The Thames Path by Leigh Hatts

This section takes the Path out of urban London and past several fine riverside mansions and gardens including Kew Gardens. Putney is the start of the towpath which runs as far as Inglesham in Wiltshire and is also the Thames Path for most of the way. Beyond Putney’s boundary, marked by Beverley Brook, the environment is rural. Birds seen here include grey herons, coots and plenty of Canada Geese. Cormorants are common around Chiswick. At Teddington the river ceases to be tidal.

Refreshments

Putney: Sally@St Mary’s, Putney Church. 8.30am-6.30pm; Sat 9.30am-6pm; Sun 10.30am-6pm.
Putney towpath:

Looloo’s, Leaders Gardens. 11am-6pm in summer and winter weekends.

Kew: Maids of Honour teashop, Kew Road. Until 5.30pm but closed all day Sun and Mon afternoon.

Kew: St Anne’s Church, Kew Green. Teas on summer Sun afternoons.

Canbury Gardens, Kingston: Boaters Inn on the riverside. 11am-11pm; Sun 12-10.30pm.

Accommodation

Ham: Ivy Cottage, Upper Ham Road, Ham Common TW10 5LA (020 8940 8601).

Transport

Putney: Underground to Putney Bridge (on left bank) or National Rail to Putney.Kew Bridge: Underground and National Rail from Kew Gardens or National Rail from Kew Bridge (left bank).Richmond: Underground and National Rail.Kingston: National Rail.

Tourist Information

Richmond: Old Town Hall, TW9 1TP (020 8940 9125).

Map

OS Explorer 161 (London South).