Penningtons Conquer 50KM Thames Path for 3 Pillars Project

On Saturday 27 September 2025, seven determined walkers set out to conquer the 50KM Thames Path from Staines to Putney, in aid of the 3 Pillars Project. The day began early, with participants instructed to meet at the Staines start line by 7AM. Alarms were set and train tickets booked. Volunteers came from far and wide: Cambridgeshire, Finsbury Park and Fulham, to name a few. Bleary eyed and half asleep, we stumbled off the train and paced our way through Staines in search of the river.

At approximately 10,000 steps in, we welcomed our first pit stop at Shepperton Lock. Caffeine and cookies (our chosen “health supplements”) gave us a much-needed boost. A man in a life jacket valiantly appeared to take us across the river to continue our journey. Some serious discussions were had over whether we pay said man a little extra to take us further and shave our meterage. Our morals superseded our temptations and the radical idea was swiftly vetoed.

Conversations meandered from architectural musings along the riverbanks to spirited rounds of get-to-know-you games. Our morale was boosted as we entered the regal realms of Hampton with Hampton Court Palace on our left and a flotilla of impeccably dressed yachtsmen in full regalia to our right. Clearly, we’d missed the dress code memo.

Six hours in we decided to call time for lunch in a leafy café in Richmond. After several toasties and an incredible carrot cake later, our walk continued. We were really beginning to feel the burn at this point and our group leads made the executive decision to have our first pub pit stop at the White Hart in Barnes. Several ciders later, the pain had eased and our resolve was restored.

As the sun began to set over Putney Bridge, our weary and blistered feet crossed the finish line. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way and helped raise vital funds for the 3 Pillars Project!

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