This is to let you know the details of a walk of about 6 miles which I will be leading from Richmond station to the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park to see the annual blooming of the azaleas and Rhododendrons.

We will be meeting at East Croydon Station at 9:35 to catch the 9:44 train to Clapham junction, where we change to platform 5 to catch the train to Richmond. There are quicker ways to reach the Isabella, but I think this route combines a very pleasant walk with the possibility of seeing some beautiful blooms which I hope will still be out and not too faded by all the sunny weather. Don’t blame me if they’re not at their best!! It’s always a bit hit and miss whether they’ll be worth seeing, but I’m sure it will be a lovely day out anyway.

From Richmond Station, we walk down to the river and eventually turn left through Petersham and enter Richmond Park through the Petersham gate. From there it’s about a mile (including one hill) to walk to the Isabella where we can spend an hour or so. We return via Pembroke Lodge where it is possible to get refreshments such as cups of tea or even ice creams if the weather is warm enough. We  then walk down through the grounds of Pembroke Lodge and eventually exit the park through the Richmond gate and proceed down the hill back into Richmond admiring the lovely views of the river along the way.

Best to bring some sandwiches and plenty of water since the weather forecast is very good for Sunday. As I mentioned there is a possibility of getting refreshments at Pembroke Lodge in the afternoon and there are also pubs and cafés along the way back to Richmond.

Look forward to seeing some of you there.
Nicky