Route Wimbledon Park Station to Richmond

Section 6 of the Capital Ring, full details here (Inner London Ramblers)

Also available on GoJauntly 

Route Description

(summarised from Inner Ramblers)

From Wimbledon Park Underground station we will head to Wimbledon Park, where we will pass a toilet block and will wait if anyone needs to use the facilities. We pass a lake and a watersports centre, and eventually exit at Wimbledon Park Road. We will follow residential roads until we reach Wimbledon Common. The route passes Wimbledon windmill, where there is a cafe and toilets so we can pause for refreshments. From here we will head down the hill to Queensmere lake. The route then takes us across the golf course, so we will need to take care in case a game is in play. We will enter some woods, eventually reaching Beverley Brook. We will reach a gravel track where we will exit Wimbledon Common and cross Kingston Vale (the A3). Here we enter Richmond Park at the Robin Hood Gate. There are facilities here if anyone needs to use them, note there is a small fee payable by contactless card. The route continues uphill past Spankers Hill Wood. Shortly after this we reach a car park and refreshment kiosk where we can have a break and use the facilities. We will continue on between lakes known as Pen Ponds, then go uphill and then left, past Queen Elizabeth’s Plantation. We will pass Oak Lodge, then cross Queen’s Road. From here there are some steep steps that we will be descending, with views over Surrey Hills, Ham House, and Twickenham Rugby Stadium. We continue down to Petersham Gate, where we exit Richmond Park. There are toilets next to the children’s play area if needed. We will cross Petersham Road and follow the path past St Peter’s Church. Will will follow the route around Petersham Meadows – this is the alternative route for dog walkers that must be taken between April-October due to grazing cows. We will then join the Thames Path. If the tide is high, we may need to follow the road. The towpath goes under Richmond Bridge, until we reach Friars Lane, which is the end of the section.

We will go at a social pace where no one is left behind and everyone is comfortable. 

Note that this is a group walk, not a professionally led walk. Organisers are not qualified walk leaders.

Mobility requirements

This route can be made suitable for wheelchairs or prams. There may be mud and difficult terrain around Wilderness Island but it is possible to detour around this

Track Info and other notes

There are some steep climbs and descents on the route. The route is mainly on rough tracks or paths and grass. There is some pavement walking. There are hard paths in Wimbledon Park and after leaving Richmond Park. There are steps on a footbridge over the A3 which can be avoided by using the traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings. 

Other Info

There are wild deer in Richmond Park. Walkers with dogs must follow the guidance showing when dogs should be on a lead and other rules that apply. We are outside deer rutting and birthing season but caution is still advised. Dog walkers have to walk round Petersham Meadows between April and October when cattle are grazing in the area.

Distance

7.3 miles / 11.7km

Start location

Meet outside Wimbledon Park Station

End location

Section finishes at Friars Lane, Richmond

Time (duration) of walking

11am to 3pm, including breaks

Transport

Wimbledon Park Underground Station (Zone 3) is on the District Line

Richmond Underground Station (Zone 4) is on the District Line

Richmond Station (Zone 4) is on the main lines in and out of London

Toilets

There are toilets along the way at Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park and Richmond. 

What to bring

• Warm or cool clothes or layers suitable for the weather on the day

• Comfortable shoes/boots that can handle some mud 

• At least 1 litre of water

• Snacks and lunch if you don’t want to purchase from cafes

• Waterproofs if rain is forecasted

• Binoculars if you have them for some bird watching

Food and drink options

Bring your own lunch or get refreshments from cafes along the route:

• Cafe du Parc by Wimbledon Park Station

• Windmill Tearooms, Wimbledon Common

• Pen Ponds Cafe, Richmond Park