Sunhou two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked from Sunbury to Hounslow.
From Sunbury station there is a subway under the busy roads, this is safe but difficult to navigate. There is then a road past an industrial area next to the M3/A316, over a sloped footbridge which dumps you next to the busy road, Not the best start, but although the route looks like it is right next to the road there is a quite pleasant footpath offset from it next to the Portlane Brook, full of interest, there's a steam museum and a skate park. After a couple of urban roads there's the antithesis of the cramped urban walkway across Hanworth Park with wide open spaces and thousands of buttercups, big skies across which planes fly low. From here it is parks, heathland, nature reserves, riverside paths and woods all the way to the outskirts of Hounslow, really very lovely. The majority of this 'urban' walk is surprisingly green. There is a short spooky tunnel under the railway.
Pavement walking along residential streets takes you to Hounslow Central tube on the Piccadilly line.
Narrow gates and some very narrow paths in places make access for wheels difficult, there are some muddy patches. Visually this walk is stunning but the constant noise from traffic and/or planes is a slight negative.

This is probably the best route possible, and it includes a long and very enjoyable green middle across Hanworth Park, Pevensey nature reserve, and Hounslow Heath.
The Pevensey——>Hounslow Heath section is a ‘hidden London’ secret, and one of my favourite walks all year round.

At the Sunbury end there is no option than to follow the footpath alongside the A316 ‘Country Way’ dual carriageway; however it is not without interest as it passes Kempton Steam Museum and miniature railway (although they are only open on rare occasions); and also a street art/graffiti area under the flyover.

There is an unlit tunnel (maybe 25m) under the railway where it crosses the river Crane - if you want a bit more light than reaches in then take a torch, or else you can use your phone flashlight.

At the Hounslow end the route is along residential back streets, and the main roads are almost totally avoided.

There isn’t much by way of refreshments in the middle section, take a picnic!.

Surprising amount of off road sections in just a urban area. The are some narrow barriers on Houslow Heath and a few steep gradient that are short.

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