Walkin two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Overall:

A very flat route, pleasant with a lot of green/off-road. Potential for awkward mud on parts of Molesey Heath which could affect wheeled users, but there's a simple pavement alternative that runs just outside the heath on the west and north sides. Solid 4-stars, the unavoidable pavement sections are what stops this being 5-stars for me.


In more detail:

I walked this route from Kingston to Walton in Feb 2024.

Short stretch from Kingston Station to over the river, and then its into Bushy Park for an easy couple of miles west to Hampton. The path there is firm enough that mud though present isn't normally an issue. You pass the front of Hampton Court and get lovely views from of the Thames from Hampton Bridge. Free loos and shelter available at Hampton Court railway station (no ticket needed), plus Hampton has several refreshment options. We stopped a bit further on at the historic The Bell pub, just before entering Molesey Heath.

As my photos show you can encounter significant mud on Molesey Heath - walking boots recommended! You follow along the north side before heading south-west then south. Near that turn-off, if the Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club is open I recommend a short south diversion to the reservoir. Climb the steps up to the north side of the reservoir for unparalleled views south to Sandown Park and around.

Another secret spot in the Heath is an informal pet cemetery - ask a dog walker when you get close to leaving the heath as its entirely unsigned and slightly off-path!

Leaving Molesey Heath you hit a mile-plus of roads, although this route improves on Walkin one by finding more green paths to follow into Walton. Near the end of Fieldcommon Lane there's a pavement running behind hedges on the right which is safer than walking in the road.

I walked this on a cloudy afternoon, from Walton to Kingston. It had rained a little in the previous week.

From Walton, you first go through a churchyard (photo #1) before following some residential streets and along a path with a fence on each side (allotments, and recreation ground, photo #2), followed by more residential streets. There are some green bits, such as going through George Froude Park and along the back of houses, along a brand new public bridle way (photo #3).

Then after a few more roads, and crossing the busy Rydens Road (photo #4), the route turns proper green. First along Fieldcommon Lane (photo #5), to end up on Molesey Heath Nature Reserve. A few small inclines, before ending on a (not muddy) path along the River Mole (photo #6, #7). Once you leave the river, there is a stretch through the streets (photo #9) of East Molesey, with refreshments (photo #8).

After crossing the river (photo #10), and in front of Hampton Court (photo #11), most of the rest of the route is on a straight line through Bushy Park (photo #12, #13). At the east (photo #14), there are a few pavements needed, to get across the Thames (photo #15), and towards the station at Kingston.

A great route, and five stars if it wasn't for the many residential roads at the Walton end.

Good 4 star plus route, plenty of off road greenery.
A few steps and some uneven path but mostly easy going.
More interesting imo than going round by the river between Walton and Hampton Court.

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