Walton-on-Thames

Walked Walton to Esher. I agree with the previous two reviewers, this is a good route which more or less makes the most of available footpaths without going out of it’s way. I partly explored the Cottimore Lane alternative to Ambleside Avenue, as suggested by the previous reviewer; this is a pleasant unpaved footpath alternative to what is a quite well used local road (with a fair bit of pavement parking on one side of the road). It would also be possible to swap in George Froude Park for Stuart Avenue if you really want to cut down the road section at the Walton end and don’t mind a bit of soft ground. However the route stands up well as it is drawn. From Walton the way is downhill to the Mole valley. After crossing the river Mole (photo) the route goes uphill past Sandown racecourse to Esher; at school chucking out time the pavement here is nose to tail cars idling away. Esher is a pleasant town centre with, as usual, no shortage of cars passing through. There are good bus links to Kingston and out to various Surrey towns. The railway station is a bit out of town. One or two places on the route had cycle barriers narrowing the path (photo), and this along with the persistent pavement parking could make this one tricky for wheelchairs. Mostly paved, some soft paths including the Cottimore Lane option. No flights of steps, but may not be dropped kerbs at all crossing points. Good refreshments at either end but not much in the middle....

Jane Taylor

An alternative route may be considered through Cottimore Lane running to the north of Walton Oak Primary School that avoids a moderate spell on Ambleside Avenue but that would be less direct....

smorgasbord

A nice walk on a mixture of minor roads and well maintained paths. Once outside of central Esher it is surprisingly free of traffic and noise. The route is accurately plotted on the map with no ambiguity in directions....

Michael Flynn

Passes through fields, woodland and open spaces plus the views of Broadwater Lake are magical....

Jessica

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. But keep heading north and east and you'll inevitably get to the desired footbridge exit closest to Hampton. Hampton Bridge area has refreshment stop options there are free loos and shelter at Hampton Court railway station (no ticket needed)....

Luke Reader

The best alternative is a route from Weybridge to Hersham and then from Hersham through West End Esher and through the commons and Hogsmill Lane to Cobham....

sianythompson

The alternative route passing Broadwater is quieter, with nice views of the lake, but not so interesting....

James Emmans

The route north of the Thames does pass over a private road but I passed local people and they seemed friendly....

James Emmans

A pleasant off road walk....

Richard Lawrence

The part that took you down Felix Lane, went via River Ash Private Estate to Walton Bridge, but it was possible to walk through this - one part had a notice saying that a gate would be locked one day a year meaning you wouldn't be able to use that bit of the route on that day. On leaving Walton Bridge to access Walton town centre the plotted route was not feasible as it took you down a dead end with a private house at the end....

Jac007

I would suggest a slightly altered route and that would be to head down to the river bank on the Walton side and head towards Hampton Court direction and then over the footbridge at the entrance of Walton Marina and turn right up the broad steps to River Mount and continue straight up Bridge Street to the traffic lights....

Philipj8

The section from the river at Elmbridge Canoe Club could be an issue for those using mobility aids as there are 2 Kissing Gates on path however an alternative route heading towards Weybridge would be continuing along by the river towpath and then follow Thames Street under to the Weybridge waymark. At the Walton end, it would be better to towpath until the broad steps up to River Mount and Thames Street to the Walton waymark....

Philipj8

There are two gates - large kissing-date style - on the section that connects to the towpath from Weybridge town....

FiddyH