City:
If access to the towpath is not prohibited at (7), turn left to walk alongside the Thames rather than going via (8).
This will make the walk much more pleasant and peaceful along this stretch between Richmond Lock (7) and Kew Bridge (9).
The Thames between Richmond Lock and Hammersmith Bridge
This walk tells the story of bridges and footbridges crossing the Thames and the Grand Union Canal. It also tells the story of two locks: Richmond Lock on the Thames and Brentford Lock, at the junction of the Thames and the Grand Union Canal.
The original plan was for the route to follow the Thames between Richmond Lock and Kew Bridge, but as part of the towpath has collapsed, the route has been diverted to the other side of Old Deer Park and Kew Gardens… making the walk a little noisier! Whilst the stretch around the 4.5 km mark is rather gloomy, the start of the Grand Union Canal offers a glimpse into life on the houseboats.
Syon Park and its castle, as well as Isleworth Church, are two unexpected gems on this route.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 14.53 mi -
Average duration: 6h 40 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 23 ft -
Descent: - 23 ft -
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Highest point: 46 ft -
Lowest point: 3 ft
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Country:
United Kingdom
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Start/End: N 51.472287° / W 0.256384° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 26 ft - Barnes Bridge
- 1 : mi 1.66 - alt. 23 ft - Kew Railway Bridge
- 2 : mi 2.2 - alt. 16 ft - Kew Bridge (north)
- 3 : mi 3.1 - alt. 23 ft - Grand Union Canal
- 4 : mi 4.43 - alt. 23 ft - Syon House
- 5 : mi 4.95 - alt. 33 ft - Isleworth
- 6 : mi 5.84 - alt. 16 ft - Richmond Lock (south-west)
- 7 : mi 5.93 - alt. 20 ft - Richmond Lock (north-east)
- 8 : mi 7.7 - alt. 33 ft - Entrance to Kew Gardens
- 9 : mi 8.34 - alt. 20 ft - Kew Bridge (south)
- 10 : mi 9.5 - alt. 36 ft - Chiswick Bridge
- 11 : mi 12.12 - alt. 26 ft - Hammersmith Bridge
- S/E : mi 14.52 - alt. 26 ft - Barnes Bridge
Other walks in the area
Barnes Common, riverside and nature reserve
Association / Club / Walk leader4.13 mi
+33 ft
-30 ft
1h 55
Easy
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.
Barnes to Richmond along the Thames Path
Visorando Member6.18 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 50
Easy
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.
From Stamford Brook to Embankment via the Thames
10.26 mi
+174 ft
-151 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from London Borough of Hounslow (Greater London)
These two London Underground stations are less than a few kilometres apart, which is shorter than the open-air route that follows the course of the Thames, first on the north side on the left bank and then on the south side on the right bank between Hammersmith Bridge, Battersea Power Station, the London Eye and Jubilee Bridge.Although mainly urban, the route does offer a few tree-lined sections, particularly in the two parks it passes through.
Richmond's Green Trail - Barnes to Hampton
16.15 mi
+223 ft
-207 ft
7h 35
Moderate
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".
The Thames Path from Putney to Barnes
4.24 mi
+33 ft
-36 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (Greater London)
This linear London walk follows the River Thames upstream between Putney Bridge and Barnes Bridge.
Brentford to Hanwell Canal
5.19 mi
+72 ft
-33 ft
2h 25
Easy
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!
Richmond Park, Ladderstile and Wimbledon Common
6.83 mi
+226 ft
-256 ft
3h 20
Easy
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.
Kingston Loop Via Hampton Court and Bushy Park
9.05 mi
+102 ft
-102 ft
4h 15
Moderate
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.
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