My Egham to Windsor dog walk

Sunday 16/06/2013

Decided to leave the city by train and go out and about, this time Egham. When we, me and my dog, alighted at the station, only the short light rain welcome us. Soon after we left the city centre and crossed dual carriage way, we found beautiful  open countryside, a meadow at Runnymede.

 I let him run free, to explore the surrounding of Langhman Pond was perfect location for a gun-dog.

Only, a big herd of cows roaming on one the fenced field were given a wide berth.

 The J.F. Kennedy memorial was discovered accidentally, located in the woods on the hilly side of Runnymede. However, we were on the search for Magna Carta memorial, which was passed many times when  on the bicycle trips to Windsor Great Park (WGP)and around. This time I manage to find which was pretty straight forward when followed the signage. Not in my case, as I'm a explorer.

Over the hill towards the Virginia Water - parkland and lake area -we follow main tarmac roads. Only at some point, the short cut led us along a stream to the massive, impenetrable fence where we forced to do U-turn.

When we reached Cumberland Obelisk was time for one and only  1/2 break, where I manage to laid on the bench and rest my feet up. My companion had his lunch, too. When the time was up, we moved on. Through magnificent high tree area, the totem pole, we reached northern banks of Virginia Water Lake, where my companion was as a fish already in the water playing and fetching. I could let him swim for more than I would need to tow him the the Windsor train station. It was a long walk literally a head of us. 

We carried on through Great Windsor Park, we passed the polo ground where I let my self not for a first time to  walk barefoot on the grass. Then through the gate we warden was stopping cars trying to leave the estate. No one paid much attention to a hiker and his dog and we were through.

The snowy hill with George III statue overlooking The Long Walk where I let my self once again to walk with bare foot.

Indeed it is a long walk, we walked and walked. 

The 9:01 pm train was out reach and luckily we manage to catch after a run a 10:01 pm train to London Waterloo. Where both of us could rest for a moment. At some point my companion was alerted by fast moving conductor that he started to bark at him to my embarrassment. At the Twickenham station we forced to face sea of people. High volume of revellers of Rihanna performance held at Twickenham Rugby Stadium were heading straight at us. Gently, along the wall, on the pavement with the red bicycle attached to his collar we were moving forward. The crowd was well policed and well behaving and for my companion was another public training.

After we were both dog tired, we walked for many hours and miles.

pleas find attached map of the trip at my everytrail profile http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2184903

Long walk - Thames walk

Sunday 09/06/2013

My plan for Sunday afternoon was to get out and about. Where to go? shall take my dog? Yes, he is On. OK. Perhaps train, yes train! Where? Weybridge, too much hassle to get transfer at Clapham Junction. What about Staines? Next direct train to Staines in 20 min. Not enough time! OK then next one 13:23.  What I need to take? First Aid Kit, rain jacket, jumper, thermos flask,  fresh water bottle, some sandwich, energy bar and etc. My dog-rucksack is full. I 'm out! 

Next step, the train ticket. Two teenagers are playing with the vending machine. Time is ticking, tick tock! Eventually they give up and my turn to purchase a ticket. Platform, the train and after 15 minutes we are in Staines. 

Entrance to Staines Park

After some time, we (me and dog) managed to reach river Thames and then follow south, towards Bell Weir Lock. Where shortly afterwards we were met by a close friend who was part of cycling group from Kingston area. The group pedaled on and my friend walk his bike with    us back home.

the dog and cycling companion

We walked along Thames, at some point boarded Shepperton - Weybridge ferry then Hampton and Bushy Park, Twickenham Rugby Stadium.

While we walked we managed to stop for a snack at some some pit stops , though my sandwiches with fresh onion, cheese and pepper did not last long. The last couple of hours we walked on empty...rucksack, which was good for my back. When we reached our accommodation, the clock was at 22:00. Then late dinner and of you go we were ready to rest.

***

On that Sunday, we walk around 16 miles in good company. 

The weather was more than perfect for a walk and our spirits positively loaded. 

Plenty of water for a dog to swim and cool himself down.

Were to take my dog for a walk next?

Please have a look at gps data - map on everytrail and google maps

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2171044

http://goo.gl/maps/JgcIL

Rugby statue - Twickenham