How to walk from Hampton Court to Putney: Thames Path Day 16

What a day. At 16 miles, Hampton Court to Putney is a good old long stretch of a walk.

I hadn’t planned to walk this far. I set out for the day with the idea I would stop 8 miles in at Richmond. Once I got there, I grabbed a coffee, then decided I would do 3 more miles to reach Kew Station whilst drinking my coffee. Once I got to Kew and had finished it, I was now buzzing. It only made sense to continue on a another couple of miles to Barnes Station, and use up my energy. Once I reached Barnes, I was only a few miles from Putney which is so close to home, so I might as well go all the way.

Looking along the river to a grey stone archway bridge along the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. There are a couple of boats in the water.

That’s how I ended up walking 16 miles. I wouldn’t recommend this though. It’s hard ground the whole way, and whilst I felt quite proud and accomplished, my feet and joints were not happy.

Looking aver the green bushes to the river and small red and white boat, on the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. There is a mass of green leafy bushes and trees lining the other side of the river.

A straight wide walking path lined with tall grass and bushes, and then trees ahead.

This post uses affiliate links. You can read the privacy policy or disclaimer for more info.

What to expect on the walk from Hampton Court to Putney

Hampton Court to Putney is a very lovely, pretty section of the Thames. I’m quite familiar with this stretch, and it’s my favourite section of river to walk in London. It’s very green, and for a lot of it you forget you are in the capital city.

If you would like to visit Hampton Court Palace whilst you are here, you can find out more here.

A big white tourist boat on the river, with trees on the other side in Hampton court, at the start of the walk towards Putney.

A long straight walking path lined with woodland trees and bushes along the route between Hampton Court and Putney.

A straight narrow dirt trail lined with bushes on the left and trees on the right. There are a couple of tall apartment buildings visible in the distance to the left.

Looking along the river to a couple of barge boats, and there are bushes coming into the frame to the right.

Another great thing about this stretch, is there are a lot of train stations (overground and underground), so you can shorten it a number of ways. And you don’t have to make your mind up now. Just go with the flow and see how you get on.

There is also the Uber river bus, which will take you from Putney, right into the heart of the city. The route you will want is either the RB2 (weekends) or RB6 (weekdays during morning and evening peak times).

A white signpost pointing in all directions, standing in front of the green leafy trees.

It is all hard ground, with a tiny bit of dirt and grass thrown in. So you need comfortable trainers. Definitely don’t wear hiking boots.

Logistics

Start: Hampton Court, London.
Finish: Putney, London.
Distance: 16.6 miles

Time: It took me 5h to complete
Difficulty: Easy trail, or moderate due to length.
Option to shorten the walk: Yes. There are 6 train stations before reaching Putney. Kingston, Richmond, Kew (and a second Kew off the trail), Mortlake, Barnes.

Terrain: Path, concrete, a bit of dirt.
Amenities: Lots. There will be shops, places to eat etc all along the way. Some on the path, some you venture to off the path.
Time of year: I walked from Hampton Court to Putney at the start of July.

Read the previous section: Shepperton to Hampton Court Day 15

Public Transport

Hampton Court station has direct trains from London Waterloo, journey time 36min. Putney is on the overground and District Line underground. Overground has direct trains from London Waterloo in 15min.

In between the two you have Kingston station, Richmond Station, Kew Bridge and Kew Gardens Station, Mortlake Station, and Barnes Station.

Accommodation

You are in London now, and with all the transport options you could stay anywhere. I recommend basing yourself in one place. As you would expect, London isn’t cheap. If you are on a strict budget, then you could stay in a hostel. I’ve had a look around, and in Putney there is the MK hotel which is not too expensive. Although Putney isn’t in the heart of London, it’s on the district underground line which runs to the stations along the river right through the city. So it does make a good base.

To see what else is about, you can see all London accommodation here.

Map for the walk from Hampton Court to Putney

Route Description: How to walk from Hampton Court to Putney

When I arrived in Hampton Court it was chaos. First we weren’t allowed off the train for about 5min whilst the platform cleared, then there was queues to get out. It wasn’t until I was out and heading to the river that I saw signs for the garden flower show at Hampton Court. Perfect timing.

A mass of people walking along the pavement in Hampton Court with the road on the left.

Looking across the river to Hampton Court on the other side, at the start of the walk towards Putney.

The start of the route from Hampton Court to Putney is on the other side of the river. When you get there, turn right.

I was not too pleased being restricted to waddling along with the crowds, who thankfully did die down once I past the entrance to the Palace.

Masses of people walking along the wide path.

Looking across the tall grass with red poppies to Hampton Court, at the start of the walk towards Putney.

A long straight and wide dirt path, lined with tall grass and bushes on the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. There are trees ahead.

Walk to Kingston

Once people were out of the way, it was all very pretty. A lovely path lined with bush, and views across the river.

A ling straight narrow dirt path lined with bushes on the right and grass and a tree on the left.

Looking across the river to houses lining the other side, on the walk between Hampton Court and Putney.

A dirt walking path on the left with strip of grass then rip er to the right. There is a blue barge moored to the side, and a bridge ahead.

It’s about 3 miles to reach Kingston, and once you are there, cross over the bridge.

Looking along the wide blue river, to a bridge ahead, and buildings and apartments on the right side of the river.

Once over, go left and down the metal stairwell, which may or may not smell of urine.

A blue sign on a brick pillar, saying Beavers were hunted to extinction here.

A white timber building jutting out over the river, with a sign saying 'boat trips'.

Walk to Teddington Lock and Ham Lands

Continue along the river, which takes you along the road briefly, before reaching Canbury Gardens.

A black trail sign pointing left and right for the Thames Path.

A wide walking path through the grass, with big trees lining the left side.

Out the other end of the gardens, you will be on path and then road. At the road you have the option to go up the bank on the right onto a path.

Looking over an upturned small boat next to the river, when walking between Hampton Court and Putney. There are some boats and trees on the other side.

A narrow walking path with a brick wall to the right and bushes to the left. The river is just visible to the left of the bushes.

When you reach the road and path junction, stick to the path on the left, then at the next junction, stay left again.

A road leading ahead to the right and a walking path coming off it to the left. There are people walking along the path. — Take the left

A split in the walking path, with grass between the split. There are bushes and trees lining the left path, and two people walking along the right path. — Take the left again here

It’s quite lovely along here, with bushes and trees.

A long straight walking path lined with light beige tall grass, then some green leafy trees ahead.

A long straight path lined with masses of bushes and trees, on the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. There is a bench next to the path ahead, with the light shining down on it.

Looking over the green leafy bushes to the river and a grand house on the other side. There is a tree branch hanging into the frame on the right.

A gravel trail leading ahead on the right, and river to the left. There trail is lined with orange grass, and some green leafy trees ahead on the right.

Under the bridge, stay straight to pass by Teddington Lock.

A red brick lock building saying 'Teddington'. — Teddington Lock

This is significant as it’s the last lock on the Thames, and the river now becomes tidal.

Keep going and you will reach Ham Lands nature reserve. When you reach the fork, keep left. It’s nice and green through here.

A wide path leading ahead then right, and lined with masses of green leafy bushes and trees.

Looking down and across the river to small houses with green front lawns and trees on the other side.

A split in the gravel dirt trail, lined with green leafy trees on both sides and in the split. — Take the left here

Walk to Richmond – 8 mile mark

The path stays quite nice and green for the rest of the way to Richmond. If you fancy going to the other side of the river, there is a little ferry you can catch.

A wide walking path leading ahead, lined with tall green leafy bushes and trees.

Looking over the green bushes to the river and masses of green leafy bushes and trees on the other side, pathway through the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. There is a large white building poking out from the trees on the right, and a small houses poking out on the right. The river has ripples.

A small boat towing a bigger boat along the river, on the walk between Hampton Court and Putney. There other side of the river is lined with trees.

A black sign saying 'Ferry open', with a backdrop of the river, then white boats and trees lining the other side.

Looking across the river to a green lawn and large box style grand Manor House, partway through the walk between Hampton Court to Putney. There are white boats lining the other side of the river. The house is surrounded by large green leafy trees.

A colourful barge in the middle of the river, on the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. The river is lined with very large green leafy trees on the other side.

You will know Richmond is near, because you will see it ahead…plus there will probably be more people on the path.

When you reach a gardens and gate on the left, go through it.

A metal gate leading to a walking oath through the green. There are two people walking along the path ahead.

For a little extra surprise, near the end of the green, to the right is a stone subway to take you to the terrace gardens.

A stone archway leading to a tunnel, with a path running through it.

Past the gardens it’s wide immaculate path to reach Richmond. There are plenty of places to stop to eat here, or grab a coffee.

A grey stone archway bridge ahead over the river, with small row boats below it. There is a sign saying 'boat hire'.

A black signpost pointing left and right for the Thames Path.

A restaurant boat with sun umbrellas. There is an upside down row boat in front of it on the path, and a railing with a bicycle chained to it.

You can stop here if you like as there is a train station. After I got my coffee, I decided to keep going. A bit more river walking whilst enjoying my coffee.

Walk to Kew – 10.8 mile mark

Past Richmond, and under two bridges, the path and surroundings become very lovely and green.

A wide walking path leading to a bridge ahead. The right side of the path is lined with a strip of grass and bushes. There are lots of people walking on the path ahead.

A gravel path surrounded by green leafy bushes and trees.

Someway through this bit is one of my favourite views in the area. There is a bench looking through a gap in the bushes to a cluster of quaint houses on the other side. To your right is the old deer park. There will be an entrance along here if you want to wander in.

Looking across the rippled with to colourful houses on the other side, halfway through the walk from Hampton Court to Putney.

Looking across the rippled river to a pale pink buildings with light green sphere roof. There are green leaves coming into the Fram on the right.

A narrow dirt trail leading ahead on the walk from Hampton Court to Putney. The trail is enclosed with masses of green leafy bushes and trees.

A dirt path on the right, with strip of grass and river to the left on the walk between Hampton Court and Putney. There are tall buildings in the distance to the left. There are trees enclosing the trail ahead.

At some point you will see a big castle looking manor house on the other side. This is Syon house. The home of the Duke of Northumberland. It’s also open to visitors.

Looking across the river to a grand palace on the other side.

The green to your right is now Kew Gardens.

A wide path leading ahead, lined with tall grass.

Once I reached Kew Bridge, I had finished my coffee, but I was now buzzing from it. It only made sense to keep going to the next stop. Barnes.

A wide dirt path leading ahead liner with bushes to the right, and trees on both side. The river is just visible to the left.

Looking over the river to the stone archway kew bridge. There is the front of a boat poking into the frame on the left.

If you want to stop here, the train station (Kew Bridge) is over the bridge. Or you can turn right to go and see Kew Gardens.

Walk to Barnes – 13 mile mark

Past Kew, the vibe changes a little. Still nice, but a bit less green. The path is a mix of gravelly and dirt, then some concrete and a bit of grass by the road.

A gravel path leading straight ahead with the river to the left, and bushes to the right with tree branches overhanging the path.

A wide walking path on the right leading towards some trees, with the river to the left and an archway bridge in the distance ahead.

A wide strip of grass leading ahead with the river to the left and road to the right. There is a metal railing between the grass and river. There are two people walking on the grass ahead.

A stone paved path leaden g ahead, with a derelict brick building to the right and river to the left.

Around the Mortlake area, it apparently floods sometimes, so the signs point you along an alternate route if needed.

A black direction sign pointing ahead and back for the Thames Path, and right for the dry route during flooding.

The big derelict building you pass is the Stag Brewery. It’s not in use now, but Budweiser used to be brewed here.

Then after a littler bit more path and past a riverside pub, you will reach Barnes.

A path leading ahead, with buildings to the right and a strip of tall grass then river to the left. There is a bridge over the river ahead. There are people sitting on picnic benches next to the path ahead.

You can end the walk here if you like, at Barnes station.

Once I got here, I thought, what the hell I might as well go all the way to Putney.

Walk to Putney – 16.5 mile mark

Under Barnes Bridge it’s a bit of a stretch along a pavement road and riverside to reach the next green bit.

A long straight path with metal railings and road to the right and a stone wall and river to the left. On the other side of the road are houses with cars parked outside.

A wodę grave path leading ahead, lined with bushes and trees.

For the rest of the way to Putney, it’s pretty much like the photo above. A wide gravelly type path surrounded by trees.

The first bridge you reach is Hammersmith Bridge. It was closed for some years recently for repairs. I don’t think I’ve seen it since it’s been opened actually. So that was nice. Reading up on it, it’s open for people only. Still some years before it’s open to cars. That’s nice.

Looming over the tall strip of grass to Hammersmith bridge, near the end of the walk from Hampton Court to Putney.

A gravel path leading ahead, lined with bushes and overhanging trees on the right and a strip of grass then river to the left.

A bit further along you will pass by a big apartment building which used to be Harrods.

Looking up to a big red and orange and beige buildings with says 'Harrods'.

A gravel path winding ahead, lined with bushes and trees, near the end of the walk from Hampton Court to Putney.

When you reach the end of the path, it’s a short bit of pavement and road to reach Putney Bridge.

A black circular Thames Path sign on a blue lamppost pointing ahead. There is a metal raining to the left with the river on the other side. There are a few boats on the river, and masses of green leafy trees on the other side.

Looking along the river to Putney Bridge and the end of the walk from Hampton Court. There are a few boats in the middle of the river, and tall apartments buildings visible in the distance past the bridge.

I was relieved when I got here…until I remembered that Putney Station isn’t next to the river.

Once you reach the bridge, its about 5min walk up the high street. 5 min doesn’t sound like much, but it’s enough to be painful after over 16miles of walking.

Read next: Putney to Battersea Day 17 (Note: I have walked this stretch a lot and already have a guide up for it, so wont be writing it again. The writing of it reflects when I did it back then so might sound out of place for my Thames Path journey series).