Hampton Court to West Byfleet, 20 January

TRAINS There is no direct train to Hampton Court and this means a change at Surbiton (on platform 4) The outward journey is all in zone 6.

Departing Waterloo at 09.24, arrival at Surbiton at 09.41 then depart Surbiton at 09.54 and arriving at Hampton Court at 10.01 – where I will be waiting. NB. There are loos at Hampton Court.

Returning from West Byfleet, it is necessary to purchase a single ticket to Surbiton (boundary for Zone 6), if you hold a Freedom Pass – the cost is £3.30 – trains are quite frequent from here.

THE WALK Distance is approximately 7 miles, 4 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. Some of the paths may be muddy but it is all on the flat.

In the morning, after admiring Hampton Court Palace from the opposite bank, we will walk along the River Thames with some lovely views to Weybridge, where we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we will follow the Wey Navigation where we will pass some interesting old buildings and amazing houseboats.

DROPOUT POINTS At Weybridge it’s possible to walk up to the town centre and take a bus – journey time is approximately 30 minutes – back to Hampton Court. Weybridge Station is quite a distance away from the river. Another possibility is at Cox Mill Lock, about 20 minutes from Weybridge along the Wey Navigation, where Addlestone Station is a short distance away. 

LUNCH At the Old Crown at Weybridge – menus are attached. www.theoldcrownweybridge.co.uk There are places to picnic nearby at the ferry point for crossing the river to Shepperton. 

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, which promises to be a lovely sunny day!

Daphne