RICHMOND TO TWICKENHAM to mark NATIONAL WALKING DAY

A pleasant linear walk through Richmond town, going via Brewers Lane to the Green and past the old Town Hall (Richmond Museum) to the river Thames. Onward over Richmond Bridge to walk along the riverside to admire the historic Marble Hill House with its restored grotto and gardens. We pass JMW Turner’s house as we head to the village of St Margaret’s and beside the railway to cut through to Orleans Park with its Palladian villa built in 1710 (renamed after the Duke of Orleans who stayed there in C18th) where we will have our picnic/café lunch at the Stables Café (if reopened), otherwise Marble Hill Park. We continue, passing splendid houses overlooking the river and turn into York House gardens with its cascade and naked ladies fountain. Finally, our path takes us up pedestrianised Church Street with its diverse range of shops and on to Twickenham station. Flights of steps to negotiate. Opt-out points. Finish c13.30.