Stage 8: Shepperton to Staines

Dear Bertie,

Today you were 21 weeks old and we headed back to Shepperton on a rather chilly morning! To save time, you had your second breakfast in a quiet carriage on the train and then we headed back to the path via the post office to post our Christmas cards!

Just before joining the river again, we passed Shepperton Lake where Daddy and I have spent many weekends swimming around the pretty 750m lake loop, and I have also done some night swims there in the pitch black! We will bring you here when you are a bit older.

At the very small Shepperton Ferry 'port', we nipped into a lovely cafe for me to down a cup of coffee and then joined the river at Shepperton lock. 

The path followed a small road along the river with lovely big houses all decorated with Christmas things.

It had rained a lot the night before so the mud path was very slippery and I grabbed on to tree branches so we didn't fall! We crossed a meadow.

We went past a big old bell for Monkey Island.  You ring the bell if you want to visit.  I was tempted to ring it, but we carried on. 

We walked under the M3, a busy road which takes you all the way South West to Bournemouth where I went to University and there is a lovely beach.

The sun came out and so did some runners, and  we passed a huge decorated Christmas tree.

We approached Staines and passed a statue called, 'The Swan Man'.

On Daddy's recommendation, we crossed the busy bridge built in 1829.

And headed into the very cosy Swan Inn on the river and settled by a wood fire while we both ate, and office Christmas parties were going on.

Then it was back through Staines High Street to the train to head home for dinner!

TOTAL DISTANCE: 12.8 KM

Breastfeeding stops: 2

Nappy changes: 3

Crying episodes: 0 yah!

Feed stops:
Costa, Shepperton - baby changing at the back next to comfy armchairs
Swan Inn, Staines - baby changing by the fireplace, comfy banquettes

GPS Link:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29036970