We do this walk so regularly you’d think it would get boring by now. But its very familiarity is part of the attraction, watching the changes to the familiar scenary with the whims of the weather and the turn of the seasons. This is rarely as evident as a day like today, with the UK buried under a layer of snow, making a check up on Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park a near necessity.
It was reasonably quiet heading onto Wimbledon Common except for the occasional lunatic jogger, but the cars were out in force, queuing for the carpark at the Windmill. We then headed down to Queensmere which was partly frozen, with confused gulls pacing up and down on the ice whilst a snowman watched on. The paths had been exceedingly muddy the week before, and now formed elaborate traps for the careless as the abundance of snow hid the bog patches very effectively.
After escaping from Wimbledon Common we crossed over into Richmond Park, which was fairly serene, and quite a contrast to the riot of deer, swans, cyclists and other animals we’d seen the week before. We then headed across to the ridge overlooking the Thames and found all of the people. This must be the only hill in all of south London, and a mayhemic collection of children and slightly awkward Dads were diving down the hill (more of a mudslide by now) on recently purchased sledges, laundry baskets, for sale signs and so forth. Plus of course one too cool for school (and too old for school) snowboarder.
After all this excitement we cold-footed it over to the White Cross for a rejuvenating lunch and an eyewateringly expensive pint (hint – when in Richmond, don’t buy the Meantime Pale Ale!)
[amazons3_photo_gallery album_name=20130119-richmondsnow]