25/01/20 - Battersea Park to the Good Beer Guide Pubs of Richmond

Distance - 13 Miles
Geocaches - 7
Good Beer Guide Ticks - #453-455
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine October 2019

Ostensibly, this is meant to be a discovery of all of George Eliot's London homes.  Having not read Middlemarch or being in possession of the knowledge that George was really a Mary, I've tackled it as a lengthy ramble, taking in many of the reasons why London is so appealing to the walker. 

Varied landscapes of riverside, city, organised parkland and the wilds, where deer run free.

With the promise of three Good Beer Guide pubs at the end.

I start at Victoria Station, working my way to the river, whilst the Sat Nav picks up a signal at the walks official starting point at the southern end of Chelsea Bridge.

Varied Geocaching Success in Battersea Park, before picking up the Thames Path, carrying me West to the former home of Youngs Brewers - Wandsworth.

Bridge Crossing Number 1 - Chelsea

Who says London is unfriendly?

Battersea Bridges

Some urban discovery, but plenty of refreshment options, as Wandsworth Saturday morning chaos gives way to the never ending Wimbledon Park Road.   I do find #31 - complete with blue plaque marking the author's residence.   She'd be horrified to see what's it's up for with Savills.

Home for a Victorian Author

I was correct in thinking the bottom part of Wimbledon Park Road looked familiar.  The rest of my route follows the highlight of the Capital Ring. Over 8 years since I walked this leg, so well overdue a re-visit.

Capital Ring at the Wimbledon Windmill

Lunch stop at a handy bench at Queens Mere

Wimbledon Common, where of course the Geocaches are named after Wombles.

The Wimbledon woodland gives way to the wilds of Richmond Park.  Last time, it was rutting season. Winter finds them in much more sedate, camera friendly mood.

Unstartled Deer

Penn Pools at Richmond Park

Messing with the GoPro

After 5 hours and 12 miles, I deserve a drink.

Roebuck, Richmond Hill, Oakham Citra

Enviable position for this 200 year old boozer - appealing to the families that come out of the park and the day trippers that want to get the best views of the Thames at Petersham Meadows.

Enough staff to cope with the undecided, who think they are being edgy by deliberating on whether to have a Punk IPA, having dumped their kids paraphernalia in the way of your pub ticking hero.

Surprisingly, the best pint of the day.

The Roebuck

Trip Hazards

Enviable Position - Elevated views over the Thames

The Mitre, St Mary's Grove, Landlord

A nice downhill walk to a hidden gem, directly opposite a terrace of wonderful alms houses.

Nice on the Outside

Gorgeous on the Inside

Decision time - with the wood burning fire on the opposite side to the blood red chesterfields.  It's not that cold but my legs are weary.  Added advantage of the comfy furniture is its next to the library and I learn that their very own Rudi - who comes to say hello - stars in a book about pub dogs.

The Lad Himself

I should have stayed.

The Tap Tavern, Princes Street, O'Haras Stout

Either Richmond and Houndslow Camra have lost their minds or they had to get three entries into the bible.

Looks a bit "identikit" but be brave Mappiman

Multiple horrors await inside.   One cask Ale - and that's from Shrewsbury.  The only free tables are piled high with dirty wine and proscecco glasses.  And it was six pounds a pint.

The bar lady clocks my rucksack strap mounted go pro and asks if she is being filmed.

The SD card is now in the hands of Crime Watch.

Peeking through the foliage at my fellow lunch time booze hounds