The London Loop is a walking route of 150 miles length around the outer boundaries of London split into 24 sections. See tfl.gov.uk /modes/walking/loop-walk for more details. Inner London Ramblers now produces updated guides to the walk.
This is a nice section of the Loop and follows the Hogsmill River from its source near Ewell to where it joins the Thames at Kingston. A few short sections are away from the river but by and large it is green countryside all the way.
I started my walk in Bourne Hall Park where I finished section 7 last week, arriving at Ewell West station around 10.30am. Then after crossing the road into woodland and passing a pond.
The Upper Mill, used for milling corn for many years but now largely rebuilt and used as offices. Then over a stream and deeper into the woodland.
The river already becoming fairly wide. Then it flows under the river with the path above on a wooden walkway.
The path continues alongside the river passing the ruins of the former Lower Mill and also a meadow where William Holman Hunt painted his The Hireling Shepherd. Stepping stones placed to entice you to the other side.
The Ewell Storm Tanks, intended to prevent overflow waters from flooding the meadows. One of several bridges.
The route continues alongside the river passing a few bridges, one of which has a magnificent weeping willow.
Soon the Bonegate Stream merges with the Hogsmill and it becomes noticeable wider. The busy A240 Kingston Road is reached at Tolworth Court Bridge and a short diversion to the pedestrian crossing is needed.
Back by the river but soon a fallen tree is encountered which was just about negotiable.
A nice stretch of river then I had to leave it for a while as there was no path ahead. I had earmarked the Toby Carvery as a possible lunch stop but it was too early for lunch so I pressed on along some residential roads for a mile or so.
Eventually a quite pleasant woodland path, still away from the river, took me to St John the Baptist church in Malden. There was a lack of signposting here and I took a wrong turn and ended up in a residential estate before correcting myself.
Back beside the river, now quite wide, and I pass under the railway near Malden Manor station.
Through the Long Meadows and then reaching the A3 Kingston Bypass where a 400m diversion is necessary to cross this via an underpass.
Back in the woodland along the river and a lovely stretch called Elmbridge Meadows. The Tolworth Stream joins the Hogsmill. But then with the railway embankment ahead we have to leave the river for a while.
I broke for lunch at the Berrylands and after lunch continued past Berrylands station to walk along the pleasant Lower Marsh lane towards Kingston, some way from the river however.
Kingston Cemetery is passed and then the Hogsmill rejoined on the outskirts of Kingston with some impressive water cascades.
The last stretch into Kingston and the river is very pleasant.
Kingston Guildhall was very busy with University graduation taking place with everybody in their gowns. Then the Coronation Stone celebrating seven Saxon kings.
The Hogsmill passes under the 12th century Clattern Bridge and a second bridge towards the Thames.
A final view of the Hogsmill before reaching the Thames, a short walk along the river side and then up to Kingston station where I caught the train home after a fairly long but very pleasant day.