On any given day I will set out on a walk, regardless of the weather. I have done this in many cities around the world from Cape Town to Vancouver. It restores harmony with nature, clears the mind, provides aerobic excercise and puts you in touch with the local community.
The past few years my walk takes me along the Thames. I cover about 12 miles passing by historic buildings, ancient battlegrounds and breathtaking scenery; immortalised in famous paintings.
As I walk in any circumstances, I draw inspiration from the words of the great South African leader, Nelson Mandela; ‘I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.’
Walk with me; I walk alone.
Low tide on the Thames river. The All Saints’ Church in Isleworth dates back to the 14 th century.
Two famous pubs need sidestepping if one is to reach your destination; The London Apprentice followed shortly by friendly greetings of the locals at The Town Wharf.
Twickenham footbridge provides beautiful vistas down the river and a panoramic view onto Richmond.
Catching up on local news from one of the regulars.
The view from Richmond Hill; the subject of many famous paintings.
The Gloriana used at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, passing under Twickenham Bridge.
The return journey past The London Apprentice adjacent to Syon House and Syon Park. The Thames now at high tide.
Solvitur ambulando — “it is solved by walking.” For entertaining and insightful further reading see this link to The Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/hemingway-thoreau-jeffers_b_3837002.html
wonderful…i walked along..and was enjoying it so much.xxx
Thank you Beatrix. I regularly enjoy ‘walking’ with you gazing at the glorious pictures of Langstrand Photography.