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.
Section 9 of the London Loop starts in Bushy Park then follows the River Crane towards Hatton Cross. It is around 9 miles in length and for various reasons was sensible to split it into two sections, breaking at Fullwell.
After a good journey I arrived at Kingston station around 10.15, then after a short diversion in the town centre headed for the Thames and bridge.
Across the bridge to Hampton Wick and a short section of the A308 before turning off Church Grove at St John's church.
Opposite the church into the pleasant Church Grove Park with Horse Chestnut trees which leads into Bushy Park.
The Millennium Wood and then a general view of the park. This is skylark territory and although I did not see them their distinctive bird song was heard.
In the centre of the park are two large ponds, the Leg of Mutton pond and the larger Heron pond.
At the top of the Heron pond I made a short diversion for a view of the Diana Fountain celebrating the Roman Goddess Diana which has stood in Bushy Park since 1713
There are two identical bridges over the pond and returning from viewing the fountain I wrongly took the path from the first one, ending up somewhat further down Chestnut Avenue than I should have been.
The Woodland Gardens are a pleasant contrast to the rest of the park. The first two sections are sculptured along the stream, known as the Keeper's river. As well as ducks there were some very large fish in the stream.
The gate leading into the second section, the Waterhouse Plantation, and more pleasant woodland.
The path through the gardens continues passing a large pond.
The third section is less formal and eventually leads out of the gardens back into the park.
North now across the park. I should have exited at the Laurel Road gate but took a wrong turn at the Upper Lodge and ended up at the Hampton Hill exit. It was time to break for the day so I walked along the busy High Street up to Fulwell station. There I took the train back to Kingston and lunched in the Bishop by the river before heading home.
The second part is quite pleasant, mainly along the river Crane but there was some rather lengthy stretches of road walking.
I started at Fulwell station along Burton Road before reaching country again at Fulwell Park.
The path skirts beside Fulwell Golf Club then reaches the David Lloyd Sports Club which seemed very busy.
The first sight of the River Crane, after another diversion on estate roads, was at Hospital Bridge at a busy intersection with the A316. I headed down to the river through a wildflower meadow and under the A316, making sure this time I went the right way along the Crane.
The Crane is very pleasant and seemed to be an excellent place to take the dogs who enjoyed splashing in it. Eventually I reached a seat carved with insects and took a short break to take in the view.
The Shot Tower was built in 1828 and used to manufacture lead shot as part of Hounslow Gunpowder Mills. The tower was open and free to climb but I decided not to. The walk continues through the Crane Park but away from the river, eventually emerging on the busy Hanworth Road which had to be followed for a mile. The Duke of York pub mentioned closed a few years ago and has now been rebuilt as a Tesco Express.
After this rather tiring slog and having crossed the Waterloo to Reading railway line Hounslow Heath is reached with a brand new gate to bypass the stile. The initial path is broad and easy to follow but a turning off here near a seat was less easy to find and like last time I overshot for some distance. There seemed no loop pointer and it was far from obvious.
The path continues through the scrubland of the heath for some way, eventually reaching another fairly hidden left turning which eventually took me through Hounslow Heath Golf Centre down to reach the Crane again.
Bridges cross first the mill stream then the Crane, and the river is followed for a while as it winds through Brazil Mill Woods.
A board walk then a small cateract before reaching Baber Bridge which carries the A315.
A short walk along the A315 and Donkey Wood is reached. The paths through here have recently been upgraded and it was a very easy path to follow.
A long section of timber causeway takes the path over a section of boggy ground, then some lovely little ponds.
The final stretch is through The Causeway. Last time the planes were landing right above. Today though they were operating in the other direction and it was totally clear of planes and quite pleasant. But then the section ends at the busy A30 which somewhat disturbed the peace. This had to be followed for half a mile to traffic lights to be able to cross. I went to Hatton Cross bus station and caught the 90 bus down to Feltham. A pleasant lunch there then back home from the station.