Day 6:Hampton Court Bridge to Shepperton (Section 2)

Section 2 of Day 6

Hampton Court Bridge to Shepperton

Leaving Hampton Court Palace behind I need to cross Hampton Court bridge as the next stage of the walk continues along the South bank of the river.

This area on the South side became known as Mulesley when  the survey of 1086 took place and it was noted that there was a community of about 200 living here including 'villeins and serfs'. During Henry VIII's reign the manor of Moulsey and its land became part of Hampton Court to provide more accessible  hunting ground for the King. It wasn't until the Victorian times that this area was known as Molesey as it is now called.

Molesley lock was built in 1815 in an area prone to shallow water. In times of drought some of the heavier barges couldn't travel down the Thames for weeks. It is the second longest on the river.

A number of islands can now be seen  between the two banks of the river. The largest of the islands has some very impressive houseboats there.

Opposite Tagg's island is the Molesley boat club.

The pathway veers away from the riverside briefly and into Hurst Park, once part of Hurst Park racecourse.

In the distance you can just get a glimpse of Sunbury Court built around 1770.

 

Then the tower of Hampton Church comes into view.

This beautiful church was built in 1831.

If you want to cross the river at this point you need to summon the ferry by ringing the bell. If you look below the sign to the right you can see the bell.

The other picture shows the motorised ferry

coming across to collect someone. The cost of a trip across is £1.30.

The walk now follows the riverside all the way to the next bridge.

Water lilies are becoming more abundant the further upstream I walk and the river, no longer affected by the tide, is much clearer. Many small fish can be seen swimming around the moored boats.

On the other side of this decorative stone balustrade is a reservoir.

 

The next lock is Sunbury where a barge is just making its way through.

 

 

The bridge ahead goes over onto one of the many Thames islands.

Here is a kissing gate in need of a little repair.

 

A very welcome sight on a hot day. I couldn't resist a sit down and cool drink whilst listening to the sound of the water passing over the weir.

I liked the look of the deck chairs outside this pub but I had only just stopped at the last one so time to press on.

It was just a short walk  from the marina  to Walton Bridge which was the end of my walk for today.

A new road bridge has been built here but the old one is still in place which was the one I needed to cross, to walk the mile to the nearest rail station in Shepperton.