The walk file: River Thames, London

This Thames-side loop between Hammersmith and Barnes bridges passes a tempting number of pubs, a variety of birds from the nearby Wetlands Centre and some of the city’s finest riverside housing.

Start at Hammersmith Bridge, on the north bank, heading upriver. Immediately you come upon The Blue Anchor pub, whose sunny riverside tables witness a constant promenade of joggers, rowers, dog-walkers and cyclists.

Crossing Furnivall Gardens, duck into an alley and pass (or stop at) The Dove, a superbly preserved 18th-century drinking hole. Next comes Kelmscott House, where the designer William Morris lived and where Francis Ronalds invented the telegraph. Keep pushing along the Thames, taking in the striking buildings to your right. These include Walpole House, where William Thackeray went to school. As you turn left though a small gate to stay by the Thames, you’ll see the 15th-century tower of Chiswick Church.

The river is invariably busy with oars-powered traffic (this being part of the Boat Race route) and a swarm of birdlife: swans, pigeons, parakeets, ducks and many more.

Cross Barnes Bridge and head downriver back towards Hammersmith on the other side. You can head into Barnes at a mini roundabout along Barnes High Street and Church Road to lunch at Giuliano, a good Italian café.

Back to the Thames, continue as close as possible to the river, following the path off the tarmac into the wooded Leg O’Mutton nature reserve. Then it’s back to Hammersmith Bridge along a (sometimes muddy) wooded riverside track.

For a longer stroll, push on in either direction, sticking to the river. One mile of towpath beyond Barnes will take you to Chiswick Bridge, while Putney Bridge is two very pleasant miles from Hammersmith.

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The details

Fine riverside houses and beautiful birds

Start
Hammersmith Bridge (T Q229780)

Length of walk
4 miles (6.4km)

Walkers’ pitstop
The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith

Website
http://tiny.cc/lln9k