Further Journeys . . . Twickenham walk

One day, I set out for Twickenham, a town across the Thames from Richmond. The walking directions suggested I take a ferry across the Thames from Ham House to Twickenham, but I wasn't so sure about the ferry service, so I decided to cross by Richmond Bridge and then return by Twickenham Bridge a bit further South-East.

I walked down steep Nightingale Lane (quaint!) to the Thames path, took the path to Richmond Bridge, and then crossed the River. Some sights along the way:

That first brick building puzzled me. It was built like a war bunker, but was equipped with leisurely seating for river watchers. Hmm.

The weather this day was really nice (for a change), and the sun was out for much of the walk.

Once I got across the bridge I made my way down Twickenham Road (what else?) and, as usual, could not find my turning point that I mapped out earlier.

It seems that in England, "Bespoke" means what we call "Custom" (made-to-order)? Custom here seems to be trade in general.

I wandered in the general direction of the road back to Richmond, passing a school and a railway station and a bunch of interesting homes. I did not take any pictures here because I was too busy trying to find my way back to the "path" without adding another few miles to an already long walk. I asked several people where the Twickenham bridge was. The first simply shrugged (it was only a couple of blocks away). The second was a store owner who told me to follow the road to the fourth stop-light and I would see it. The third was a woman sitting on a bench with a friend. I told them I thought it must be to the right at the next turning. They consulted, and finally agreed. And sure enough, there it was! I walked over the massive structure (with major traffic!) and finally reached the Thames path on the Richmond side once again. I could see the top of Richmond Hill and knew that I was getting "warmer."

Notice how civilized the path is here in Richmond! None of that muddy, flooded, jungle-like stuff I found in Ham! And I emerged by walking through a beautiful building with a beautiful courtyard into the familiar street that I always walk without having seen same building and courtyard. It was interesting. On the way back I passed an alms house--one of many in the area--and finally arrived back at the University.

Coming soon: "Darkest Victorian London"! Stay tuned. . .