Wanderers of Colour August 2026 Walk to Swim: Richmond Circular *updated
Wanderers of Colour August 2026 Walk to Swim: Richmond Circular *updated
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Join Wanderers of Colour for our next London Walk to swim!
*walk update 21/08/26
Join us for this 7.5 mile (12km) circular walk through London’s Richmond Park, where you will be treated to scenic views, deer sightings and wooded trails.
Due to the Thames swimming site now being closed, We will now finish this walk at Pool on the park in Richmond. If you would like to come for a swim at the lido, please book a ticket for 3pm (swim for all) on the pool website. Tickets cost £6.50
Itinerary overview
🚶♂️ The walk will take approximately 4 hours (swim time not included) depending on pace and conditions. We will stop for lunch and refreshments along the way.
From Richmond station, we will follow the London Loop along the river, entering Richmond Park through Petersham gate.
There will be one noticeable and steep climb when we enter the park, taking us to 58m at a 14% gradient to reach King Henry’s Mound. The rest of the walk will be flat as we head towards Isabella Plantation and Pen Ponds before retuning to Richmond station.
The facilitated walk will end here, and people are free to head to the pool should they wish.
🏊♀️ Swimming will now take place at 3pm at Pools in the Park lido. Please ensure you have booked a ticket (for 3pm) on their website if you would like to swim.
Walk Details
Date: Saturday 22nd August
Timing: 10:30am - 16:00
Start: Richmond Station
End: Richmond Station
Swimming: Pools on the Park, Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SF
Walk Difficulty Level: Easy
Swimming Requirement: Confident swimmers
Distance: Approximately 12km (7.5 miles)
Meeting Point: 10:30am Richmond Station (to leave by 11am)
Accessibility: The majority of this walk is through paved and well maintained paths, but there may be sections where we will be walking through uneven ground.
Richmond station has lifts.
- Swimming: Lifeguard present.
Confident swimmers is defined as someone who can float, tread water for more than 3 minutes AND can swim independently.
Travel bursary
We can help cover travel costs for up to 3 people with no or low income, offering a maximum bursary of £20 per person. Please select the ticket type labeled “travel bursary option.”
Make sure to keep your receipts! After the event you will need to email Wanderers of Colour with your receipts and complete a reimbursement form.
Who can come?
All Black, Asian, and People of Colour welcome! Due to the difficulty of this hike, we do ask that you are over 18 and are moderately fit to take on this hike for the safety of both yourself and the group.
Nervous about coming alone?
No worries! We understand how daunting it can be coming to an event on your own. Most of our attendees come to our event solo, and we’ll have lots of group activities to help connect you with others. On the day or before the event we can also buddy you up with another member, so you can connect before and during the event. Please reach out if that interests you!
Disclaimer
Please note that this hike is not led by a qualified instructor. Our hikes are an opportunity to come together and enjoy the outdoors, led by other members in the group. Your safety and your insurance are your responsibility.
Photography
Our team tries to take a couple of photographs and videos during events to help promote other events and showcase what we do publicly. Please let a member of the team know when you arrive if you'd rather not be photographed at all.
FAQs
1. No longer able to attend?
If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your ticket by emailing us at wanderersofcolour@gmail.com at least 3 days before the start time of the event. If you do not cancel in time, this prevents other people from attending. If you signed up for a travel bursary ticket, please follow up via email if you do not attend or if you cancel late.
2. How much does this event cost?
This event is free however there is an additional cost of £6.50 if you would like to go for a swim after the facilitated walk. We welcome donations to cover the cost of running the Wanderers of Colour community. Donations help us in covering admin costs, and offering free and subsidised places.
You will need to purchase your own train tickets and any food and drink for this event.
3. What will happen if it rains?
We will walk in the rain or in the sunshine, so please dress appropriately.
However, in severe or unsafe weather, we may need to change or cancel the route for safety.
What to wear
Sturdy shoes, trainers, hiking sandals or walking boots that will support you well. Avoid fashion sandals converse/plimsolls, crocs, work shoes, or high heels.
Brightly coloured swim cap (recommended)
Breathable, weather-appropriate clothing, preferably made of synthetics (polyester, wool etc.). Try to avoid cotton if possible, and in particular, avoid jeans/denim.
A waterproof jacket or umbrella if it’s set to rain - if you don’t have one feel free to use our community WhatsApp group to ask amongst the community to borrow one!
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if it's set to be sunny.
What to bring
A comfortable backpack.
swimming outfit, towel
A plastic bag for wet items.
Water/ water bottle (1lt) There will be opportunities to refill water bottles.
Something to sit on for lunch/breaks ( a foldable sit mat or blanket etc. )
Plenty of snacks and well packed lunch. There will be opportunity to buy lunch or snacks in the park cafe or in the high street.
Any necessary personal effects (medicines etc.)
Portable charger, a pack of tissues, a few plastic baggies for trash.
Pack a few extra layers for the commute home once the sun goes down and the temperature drops.
Please ensure you follow the 'leave no trace' rule by ensuring you take all rubbish with you. This includes any used toilet paper or sanitary products if no toilets are available.
Contact details
If you have any questions please reach out to us!
Email: wanderersofcolour@gmail.com
Location
Richmond Park to Kingston, TW9 2NA