Walk 1326 - printer friendly version

The Thames Path Putney to Barnes Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.0 miles / 6.5 km

Ascent - 20 feet / 6 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TQ245759
Lat 51.468381 + Long -0.20899966
Postcode SW6 3PB (approx. location only)

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.

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. 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 bridge in 1825 and it was the first suspension bridge across the Thames. Originally a toll bridge it was extensively refurbished in 1973.

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. 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.

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