Richmond Park is one of my favourite places in London. And it’s funny when you think about it because when you’re there, you feel like you’re actually far away from the big city.
I love wandering through its woods and meadows, observing nature. Every time there is something new to discover and notice.
When you arrive there, you notice the vast space of the park. In fact, Richmond Park is the 2nd largest urban-walled park in Britain, with the area covering close to 1000 hectares.
I started my walk on the northeast side, from the parking by Colucci Roehampton Gate Café. From there, I just headed towards the middle, with no particular plan.
It was late afternoon the sun was still above the horizon, covered by clouds shaped in rippled patterns.
In the woods
The middle of November was still the perfect time to experience some lovely fall colours. As I stumbled into a small forest, I felt like entering another world.
The forest floor was covered with golden-brown leaves that rustled pleasantly with each step.
The golden rays of the sun pierced through the tree canopy creating a stunning atmosphere of the surrounding place. I was strolling, observing the details of the forest.
An intriguing texture of an old tree’s bark.
Tiny mushrooms snugged to the base of a stump.
A twisted shape of exposed roots.
Tiny squirrel foraging in the fallen leaves and cautiously watching my movements.
I wanted to stay there. It was a peaceful and beautiful place. But the sun was moving, and its light invited me to continue walking, highlighting the path in front.
Red Deer
A few minutes later, after I left the wood, I encountered a group of red deer stags gazing in the meadow near the path.
The light was excellent, and I spent a few good moments taking photos and admiring the animals.
Birds
I continued my walk toward Pen Pods, located in the centre. The sun was getting lower and lower in the sky the details of the landscape started to disappear in the gentle haze rising from the meadows.
I watched a group of crows sitting on a wooden fence and curiously observed me.
They seemed unbothered by the nearby people, although they rose into the air for a few minutes when someone passed close. After a while, they returned to their previous place.
At the same place, I also spotted a larger flock of other birds moving from place to place in a spectacular way.
Sunset
I arrived by the ponds just in time for the sunset, and it was such a delightful experience.
I moved closer to the water admiring the golden reflections of the sun on the pond.
Over time the golden colours darkened, giving way to delicate shades of purple.
The light spectacle was over, and it was time to head home.
On the way back, just before the dusk grey covered everything, I took a last view of the beautiful symmetry created by the water reflection of the clouds.
