Route Section Thames Path Walk

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.

Distance:

North Bank 23 miles / South Bank 15 miles ( North Bank 37 km / South Bank 24 km)

Start:

Hampton Court (North Bank)

Finish:

Albert Bridge (North Bank or South Bank)

Recommended direction:

Down river

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.

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

For more information on public transport please see
Transport for London's Journey Planner.

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.

If you would like some short, easy walks in this area, download this map with 5 fun circular walks on it!

Map required:

Explorer 161 London South
Or see the route on Google Maps (you may have to scroll to page 2 or 3 for the London sections)

Principal promoters:

The National Trail website