LOVE the parks or simply want to spend more time in nature in 2022?

Why not try a self-guided or guided walk of Richmond Park - London's largest Royal Park and a great place to explore on the weekend.

A popular choice for walkers here is the Tamsin Trail which goes in a circle around the outskirts of the park.

You can join it at any gate you like and it takes around 2 and a half hours to complete, though it can easily be made shorter by cutting through the centre of the park instead.

A map of routes in Richmond Park can be found on the Royal Parks website at: www.royalparks.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/41642/Richmond-Park-Map.pdf.

If you're looking for a smaller walk taking in the best sights the park has to offer, you could try this Richmond Park viewpoints walk suggested by photographer Steve Morgan.

Or for a longer walking challenge that goes through Richmond Park check out the Beverley Brook route.

This starts at New Malden station and goes alongside several nature reserves where wildlife can be spotted, before entering Richmond Park at the Robin Hood Gate and leaving at Roehampton.

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Find the full Beverley Brook walk at www.merton.gov.uk/system/files?file=beverly-brook-walk.pdf.

The Friends of Richmond Park (FRP) have also put together self-guided walks with remarkable trees.

These are available to buy at the visitor centre - or you can download them on a smartphone. Click here for details.

If you want to join a group walk and learn more about the park, FRP run free two-hour guided walks every month.

Find the full list of guided walks in 2022 at www.frp.org.uk/walks/

Closer to home, the Friends of Bushy and Home parks are hosting a series of free talks at Normansfield Theatre over the next three months.

Birds, the Longford river, and pioneering archaeology are the topics covered by the knowledgeable speakers.

Numbers at talks are restricted and priority will be given to members.

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Guided walks in Bushy Park will be led by the group from March onwards but may require an additional donation.

Find the diary of 2022 events on the group's website here:fbhp.org.uk/walks-and-talks/

Want to stay at home but still interested in learning about the Royal Parks?

Check out their free 'Winter Warmer' online talks which run throughout January and February.

Go to www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/winter-warmer to see the programme and register for the event.

Have fun and happy exploring![.L]