The National Cycle Route 4 cuts through the middle of the park and can be used to create shorter circuits if required. Richmond Park is open to vehicles from am in the summer and am in the winter.
Vehicle gates close at dusk all year round. Pedestrian gates are open 24 hours except during the deer cull in November and February. During these months, pedestrian gates open at am and close at pm. There are no ideally located train stations. A high point in the park offering views right into the city of London. I have been to Richmond Park many times. I have walked parts of it, cycled through it and even done a half marathon in there. So I decided to give it a go.
On this day I walked in an anti-clockwise direction stating at Sheen gate in the top East corner. This part was quite nice. A winding trail, surrounded by green fields. When I say quite nice, I mean the scenery. What took me by surprise was the wind. The kind of wind where I had to lean forwards into it.
By the time I reached the turn to head south, I was truly exhausted. If you walk along here, let me know if the wind attacked you as well. This part of the trail is right alongside the road. A listed Georgian mansion sitting on the highest point in Richmond Park. Here you can stop for contemporary English refreshments in the Georgian tea rooms.
The South section also runs alongside the road, but not as close. You will also pass by houses overlooking the park. Again, the trail takes you right by the main road.
The area is quite woody in the south, then opens up a bit in the north. You can walk along that if you fancy being by the river. There is a little bridge crossing on this section, and it is also along here you will find the bike rental place it is located on the northern part of the East section.
Too much of it was next to a road. Small sections would be fine but the whole lot was a bit much. There are lots of trails leading away from the Tamsin Trail, into the park, so I would recommend taking those to mix it up a bit. She saw plenty of deer and parakeets, and went anticlockwise round the park to get the most downhill out of the undulating outer loop.
If she'd gone clockwise she would have unashamedly had to get off of her bike and push up one or two hills. A West Londoner through and through, Kate estimates that she has been to Richmond Park over times in her 25 years, mostly to walk the family dogs. She thought that she knew it inside out but cycling this outer track - rather than along the road - gave her a fresh perspective. Kate loves being on the river, and decided to ditch the tube and cycle to Richmond Park along the towpath.
Wherever you are coming from, it is possible to arrive in Richmond along the towpath: just get yourself on to the Thames On this early weekday morning the towpath was completely deserted - definitely worth getting out of bed early for! If you're riding at the weekend you may need to get onto the road as you approach Richmond to avoid the huge crowds that congregate around the bridge.
Richmond has got to be one of the loveliest place in London and it's definitely worth making a day of Richmond Park if you have time. Go for a cycle round, grab some lunch at one of the hundreds of pubs and restaurants, and then spend the afternoon on a rented boat. What better way to make the most of these remaining weeks of summer? The Tamsin Trail is a loop around the outside of the park, so you can enter through any of the gates and join it.
Kate cycled up Richmond Hill, entered at the Richmond gate, and turned right on to the trail. Her huffing and puffing was quickly rewarded! The trail isn't very well marked but if you look for a gravelly trail along the outer boundary wall you have probably found it. The first thing you'll pass if you start at Richmond gate is Pembroke Lodge. It's a beautiful Georgian Mansion that is fancy enough to host lots of weddings but that will also serve you a cup of tea on the back terrace if that's what you're after.
Stop here or at the food kiosk outside and enjoy the views from King Henry's Mound with a cup of liquid energy. Hop out of the saddle and have a wander around the adjoining gardens too. There are plenty of beautiful flowers to admire but make sure that you keep an eye on your feet too - Kate once saw a snake here! Continue onwards on the trail and keep and eye out for wildlife. Posters dotted around the park will help you to identify what you see.
Kate's favourite animal encounters on this ride were the deer and the green parakeets.
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