A ‘magical’ walk through London will take you away from the busy city streets and let you explore rivers, parks, charming bookshops, and quaint cafes – all within an hour
If you’re looking to enjoy the sunshine in London this weekend, then you need to try this “magical” walk. If you spend most of your time in the hustle and bustle of the capital, you might think that you have to escape to somewhere like the Chilterns to experience quiet walks in nature – but that’s not entirely true.
You could take in parks, gardens, and rivers all without leaving the city in an hour-long walk that has been described on social media as “beautiful”. A travel blogger named Candace shared details of the walk, which begins in Putney and goes through Fulham before ending in Hammersmith.
In a video on TikTok, Candace, who is from the US but has lived in London for several years, said: “You need to take this walk in London. You’re going to start from Putney Bridge Station, wandering down past the neighbourhood’s charming Hurlingham Books, jumping onto the high street and past the ancient All Saints’ Church.
“[Head] into Bishop’s Park and Fulham Palace, and the walled garden, if it’s open. A forest wander out, and you’ll stroll past Putney Bridge, onto a beautiful river walk. Pick up a mid-walk coffee and continue on your gorgeous South West London stroll down the Thames. Honestly, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city altogether. It’s magical.
“Slowly but surely, the grand Hammersmith Bridge will come into view. Walk over the bridge and end with a Hammersmith pub stop or roast. If you’re straight walking, this walk will take you a little over an hour, but of course, you’ll be taking in lots of pit stops to enjoy it to the fullest.”
A similar walk was previously shared on the Ramblers website by the Sutton and Wandle Valley Group, but their official route is a four-mile circular one that allows you to finish back in Putney.
The description of the walk reads: “We walk along the Thames Path on the north side of the river between Putney Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge, cross the river and return to Putney along the south side of the river. Optional lunch at Rocket Wetherspoons Pub at the end of the walk. Picnic area available close by.”
Commenters on Candace’s video who had been on the walk before agreed with how beautiful the sights are, especially on a sunny day. Others who hadn’t experienced it yet said they were keen to get out there and walk the route.
One person said: “This is a great walk!”
Another added: “Thanks so much for sharing this.”
And a third shared: “I took the path all the way to Hampton Court a couple of weeks ago!”
Similar circular walks along the Thames are also available on the All Trails website, which describes the route as “relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels”. They also state that the route is dog-friendly and that “river views are wonderful year-round.”
One reviewer said: “Lovely easy circular from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge! Stop off at Fulham Pier for a coffee and a croissant en route. Can get quite busy, so would recommend going earlier in the morning rather than later.”
Another posted: “Great trail in the summer months, was dry and very pleasant overall. Stunning views and very quiet midweek.”
