Twiric two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Twiric here.

Headline: There is plenty that is good about this route but I think it needs redrawing to remedy the unsafe crossing point
where the route crosses the A3004 St Margarets Road at St Margarets. So I have given 2 stars 'it must be better'.

Here's my full review:
I made a round trip to Twickenham and back from Richmond using Twiric 3 on the way out and Twiric 2 (this route) on the way back.
This route (Twiric 2) is 200 metres more direct than Twiric 3 - it achieves this by crossing the Thames on the busy A316 Twickenham Bridge, rather than using Richmond Bridge (which is also busy in a different slow-moving urban traffic sort of way).
I wasn't sure I would enjoy it at all because I loathe walking along the A316, it is fast, busy and its dual carriageway-ness cuts communities in two, I usually avoid it like - well - something to be avoided at all costs!
So it's good to report that there were plenty of enjoyable things about this route - however before I get onto those a warning:
There is an unsafe crossing where the route crosses the A3004 St Margarets Road at St Margarets. It's doable for an urban walker used to such things (like me), but Slow Ways standards are higher than mine! There are nearby safe crossing points which can be used, and I recommend the route is redrawn to use one of these. It's a 4 star for sure with this improvement (yes, even with the A316).

The route starts along the same line as Twiric 3, leaving Twickenham station it heads East, crosses the River Crane and passes though a recreation ground. At this point it diverges.

There is a very nice refreshment opportunity at the Turks Head on Winchester Road, just a few metres off the route.
Then the dodgy road crossing, followed by a nifty narrow back alley behind a block of flats, which connects to some more residential roads, all aimed at staying away from the A316 as long as possible.
Eventually the main road can no longer be avoided - in mitigation Twickenham Bridge is a fine example of Art Deco, the pavement is wide and the views are pleasing.

On the Richmond side there are steps down to the riverside, and a splendid approach to the end of the walk up Old Palace Lane, past the White Swan pub and some very attractive cottages, then across Richmond Green. (After the pub I would prefer to turn right and walk through the Old Palace Yard for extra historical interest.)

Access - there are Steps at Twickenham Bridge so this is unlikely to appeal as a route to wheelchair users.
Safety - road crossing as mentioned; also, the narrow alleyway is clean and tidy and the neighbourhood is pleasant, but it has a well concealed entrance and I couldn't see any midway lighting (although it's quite short), so after dark it may feel unsafe.

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