The Thames Path from Putney to Barnes

This linear London walk follows the River Thames upstream between Putney Bridge and Barnes Bridge.

Technical sheet

n°292970

A London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham walk posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 23/06/20

Activity: Walking
Distance: 6.24 km
Calculated time: 1h 50
Difficulty: Easy
Return to departure point: No
Vertical gain: + 4 m
Vertical drop: - 7 m
Highest point: 11 m
Lowest point: 2 m

District: London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Start: N 51.4686° / W 0.208482°
End: N 51.472682° / W 0.252527°
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Description

(S)The start is Putney Bridge Underground station (grid ref. TQ245759) which is served by frequent District line trains. Exit the station and follow the signs opposite directly you to the Thames Path. We are heading upstream towards Hammersmith Bridge. So reaching the path alongside the Thames you should have the river on your left as you walk. You pass under Putney Bridge and almost immediately enter Fulham Palace Gardens with pleasant areas of grass and fine mature trees. This soon becomes Bishops Park with some very busy sports grounds at weekends. On the river, certainly at weekends, you will be surprised by the amount of activity especially by rowing clubs with pair, fours and eights all practicing on the river. Also you see across the river rowing clubs with their concrete slipways.

(1)Reaching Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club, the path is forced away from the river bank as you follow the perimeter of the ground. You are soon back on the river though with the Wetlands Centre on the opposite bank. You will also see evidence of wharves on the riverside - evidence that this was a busy working river in times gone by. Across the river you will also see Harrod's Depository, a rather grand building for humble storage. Ahead lies Hammersmith Bridge. Work commenced on this elegant bridgein 1825 and it was the first suspension bridge across the Thames. Originally a toll bridge it was extensively refurbished in 1973.

(2)Reaching Hammersmith Bridge, go under the walkway and then climb the steps on your right to gain access to the bridge. Cross the bridge and once on the other side regain the riverside footpath and continue upstream. You soon pass the slipways for St Paul's School Rowing Club and then enter a stretch of riverbank that is quite rural. The amount of birdlife on this section was a surprise with many cormorants drying their outstretched wings. The next bridge soon comes into sight.

(E)This is Barnes Bridge which carries the railway across the Thames. Unlike the boat crews in the annual Boat Race, we terminate the walk here while they have another three-quarters of a mile to go as they head for Mortlake. There are many opportunities for refreshments here. Barnes has a pleasant High Street and green giving it a village feel. Trains from Barnes Bridge railway station are every 15 minutes to Waterloo.

Waypoints

S : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Putney Bridge Underground station
1 : km 1.34 - alt. 8 m - Fulham Stadium
2 : km 3.29 - alt. 8 m - Hammersmith Bridge
E : km 6.24 - alt. 6 m - Barnes Bridge railway station

Useful Information

The River Thames is a focal point for London offering residents and tourists a wonderful resource for leisure and sightseeing. This easy walk explores the section of the River Thames between Putney Bridge and Barnes Bridge. Our route covers the first four miles of the distance covered by the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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Other walks in the area

Barnes to Richmond along the Thames Path

Departure from London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (Greater London)

The Thames Path provides easy walking and interesting surroundings. The section from Barnes to Richmond covered by this walk also includes the option to Visit Kew Gardens and enjoy the riverside 'attractions' at Richmond.

Barnes Common, riverside and nature reserve

Departure from London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (Greater London)

This walk has as its focal point the Leg o’ Mutton Nature Reserve (Formally Leg o’ Mutton" reservoir). The walk uses some of the intriguing network of paved footpaths lined with small terraced houses and cottages, which is characteristic of this part of Barnes and Mortlake. Next the Flood Wall Walkway provides excellent river views and leads on to the towpath. The return via pond, green and Mill Hill gives a taste of the village aspect of Barnes, also of the rural scenery of the Common.

Richmond's Green Trail - Barnes to Hampton

Departure from London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (Greater London)

This last walk describes a route from one end of the Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames to the other. It traverses many of the borough's parks and commons and shows how they can be linked by footpaths to form an impressive 15-mile country-style walk we proudly present as "Richmond's Green Trail".

Richmond Park, Ladderstile and Wimbledon Common

Departure from London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (Greater London)

The walk connects Richmond Park with Wimbledon Common by two different routes, over varied terrain and with a wide range of views without any retracing of steps. It includes some of the best-loved features of the Park and Common, such as Isabella Plantation, the Windmill and Pen Ponds with, by way of contrast, a short section through the exclusive residential area of Coombe. Three alternative routes are given across Wimbledon Common.

Brentford to Hanwell Canal Walk

Departure from London Borough of Hounslow (Greater London)

The Brentford to Hanwell canal walk is a gentle stroll perfect for a quiet day out in London to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Accessible by train on the TFL network, this Oyster Card-friendly ramble takes you to the Grand Union Canal towpath, from a seventeenth-century manor house to a viaduct. There is so much to discover on our doorsteps!

Thames Path From Waterloo To Greenwich

Departure from London Borough of Lambeth (Greater London)

There is so much to discover when you walk along the Thames in London. From Waterloo to Greenwich, encounter London’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems, from ancient sites to modern developments. Take a walk down the history lane along the iconic River Thames to see London from a different perspective.

Kingston Loop Via Hampton Court and Bushy Park

Departure from Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (Greater London)

It’s sunny and you don’t want to stay home? Here is the perfect walk for you: a loop around Kingston-Upon-Thames passing by Bushy Park for deer sighting and Hampton Court Palace for a history class.