Cut trees

The straight line caused by the cut trees reminds me of a scratch on a car made by a yob with a coin except that here the yobs are Richmond Council and they used chainsaws.

Chimneys

Chimneys usually add character to roofs and this is especially true here where they have been rotated off-square to produce interesting angles. However, what is pretty is not always effective and the two dark streaks down the wall show how the chimneys have channelled the rain.

Gravel

The attraction of using gravel to resurface the path between River Lane and Douglas Footpath is that it is cheap, easy to lay and, in this case, is kept in place by the walls on either side, but this is more than offset by how difficult it is to wade through gravel, particularly if trying to push a buggy or ride a bike.

Unfinished

This ambitious development on Dukes Avenue was an early casualty of the credit crunch and falling house prices and has been left like this for quite some time. With the economy as it is I suspect it will be another long time before it is completed.

Surrey County Council

Surrey County Council has long been banished from Kingston (though they forgot to take their County Hall with them when they left) and it's now a borough of London. However some signs of it's previous governance can be found among the trees and bushes between Royal Park Gate and the Thames.

Garages off Beaufort Road

I like garages because they are both industrial and private at the same time, that is they are mass produced as purely industrial items but, over time, each owner personalises them in their own way to create a rich diversity.

Ham Lands from the south

Following the river north from Kingston presents you with a choice when the path dives into two at Lower Ham Road. The paths remain close but separate all the way to Teddington Lock where they converge again. This is the (newer) upper path as it passes Royal Park Gate. It is here that the mixed wilderness that is Ham Lands begins to the joy of walkers and intrepid explorers of all ages.

White buildings at Ham Polo

I love the cluster of bright white buildings at Ham Polo. These include the grandstand, umpire's lofty station, clubhouse and marquee. (Apologies if polo uses other terms for any of these). The imposing Star and Garter building behind shows how close Ham Polo (once part of Ham Common) is to Richmond.

Green tent

This small green tent has failed in its purpose of providing shelter by being caught out by a high tide that claimed a large section of Petersham Lodge Woods and it now sits dolefully surrounded by water.