Ricchi one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked from Richmond to Chiswick (Turnham Green Tube)
Like the other reviewers I enjoyed the walk. A good mix of architecture, Parks, roads and rivers. If I'd had the time I'd have liked to spend more time walking round Chiswick Park.
Several access issues. Steps over railways, and by Chiswick bridge; steep bridge in Chiswick park (30%), but there are alternate paths; and the cemeteries, the Thames Path down by Chiswick bridge and Chiswick Park all close at dusk; a level crossing.
But an interesting walk even on a damp November day.

I walked this route from Richmond to Chiswick at about 5pm on a weekday.

There was a lot about it I liked quite a bit:

- The quiet streets around North Sheen, especially Manor Grove, were lovely
- The cemeteries on the Thames were lovely
- Of course the grounds of the Chiswick House are lovely
- And of course Chiswick itself is extremely lovely!

I've dinged it a star because there was a fair bit of walking along bit stinky roads, especially to cross the Chiswick Bridge and on escape from Richmond. I also (somewhat hypocritically, perhaps!) wish the route took you down the Chiswick High Street, which is extremely lovely, instead of behind it through Chiswick Common.

I didn't encounter any closed gates, but I walked it in the summertime so well before sunset or dusk.

Overall, a very good route!.

Richmond to Chiswick crossing the Thames at Chiswick Bridge. This route has a lot to recommend it, however it passes through some parks which close at dusk (e.g. Chiswick House gardens) so it isn't feasible to walk the route after dark. There are also 5 flights of steps and a tree obstructed pavement at Chiswick (pointed out in survey photos) so not wheelchair friendly.

I think this route is good enough to qualify for the network, and I will certainly walk it (or parts of it) again when visiting Chiswick. 3 stars from me.

I reckon there is a need for a step free 'after dark' urban route, so I've made Ricchi Two, an 'all day' and 'no steps' more wheels friendly route.

On the way out of Richmond the route aims to dodge the A316 by weaving in-and-out of side streets and across the railway (stairs), there's also a couple of pleasant cemeteries, which close before sunset. It's a reasonable job, there's no way of completely avoiding 'A' roads in this part of London. Chiswick Bridge gives great views of the river Thames, Mortlake Brewery, the Boat Race finish.
On the Chiswick side of the bridge the route goes down steps to the river and briefly joins the Thames path. At the moment there is a building site in this area, but the path is segregated and it looks like it won't deviate or be built over.
Eventually the route crosses the railway at Chiswick Station (stairs) and heads into Chiswick House gardens (closed at dusk). It is a slight detour but the gardens are a treat, this for me was the highlight of the route. There's a cafe (slightly off route) and lots of benches, it's a lovely place to linger or picnic.
Now an underpass and residential streets to Chiswick High Road. The crossing point is badly drawn, (or being generous, it may have moved since the route was created in 2020, there is a new cycle super highway which has changed the Chiswick High Road layout). There is a safe crossing point nearby. The last section is across Chiswick Common to an excellent meeting point at Turnham Green station.

This is just to add one photograph omitted from the survey I submitted, of a rather narrow alley around 1/2 km from the Richmond end. The alley is about 75 cm wide.

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