We are the Kingston Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
David C.
We follow the flow of history on this 4.9-mile walk tracing the Tudor pipes that channelled fresh water from Coombe to Hampton Court for 350 years; a course whose influence ensures it remains marked on OS maps today.
A joint walk with the Kingston upon Thames Society, the walk includes rare access to the hidden chambers of Coombe Conduit, open by special arrangement with English Heritage. The trail ends with free entry to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces.
Along the way, we’ll visit St Peter’s Church in Norbiton, whose vicar was one of the privileged few with access to the precious Conduit supply, and discover how the water source crossed the Thames.
Lunch will be based at All Saints Church, Kingston. There are many cafes and food stalls in the area.
Approaching Hampton Court via Home Park, we’ll pass the historic Ice House and Stud House, and walk through the royal park’s ancient trees and rare acid grassland; a protected landscape still grazed by Fallow deer descending from Henry VIII’s reign.
Arrive by 10:00 for guided tour of Coombe Conduit. The walk will start at 10:30.
Maps: A–Z, EX 161
Coombe Conduit, Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7HG 57 bus to Coombe Hill School stop. OR 0.7 mile walk from Norbiton Station OR 213, K2, K3, K4 buses and 0.7 mile walk.
Gardens of Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
