Hallmark: here we go: Following the river and canal on the Capital Ring

With Hallmark safely delivered to Harris Boatyard at Laleham I decide to have a walk on my first section of the Capital Ring http://www.walklondon.org.uk/route.asp?R=1
Of course I decide on the bluest and easiest section. This is section seven and it runs from Richmond-upon-Thames to Osterley Lock on the Grand Union Canal.
Unfortunately the North London Line (part of the London Overground) was closed for weekend improvement and so was the District Line. But Transport for London recommended some simple bus alternative. I headed for the classic Richmond Station where the instructions for the walk start.

It was then off the the river by crossing Richmond Green passing Richmond Theatre on the way.

I was soon on the tow-path which showed signs of a high tide. Richmond has plenty of bridges. There is the wonderful stone arched road bridge built in the 1770s. First there is the railway bridge, then the 1930s Twickenham Bridge carrying the A316 to the M3 and finally the footbridge over Richmond lock and weir.

Crossing over the ornate footbridge you have the chance to see how the weir structure maintains the water level above Richmond. It actually stops the tide from totally flowing out!
http://www.pla.co.uk/display_fixedpage.cfm/id/2253

The Capital Ring initially continues along a raised causeway giving great views across the river to Old Deer Park The path then goes inland for a short while but comes back at Isleworth where you have to walk through along the public right of way right through the pub's frontage.

After Isleworth you leave the Thames and head into Syon Park which is the 200-acre London estate of the Duke of Northumberland. http://www.syonpark.co.uk/
Very quickly you feel you are in the countryside not near to central London. As well as farmland there is some stunning grounds laid out by Capability Brown.

The walk then takes you through part of Brentford and the Grand Union canal. Familiar territory for Hallmark. How Brentford canal side has changed. The wide basin with its warehouses have all but gone...... replaced by luxury flats but still plenty of moorings for narrow boats.

The greyness of the start of the day is finally banished as the autumn sun shines brightly and makes this dreary stretch of the Grand Union look and feel much better. The canal weaves its way under the A4, then the M4 and finally the Piccadilly Line as it makes it way towards the famous Hanwell Flight that lifts the canal out of the valley of the river Brent.