.webp)
Riverside paths, quiet parks, and a slow journey through the capital
The Thames Path is a long-distance walking route following the River Thames through London, tracing the water’s edge from the Thames Barrier in the east to Hampton Court in the west. Designed for self-guided travel, it links urban and green landscapes and places through a continuous riverside walk. Despite passing through the centre of the capital, the path often feels quieter than the streets around it, shaped by the steady rhythm of the river rather than the pace of the city.
Walking here is defined by ease and continuity. The ground is largely flat and well surfaced, with long stretches of towpath, promenade, and parkland that allow steady progress without effort. The river acts as a constant guide, keeping navigation simple and creating a natural sense of direction.
The character of the route shifts gradually as the river bends westward. Industrial docks and maritime edges give way to bridges, embankments, and civic landmarks, before softening into leafy parks and residential reaches around Putney, Barnes, Richmond, and Kew. Further upstream, the city loosens its grip and the path passes meadows, woodland, and quieter riverbanks before reaching Hampton Court.
Unlike upland or remote trails, the appeal of the Thames Path lies in contrast. It is a route where history, everyday life, and green space sit side by side — a long walk that reveals London slowly, one bend of the river at a time.
Trail Overview
Distance
79 miles / 127 km
Typical time on foot
5–7 days (often walked in sections)
Start
Thames Barrier, Greenwich
Finish
Hampton Court, Richmond upon Thames
Terrain
Paved promenades, towpaths, riverside paths, and parkland
