The walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court was so much better than the previous section. My faith in the trail was restored.
What to expect on the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court
Out of Shepperton, it’s a bit of a walk along roads to get to the start of the trail towards Hampton Court, but once you are there, it’s a very pleasant riverside walk along an easy path the whole way. There is a lot of tree cover which was very welcome, as we are still in that heatwave, but also some more open sections for variety.
It was a very busy section. The terrain makes it perfect for families and Sunday afternoon strolls. I didn’t mind though. I was just so glad we didn’t have a repeat of the previous walk. I’m also now accepting that the countryside is over. It is gonna get busier. We are now entering the next phase. London.
Logistics
- Start: Shepperton. Surrey.
- Finish: Hampton Court. Greater London.
- Distance: 6.4 miles
- Time: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Path.
- Amenities: In Shepperton, on the way to the river from the station, you will pass a Sainsbury’s and a few other places for food/drink. Early on in the walk along the river is the boat house coffee shop, then a pub a bit further past there. In Hampton Court, there are public toilets in Hurst Park, then lots of options for pubs/cafes in town.
- Time of year: I walked from Shepperton to Hampton Court at the end of June.
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Public transport
Shepperton and Hampton Court both have train stations with direct trains to London Waterloo. They are on different train routes though, so you would need to buy two single tickets. Or you could walk another couple of miles to reach Hampton Station further along the river which is on the same train line as Shepperton, so you can buy a return ticket.
Accommodation
The only thing I could find in Shepperton is the Warren Lodge. Hampton court isn’t cheap, but if you continue further along the same side of the river, there is a good value pub called the Fox and Hound. It’s on the wrong side of the river path you want to be walking the next day though.
You are however close enough into central London that you could head in there to find somewhere to base yourself for the next few days. There are a number of hostels for your cheapest option. You will have to share a dorm room though. You can explore more of London accommodation here.
Map for the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court
Read yesterdays walk: Staines to Shepperton Day 14
Route description: How to walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court
Out of the station (it’s the same side exit if you have arrived from the direction of London), turn right, then at the next road go right, then take the left onto the main road and walk to the other end to the roundabout.
You now have three options. The quickest is to turn left and follow the road. I would do this if I did it again.
Or go straight across the roundabout and walk with the green to your left. When you reach the end of the green you have your next two options.
To follow the official Thames Path route, continue along the road to reach the river, then you can catch a ferry to the other side. The timings are seasonal, so check here to make sure it’s running.
To follow the alternate Thames Path route, turn left at the end of the green. This is what I did.
The random detour
I’m calling this a random detour because it felt like it, and why I would have taken that left road at the roundabout if I did it again.
Continue along the edge of the field, into the woods, then turn right where the wall curves and you will reach the river.
I have to say though, this was quite lovely. A stark difference to yesterday. I felt very positive about today, if this is what the walk to Hampton Court would be like.
However, partway along (walking with the river to your right), you need to turn left into the woods, and then walk along a trail that seems to take you in the wrong direction. Taking a look at my map I realised I was indeed circling back to eventually end up on that road I wish I had taken.
Following the trail you will be led to a car park. Take the right once in it, and then a little trail next to the big gate. Follow the signs and you will reach the road.
Road walk to the river
Turn right onto the road and follow it for a bit.
When you reach the green, turn right following the footpath sign. At the end of the green there are two options. One option follows the green some more. It’s the longer route. The other follows the road. I was done with detours and decided to take the quick route along the road.
If you follow this (boring) road, you will eventually reach the river and Walton bridge. Notice the plaque marking the completion of the bridge and time capsule buried in on 11th July 2013. I wonder if there are plans to dig it up down the line. You know, 100 years later. It doesn’t say.
Anyway, cross the bridge and walk down to the river, and walk now with the river to your left.
Follow the river
I was starting to loose faith again. Until I got here. Yes it was busy with people, but it felt like a proper nice path. Away from the road. Surrounded by trees and just general greenery.
Although some parts were congested, others were more quiet.
Sometimes fully under tree cover, sometimes out in the open. Sometimes with a nice view to the houses on the other side. And a lock thrown in for good measure.
No section was for too long, keeping a nice variety. It’s like this all the way.
The final stretch of the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court
When you reach the big green which is Hurst Park, you are nearly there. Although, it’s a long green, so there is still a bit more walking to go.
There is an interesting arty type seating area. I had a look and there were plaques with what I assume are important peoples names, alongside moments in history. Then I saw Tesco sign.
After the green and a bit of path under trees, the path will run alongside some houses and one more lock to reach the bridge.
If you turn right at the bridge, Hampton Court station will be ahead on the left. It’s a tricky road to cross though. You probably wont be able to cross at the bridge. Too many cars. So turn right on this side of the bridge to cross the side road, and a pedestrian light crossing will be just ahead.
Read next: Hampton Court to Putney Day 16