up to the bridge - cross to the left to Hampton Court station....
Coming up to Mistletoe Market...(Hampton Court circular)
Crossing the bridge... This is The Jolly Boatman derelict site. with the Hampton Court railway terminus behind..This site which is obviously in desperate need of development has finally been allowed to proceed. We wait with bated breath..
Flip back and fore between these two views..It will not be easy to make a new development which will be sympathetic to this site..
