Route Section

Capital Ring

Section 7 (Richmond Bridge to Osterley Lock)

Description:

One of the 'bluest' and easiest sections of the Capital Ring, following the River Thames and the Grand Union Canal most of the way.

Together with the Thames Path National Trail the section sets off from Richmond Riverside along the south bank to cross the Thames at Richmond Lock, using the venerable old footbridge. At times of heavy rain or high tides there may be flooding in this area.

Now on the north bank, the route twists through the attractive village of Old Isleworth, sometimes away from the river, and passing the two eastern ends of the River Crane Walk. You walk through Syon Park, passing the great mansion of the Dukes of Northumberland, now a busy tourist attraction with a garden centre, miniature railway, butterfly house and children's playground.

At Brentford you leave the Thames to join the Grand Union Canal Walk and Brent River Park Walk along the canal towpath. This section finishes at Osterley Lock, with a signed link to Boston Manor station.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

Kew Gardens

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Hounslow
Richmond upon Thames

Distance:

4.8 miles ( 7.7 km)

Start:

Richmond Riverside (GR 177-746)

Finish:

Osterley Lock (GR 159-789)

Recommended direction:

Southeast to northwest

Terrain and surface:

Entirely level throughout except for steps at Richmond Lock footbridge (avoidable on an alternative route) and some short slopes. Mainly firm towpaths and tracks, sometimes on grass. No stiles. 1.3km (0.8ml) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways. The logo is 'Big Ben' and text 'Capital Ring' in blue and green on white background.

Temporary Diversions:

The footbridge at Richmond Lock is sometimes closed early morning or late evening. In this case you can cross at Twickenham Bridge, 250 metres to the south (upstream).

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Richmond, Old Isleworth, Brentford and Boston Manor. Cafes at Richmond, Old Isleworth, Syon Park and Brentford. Public toilets at Richmond and Syon Park

Public transport and breakpoints:

Tube: Richmond, Boston Manor
Rail: Richmond, Brentford
Buses: at stations above plus Old Isleworth

Links with other walks:

Thames Path National Trail, River Crane Walk, Grand Union Canal Walk, Brent River Park Walk

Map required:

Explorer 161

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Richmond, LB Hounslow, LB Ealing

Access information:

The route is fairly level, but there is uneven ground in some places beside the river and canal. Two long flights of steps on the footbridge at Richmond Lock can be avoided by using a signed alternative via Richmond Bridge and the north bank. In Syon Park the route crosses grass, but there is a parallel tarmac drive. At Brentford the towpath is reached across a small and rather wobbly swingbridge.

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