A summary map of this section can be downloaded below. The south bank route is 11.6 miles (18.6km) long and the north bank route is 14.1 miles (22.6km) long.
The Thames Path offers a choice of walking routes either side of the river from Teddington footbridge as far as Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs opposite Greenwich. This allows you to design walks that stick to just one side of the river, using the excellent public transport system in London to get back to your start, or circular walks that cross from one bank to the other using the many bridges.
Along this stretch there are 8 bridges where you can cross the river. A useful walking guide can be downloaded from Walk London's website - click on 'leaflets' on the left side of the page.
If you stay on the south bank you're bound be surprised at how rural it feels, and the north bank too has several lengthy green stretches. Whichever route you take, if you have the time, there's an enormous amount to see and visit.
South bank
Your walk takes you past an amazing succession of parks, fields and gardens including the nature reserve of Hamlands, cattle-grazed Petersham Meadows just below Richmond, Richmond's famous Old Deer Park and Kew's even more famous Royal Botanic Gardens.
To pick just a few of the other things to enjoy, why not explore the spectacular 17th century Ham House, the lovely town of Richmond, pretty Barnes, or the Wetlands Centre just beyond, 40 hectares of wetlands so amazingly close to the centre of a major city. Or just stay by the river and enjoy the views across to Marble Hill House, Syon House and picturesque Strand-on-the-Green.
North bank
Not to be outdone, there are three lovely areas of green space along this bank: Marble Hill Park, Syon Park and Dukes Meadow. And, of course, you'll have great views of all the greenery on the opposite side of the river!
Other treats along this route include elegant Marble Hill House within its park, the waterfront at Old Isleworth, the Duke of Northumberland's Syon House, the Grand Union Canal a short section of which you follow, and the lovely village-like Strand-on-the-Green.
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