Thames Path, Part Four - Imperial Wharf to Hammersmith Bridge.
Thursday 27th February 2025
Thursday 27th February 2025, Temp: 8.9°C, Distance: 9.01 km.
Total covered Distance from Sea (Woolwich): 45.39 km (28.2 miles)
It’s been a while since my last newsletter, it’s been a busy spring/summer, but I’m trying to find some time to write the next few legs of the Thames Path, before I completely forget about them! I’ve almost reached Oxford by now, so I’ve passed through London on my way up the Thames, and I’m now trying to catch up on my newsletter entries. Too much walking and not enough writing.
Starting from my last finish point (Imperial Wharf, Chelsea Harbour) from the previous leg, I started on a cold, crisp, sunny, late February morning, but perfect for walking.
The first part of this walk takes me from Battersea Railway Bridge on the north side of the Thames to Wandsworth Bridge which will take me over to the south side, where I will do the majority of the path. Its very windy on this day, and this first stretch on the North side is quite dull, and has views of lots of very expensive river-fronted flats. There are many posh dogs being walked here! The path goes past Imperial Park, which is nice, but there is a cold wind blowing, its exposed and I don’t pause to look into the beautiful gardens.
My walk is interrupted by a very noisy helicopter flying low down the Thames, and landing at some swanky flats on the other side of the river, this is actually London Heliport (London’s only licensed heliport), owned by the extremely rich Reuben Brothers. I guess if you happen to live on this stretch of the river, you would need to get used to the roar of helicopter engines pretty quickly, or get some robust earplugs.
There is a detour away from the river here, that diverts around the streets, and I pass more posh dogs, a Sainso’s and rush to pass the lunchtime crowds to eventually cross the River at Wandsworth Bridge.
Wandsworth Bridge is exposed and cold, so crossing quickly puts me on the South side of the Thames for the remainder of this section until Hammersmith Bridge. There is a small section here that runs by the river, blocked again by private flats, cement works and refuse tip, and the Ship Inn. Dating from 1786 it used to refresh the many watermen that populated the river back then. I’ve no time or inclination to stop for a pint, so carry on.
The Path crosses the River Wandle shortly after and I am suddenly struck by a sense of nostalgia. I walked the River Wandle as a youth in the Army Cadets, and also got a medal for my efforts. Nowadays everyone gets medals for everything, but back then (1983-ish) it was an achievement to be proud of. The medal is now lost but my memory remains, and I must have stood near this spot some 42 years ago upon finishing the Wandle Walk with my old friends from Essex.
The next stretch keeps diverting from the riverside and through streets to keep dodging more private riverfront until I reach Putney Bridge.
The south side of the River here is known as Putney Embankment and is a nice walkway lined with trees and has decent views. Further on are many rowing clubs with direct access to the Thames and a nice atmosphere. Further on, after crossing Beverly Brook, the path expands into parkland and open spaces opposite Craven Cottage stadium (home of Fulham F.C.).
It’s here, in the wilds, that the Thames Path goes past the London Wetland Centre. This wetland area was formerly four disused victorian reservoirs that were converted 25 years ago into the beautifully rich wetland landscape today. The Thames Path does not get much of a view of the Wetlands but I saw loads of wildfowl and other interesting birdlife walking this stretch. Also present here, is the memorial and one mile marker post for the start of the university boat race, commemorating Steve Fairbairn - Famous Oarsman and Coach.
Passing this stretch of the river I am more than happy when I see Hammersmith Bridge appear in the distance (my favourite London Bridge), as I have decided to quit this part early as its cold, and I’ve run out of water and need a break. I head over Hammersmith Bridge and find the Blue Anchor pub for refreshments sitting by the river before heading for the tube station and back home.
Loved it, especially the wonderful photographs! I confess to feeling nostalgic when you mentioned your old friends from Essex.