How to walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court: Thames Path Day 15

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.

Two groups of roars in the river on the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court. There are ripples in the water, and houses and trees lining the other side.

A wide straight path lined with masses of green leafy bushes and trees.

Looking across the river to a variety of houses and trees partway through the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court.

A path leading straight ahead on the right and river just visible to the left. The path is lined with bushes and trees.

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.

Looking over a wooden fence to a pop up black coffee hut in Hampton court. There are a few people standing outside the coffee hut and tables and chairs. — Cafe by the river in Hampton Court

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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.

A big roundabout with grass and monument in the middle.

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.

A trail signpost pointing left, in front of a tree and brick wall.

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.

A neatly cut wide area of grass, with the river to the left and barge moored to the side at the start of the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court. There is a large white walled house visible in the distance.

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.

Looking over the green under tree shade, to the river. There is a red flotation ring on a stand by the river. There other side of the river is lined with trees. — This is where you turn into the woods (looking back)

A narrow dirt trial leading through a mass of woodland trees and bushes.

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.

A dirt trial leading through a mass of trees under shadow. — This is the little trail next to the big gate in the car park

A wooden stump trail sign nestled behind the tall grass. There is a white acorn and black arrow on it pointing right.

A grass verge leading up to the road with white walled hoses on the other side.

Road walk to the river

Turn right onto the road and follow it for a bit.

Looking along the road with a pavement and bushes to the right and houses lining g the other side.

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.

An area of yellow dried out grass, with the road on the left, and a wooden trail sign pointing right.

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.

A road and pavement leading over a bridge with lots of cars driving.

A blue information plaque nestled on top of the bushes.

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.

a wide path lined with tall bushes and trees and a small strip of light shining down.

Lots of boats docked by the side of the river.

A long straight wide path lined with green bushes, on the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court.

Although some parts were congested, others were more quiet.

A long pale path leading ahead, on the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court. The river is to the left with barges moored to the side. There are green leafy bushes on the right.

A long straight gravely wide path leading ahead, with the blue river to the left, when walking between Shepperton and Hampton Court. There are people walking along the path ahead.

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.

Looking over the green bushes and tall grass to the river and houses lining the other side, on the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court.

A long straight path under the darkness of the surrounding trees and bushes. There are a few rays of light shining through.

A path leading ahead, and one leading up to the bridge, both surround by trees and bushes.

Looking across the lock to a small hut lock shed.

No section was for too long, keeping a nice variety. It’s like this all the way.

A wide gravel type path leading ahead, lined with strips of grass. The river is to the left and a blue barge is moored to the side.

A wide path leading straight ahead lined with masses of bushes and trees, partway through the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court.

A wide path leading ahead lined with bushes and hedges and trees, with the river to the left.

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.

A wodę path with big green field to the right. There is a picnic bench in the field facing the path and a big tree next to it. There is stall grass linen g the left side of the path.

Looking over the tall messy grass to the river and moored boats, near the end of the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court.

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.

A circle with stone benches in the field.

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.

A wide path leading ahead under the darkness of tree cover towards the end of the walk from Shepperton to Hampton Court. There is light shining down ahead and some people walking along it.

A woman on a stand up paddle board in the river. There is a black barge moored to the side behind he.

A with path lined with hedges on both sides, and the tops of houses visible to the right. There are two people walking on the path ahead.

Looking across the river with ripples, with a big bridge, at the end of the walk from Shepperton to Hampton court. There are buildings on the other side of the river, and some trees.

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.

A signpost pointing in lots of directions with a backdrop of blue sky.

A shop front with lots of cute and quaint garden ornaments and furniture outside. — Cross the side road here

Read next: Hampton Court to Putney Day 16