A Group March 16th

An A Group some two dozen strong set off from Kingston led by Pete B with Graham Hill ably taking the rear. The weather was a little chillier than one or two days of late but at least it stayed dry. Taking Lower Ham Road alongside the river and then the cycle path to Teddington Lock before turning inland to skirt Ham itself. The ominously named Cutthroat Alley took us to the back of Ham House where a brief stop enable Ray Dare to perform some minor maintenance. A small detour was needed to ensure a moderate mileage before lunch and this led to Ham Gate, noting that Church Road is currently closed, so allowing the Common Toad a traffic free migration from Ham Common into Richmond Park (must be Spring on the way!). In the park the fairly recent extension to the Tamsin Trail took us to Petersham Gate and thence back on the towpath through Richmond and along to cross the river at Kew. Back roads through Duke's Meadow and past Barnes Bridge took us to lunch at Hammersmith where some opted for the old favourite Blue Anchor and the rest the Wetherspoons. After regrouping it was across Hammersmith Bridge to Barnes Common where we had the misfortune to catch both level crossings (four trains in all!). Through the traffic free centre of Richmond Park and across the footbridge at Teddington Lock to cut through Hampton Wick and into Busy Park. Tea and cakes awaited at the Pheasantry which, being quite new, was a first for many. About 26 miles between elevenses and tea.
From Pete Barnard