Route Section

Thames Path National Trail

Section 1 (Hampton Court to Albert Bridge)

Description:

London's Rural Thames stretches from Hampton Court Palace - one of the great icons of Tudor England - to fashionable Chelsea Harbour. Within this span the river rolls out a dazzling string of world-famous attractions in a rural setting of vast parklands, sumptuous gardens and secluded green spaces which delights visitors and takes most Londoners by surprise. Pick the sections that show off the Royal Palaces of Hampton Court or Kew, Henrietta Howard's love-nest at Marble Hill House or the Duke of Northumberland's Syon Park.

Explore affluent Chelsea Harbour or elegant Chiswick Mall, picturesque Old Isleworth and Strand-on-the-Green or head for pastoral Petersham Meadow to admire the classic, Arcadian view uniquely protected by Act of Parliament in 1902. Enjoy the changing scene of sailing clubs and marinas, locks and weirs, bijoux cottages and mansion blocks, playing fields, parks and paved promenades. Swap the social buzz of Richmond, Putney, Kingston or Hammersmith for the peaceful seclusion of willowy paths with nothing for company but wildflowers, birdsong and sky.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

Chiswick Pier
Hammersmith Riverside
Hampton Court and Bushy Park
Kew Gardens
Richmond Park

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Hammersmith & Fulham
Hounslow
Kensington & Chelsea
Kingston upon Thames
Richmond upon Thames
Wandsworth

Distance:

South Bank 19.9 miles or North Bank 23.4 miles ( South Bank 21 km or North Bank 37.6 km)

Start:

Hampton Court (North Bank)

Finish:

Battersea Bridge (North Bank or South Bank)

Recommended direction:

Terrain and surface:

Easy and level walking surface.

Signage:

The Thames Path is clearly signed and waymarked along its length using the distinctive National Trail acorn symbol alongside its name. There are lots of extra information boards to interpret the things you meet along the way.

Temporary Diversions:

Barnes Bridge, the pedestrian link attached to the railway bridge between the two banks of the Thames Path between Barnes Bridge station and Duke’s Meadows on the north bank will be closed for repairs between 0900 and 1530 on:
Monday 18th May – Sunday 5th July 2009
Monday 24th August – Friday 4th September 2009
Monday 28th September – Friday 9th October 2009
Monday 9th November – Sunday 13th December 2009
Sunday 14th February – Friday 5th March 2010
On 21st-22nd November, 13th December and 14th February, the footbridge will be closed all day.

The alternative to crossing at Barnes Bridge would be Chiswick Bridge to the west; nearest stations are Chiswick or Mortlake.

Please note that the Environment Agency will be carrying out essential flood defence repair work to the Thames and Palace Wharves in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham from 4 January 2010 until September. There will be no access to the riverside path behind the Crabtree pub during this period. Please download pdf from route downloads on right of page for further details and map.

Refreshments and toilets:

The Thames Path in London leaflet, London's Rural Thames provides information on refreshments and toilets along the route.

Public transport and breakpoints:

The route can be easily reached by public transport. There are regular trains from London Waterloo and Clapham Junction and from the West via the Reading to Richmond service. There are many rail, underground and bus stations and stops just a short walking distance from the river. Call London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234 (24 hours), Textphone 020 7918 3015 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more information.

Links with other walks:

LOOP, Hogsmill Walk, River Crane Walk, Capital Ring, Grand Union Canal Walk, Brent River Park Walk, Beverley Brook Walk, Wandle Trail.

Map required:

Explorer 161 London South

Completed a route ? Why not celebrate your achievement by ordering a completion certificate from info@walklondon.org.uk