Twigmas at Richmond Park

London is blessed with many open spaces but the largest of them all has earned the nickname The Lungs of London. Home to a royal, Princess Alexandra, the only surviving granddaughter of King George V and first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the serenity of post-Christmas was about to be shattered by the aroos of Scottish Terriers, the favoured breed of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

And so with that authority, the Scottie clan gathered for a post Christmas festive frolic around a chilly Richmond Park this Sunday afternoon. With it being “Twixmas”-cum-Twigmas they arrived in good spirits – as did their owners who relished the opportunity to blow away some seasonal cobwebs.

Meeting at the Richmond Gate, their barking cry was loud and persistent (get a sample in the video below) as more numbers arrived, the Scotties seemingly greeting each other and anticipating much fun on the Walkabout. This was to be a circular route around the Park taking in the open spaces with some woodland to trail through, in all taking around an hour with a bitter wind blowing throughout. That only seemed to give more pep to the Scotties and their delight was obvious, charging around in proper pack mode.

It was intriguing note the general public’s reaction when we were en route – initial bemusement as two or three of the advance party were spotted together to then being downright startled when more and more of this noble breed came in to view.

We encountered a pond on the way which was a honeypot to the Scotties. Many waded in and then played tag around the bushes and long grass. The pond “beach” was a point for a group photograph, we counted 17 Scotties with a Westie cousin alongside. Walking further on, we arrived at a fenced enclosure where there were some impressive antlered deer. The Scotties paid no heed, this time being set in line for further photographs. Amazingly they remained on best behaviour, or were they starting to tire…?

We were also joined by some latecomers who managed to track us down, saying they followed ther pack barking! Everyone was accounted for on the Club Member Zapper and in fact if we were to include three Scotties who failed to join us but sorely intended, it would be an outcome of 21 Scotties, one of the best turnouts and matching the post-Lockdown Walkabout in Hyde Park, central London, in Spring 2021.

The Walk continued on, crossing a road through the Park with leads secured for the final path back to the carpark at Pembroke Lodge. An opportunity for the Scottie owners to recharge with hot coffee and snacks. Everyone agreed that it was a most enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to the next Walkabout gathering in March next year. Bring it on!

(Although not exhaustive and more media to follow, we are pleased to share photos and flix from the event below):

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  It's Twigmas!

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  Come into the pool, the water's lovely

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  The view of Thames made famour by JRW Turner

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  Marching from Richmond's Star & Garter Home

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  Some had to settle for a train set