Time to get some exercise.

Today we had planned to walk the second part of the Capital Ring. This is a 78 mile (126 km) walk around London's suburbs. I was a little worried that it would be very cold and snowy since I drove home on Thursday through a blizzard. However the weather was very good and there was a lot of heat in the sun during the afternoon. The section we were walking was from Richmond on Thames to Greenford, approximately 10 miles. The routes generally follow the rivers and canals and pass through parkland with some walking along roads.

We  started at the River Thames in Richmond. When we completed the first section that ended in Richmond back in January the river was in flood and we couldn't walk along the riverside path. Today the river level was much lower.

We walked along the path to Isleworth. The church is where my Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet each week. The bell tower is over 600 years old. Unfortunately the church has twice been burnt down and only the bell tower remains of the original church. The church was rebuilt 30 plus years ago and is of a modern design.

In the church yard is an old Yew tree and in the shadow of the tree is a plaque commemorating the 149 people who died from the plague and are buried there.

Across the road from the church is Syon House and park which is owned by the Duke of Northumberland. The gardens are very nice and well worth a visit. I have yet to go into the house.

The walk continued to Brentford where we picked up the Grand Union canal which we then followed to the Hanwell locks

We passed several people fishing in the canal and saw swans sitting on their nest. The nest was well protected on the opposite side of the canal where there is no path.

This picture is looking at the second of six locks in the staircase. We turned away from the canal here and continued the walk through parkland where we saw 'Pussy willow' catkins. This is actually Goat willow and is the commonest of the British willows

A carpet of Lesser Celandine

The Blackthorne was also in blossom, a good sign that Spring is nearly here. Its leaves will open soon. The fruit of the Blackthorne are called sloes and can be used to make sloe gin.

We passed under this viaduct which carries the main line trains to the south west of England from London.

We had taken Scamp with us on our walk and here he is still full of energy at about the 7 mile point. So long as he gets regular water and some treats he keeps going. His favourite walking treat is flapjack which keeps his sugar levels up. He's happily curled up in his basket at the moment but he will be eager to be up and out walking again tomorrow.

So a great days walking in the sunshine and I've seen proof that spring is coming. Hopefully the weather will allow for more walking so I can lose some of the weight I've put on over the winter.

I'm going to do some hand stitching while relaxing in front of the TV as my legs are too tired to operate the foot pedal on my machine! 

Lyndsey