Transport for LondonThames Path
Downstream of London Bridge you may spot seagoing ships carefully manoeuvring into or away from their mooring, and downstream from Greenwich the route angles around working wharves.
On no account should you attempt to swim in the river. The Thames is notoriously dangerous with strong currents and undertows.
You should also be aware that much of the route is included in National Cycle Routes 1 and 4 - walkers and cyclists should treat each other with respect and consideration.
On the north bank at Barnes Bridge, you will need to take care on a stretch of fairly busy road that has no pavement and blind bends.
Most of the bridges are only accessible from the riverside by long flights of steps, where long diversions may be necessary. The only bridges that are ramped both sides within Greater London are at Hampton Court, Teddington Lock and Lambeth, while Hungerford Bridge and the Millennium Bridge have lifts.
There are cobbled stretches around Southwark Cathedral, Wapping, Rotherhithe and Greenwich.
There are four sections, each including the North and South Bank, within the Greater London boundary:
Distance walking each Section
| Section | km | ml | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hampton Court to Albert Bridge | South Bank 21 km or North Bank 37.6 | South Bank 19.9 miles or North Bank 23.4 |
| 2 | Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge | North Bank 9.2 km or South Bank 9.7 | North Bank 5.7 miles or South Bank 6 |
| 3 | Tower Bridge to Greenwich and the Thames Barrier | North Bank 8.2 km or South Bank 16.4 | North Bank 5.1 miles or South Bank 10.2 |
| 4 | Thames Barrier to River Darent | 15.8 | 9.8 |
Points of Interest:
Canary Wharf
Chelsea
Chiswick Pier
Greenland Pier
Hammersmith Riverside
Hampton Court and Bushy Park
Kew Gardens
Lambeth Bridge
Richmond Park
Thames Barrier
Trinity Buoy Wharf and Lighthouse
Victoria Embankment
Walbrook Stair
Wapping and Shadwell
Signage:
The route is well marked by the National Trail symbol from west of London to the end of the National Trail at the Thames Barrier in the London Borough of Greenwich.
The path continues Eastward at this point through Charlton, Woolwich, Thamesmead and on past Erith and the GLA boundary. Beyond the Thames Barrier, however, the route no longer designated as a National Trail and is way marked with the Thames Barge symbol.
Further information:
