THE BARNABY BLOG - Winter Walks Near New Malden: A Dog's Guide to the Best RoutesFollow my nose to cozy strolls, excellent sniffs, and coffee rewards - Friday 9 January 2025

rob72401
7 days ago
6 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Richmond Park w/ Boo. She made me wear the tight coat. Not impressed.

By Barnaby (Miniature Schnauzer, Coffee Shop Mascot, Professional Walker)

Right then, listen up. I've been exploring every path, park, and pavement around New Malden for years now, and I know a thing or two about a good winter walk. Sure, the humans think they're in charge with their maps and their "let's head back now, Barnaby" – but between you and me, I've been leading the way all along.

Winter is absolutely prime walking season. The smells are sharper, the squirrels are bolder (the fools), and best of all, there's usually a warm café waiting at the end with my name above the door. Let me show you my favourite routes.

Beverley Brook Walk

Distance: 2 miles (though I'd happily do double)Time: 40 minutes to an hour (depending on sniff quality)Terrain: Mainly flat, some excellent muddy bitsPaw-friendly: Absolutely. Four paws approved.

Now this is proper walking territory. The Beverley Brook has EVERYTHING – water (for drinking and occasionally falling into, though I maintain that was only twice), excellent undergrowth for investigating, and a near-constant parade of other dogs to say hello to.

Pick up the path near Richmond Park and follow it in either direction. I prefer going north because there's a particularly good patch of long grass about ten minutes in, but honestly, you can't go wrong. The humans love it because it's "peaceful" and "scenic," but let's be real – it's the smells that make it special.

In winter, you often get the path to yourselves, which means I can do my important scent-marking work without interruption. Children are usually good for a pat and sometimes drop snacks, which is always appreciated. Wildlife spotting is excellent if you keep your nose to the ground – I've tracked rabbits, foxes, and once, memorably, someone's abandoned cheese sandwich.

The Coffee Stop: Obviously we start or finish at Barnaby & Boo's. It's literally named after me. I have a bed upstairs and everything. The humans can get their fancy coffees while I receive the admiration I deserve from customers. Sometimes there are dropped pastry crumbs. It's a good system.

Motspur Park to New Malden Loop

Distance: 1.5 milesTime: 30-40 minutes (unless there's a really good lamppost)Terrain: Pavements and park pathsLead-optional: Well, the humans insist on it, but theoretically...

This is your "quick but proper" walk. Not quite as exciting as the brook, but solid. Lots of front gardens to inspect (you'd be amazed what goes on in front gardens), mature trees for important business, and the playground at Motspur Park where children sometimes share their snacks.

The route has what I call "excellent pavement variety" – different textures underfoot, interesting corners, and a good mix of other dogs passing by. I've made several friends on this loop. There's a Labrador called Mabel who lives on one of the side streets, and we have an understanding.

The Coffee Stop: Back to base at Barnaby & Boo's, obviously. The perfect distance for the humans to feel they've "earned" a sit-down, and for me to curl up in my bed and be told I'm a very good boy. Which I am.

Richmond Park (via Robin Hood Gate)

Distance: Endless possibilitiesTime: As long as my legs will carry me (which is longer than you'd think)Terrain: Everything from paths to proper wildernessExcitement level: MAXIMUM

Right. Richmond Park. This is the big one. This is where a small but mighty schnauzer can really stretch his legs and pretend he's a wolf (I am basically a wolf). The deer are here, which is thrilling and also slightly terrifying if I'm honest, but I put on a brave face.

Winter is perfect for Richmond Park because the mist makes everything mysterious, the deer are more visible (excellent for barking at from a safe distance), and there's so much space you can run properly flat-out until your ears fly back. The humans always seem very pleased about this, probably because I sleep for hours afterwards.

From New Malden, Robin Hood Gate is your nearest way in. Even a short visit feels like a proper adventure. For longer expeditions, head to Pen Ponds – water! Ducks! Other dogs having swimming races! – or towards Pembroke Lodge, though I should mention they have their own café there which seems a bit disloyal to be honest.

The Coffee Stop: Barnaby & Boo's is your base camp for Richmond Park missions. Load up on energy (the humans get coffee, I get water and possibly a small treat if I look pathetic enough), then return exhausted and triumphant. I usually sleep under the table while everyone talks about how far we walked. Heroes, all of us.

Old Malden & Worcester Park Meander

Distance: 2 miles (circular)Time: 45 minutesTerrain: Pavements, park edges, front gardens to investigateSchnauzer rating: Highly satisfactory

This is my "rounds" walk – checking everything is in order, making sure the neighborhood hasn't changed too dramatically since yesterday, that sort of thing. The Victorian and Edwardian houses have excellent front walls at just the right height, and the gardens often contain cats who need reminding that this is MY patch.

It's not dramatic, but it's proper walking. The humans notice architecture and "character," I notice that Mrs. Henderson at number 47 has definitely got a new cat, and that someone on the corner has been cooking sausages. We all have our priorities.

Perfect for when the tiny humans need distracting – they can point at me and I can do my "yes, I am indeed very handsome" walk. Everyone wins.

The Coffee Stop: Home to Barnaby & Boo's, where I live in considerable comfort behind the counter. The humans get their coffee, I get told I'm excellent (correct), and sometimes there's a strategic piece of ham from someone's sandwich. This is why we do the walks, really.

Barnaby's Winter Walking Wisdom

A few things I've learned from extensive fieldwork:

Mornings are for serious walkers: Fewer distractions, excellent smells from overnight, and the squirrels are still sleepy. Prime hunting time (theoretically – I've never actually caught one but it's the principle).
Puddles are mandatory: The humans try to walk around them. This is foolish. Walk through the puddle. Assert dominance over the puddle.
The right gear matters: I have a very dashing winter coat for particularly cold days. The humans have similar arrangements. We all look excellent.
Make friends: Every walk is a networking opportunity. You never know when you'll need a favor from the terrier three streets over.
Coffee shops with your name on them are ideal: I cannot stress this enough. Aim high.

Your Winter Tradition (According to a Dog)

The humans are building winter walks into their routines, which I fully support. Saturday morning strolls followed by pastries at Barnaby & Boo's, or Sunday afternoon adventures with hot chocolates (they have these, I have water, though I maintain this is unfair).

There's something about combining fresh air, exercise, and then returning to warmth and community. The humans feel accomplished, I feel tired in the best possible way, and everyone agrees I've been exceptionally good. It's a perfect system.

So this January, while the parks are quiet and the air is fresh, get out there. New Malden has brilliant walking territory if you know where to look. And when you return, windswept and happy, we'll be here at Barnaby & Boo's – coffee ready, pastries warm, and me available for petting and admiration.

After all, it's what I'm here for.

Find us at Barnaby & Boo's in New Malden. I'm usually behind the counter in my bed, recovering from my latest expedition. Yes, you can say hello. I am very approachable.

P.S. from Barnaby: The humans wanted me to mention something about "family-friendly routes" and "pushchair access," but honestly, if it's good enough for my four paws, it's good enough for your two legs and a buggy. Trust me, I'm an expert.

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