First of April, the weather lovely.  Bright sunshine, hardly any wind, a light chill in the shade, but feeling warmer than the 12 degrees forecast when you were in the sun. A perfect day for a good cycle.

I decided to go down to Richmond Lock first, cross the bridge there and head east to Hammersmith, along the loops and twists of the River Thames.

I’ve posted photos about this stretch of the river before – see my original Cycling the Thames from October 2011 – but things are always changing and something new will catch your eye.  These are the sights of Spring.

(As ever, click on a photo to get the full size.)

You approach Richmond Lock from the Isleworth Promenade. A grand title for a rather short path.

Some views from the Richmond Lock bridge.

Heading back towards Kew, there’s a swampy patch just off river, and the buds on the trees are beginning to sprout.

Kew Bridge, from the east side.

Looking ahead to the District Line tube bridge.

Invasion of the canoes!

Barnes Bridge is always good for a photo.

Swinging onto Hammersmith Bridge, and then heading west, past all the pubs, one reaches Chiswick Mall. No photos of the buildings this time, just the river and then some of the gardens.

The beauty of a garden by the river.

Low tide looking east.

Slimy green when revealed.

A lone branch on the shore.

A stony island.

A little further upstream,  a heron perched on a stone in calm splendour. Yes, this is urban Hammersmith.

I then cycled into Duke’s Meadows. The good weather had brought hundreds of people out to have barbecues. Smoke wafted from the fires.  I only started cycling this route last Autumn, so I’ll be interested to see what it’s like in the Summer!

And while this was going on, there was an open air judo/kendo/kick boxing/whatever class going on in the open air. Well, why not?

What I love about this ride is that not only is there such beautiful and interesting scenery, but there’s so much activity: be it the rowers on the river, the pub dwellers, the joggers, the promenaders, the kids at play, the barbecuers. Nature and humanity – both at their best on a lovely Spring day.