Pour s'évader de la ville sans la quitter, pour respirer l'air frais lors des chaudes journées d'été ou simplement pour flâner au bord de l'eau, les raisons d'entreprendre une promenade le long de la Tamise sont multiples. Avec cette sélection de parcours, de la balade tranquille à la randonnée plus exigeante, toutes accessibles depuis Londres, vous n'aurez que l'embarras du choix. À vous de choisir !
En bref
In a hurry? No problem. Check the table below for the key data on the best River Thames walks in London. I go into more detail for each walk in this article.
| Distance | Montée totale | Durée de l'accord | Difficulté | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo to Greenwich | 7.8miles (12.55 km) | 65.6 ft (20 m) | 3 heures 30 | Facile |
| Oxford Thames Path | 6.6 miles (10.62 km) | 36 ft (8 m) | 2 hours 35 min | Facile |
| Hampton Court to Kew | 11 miles (17.7 km) | 43 feet (13 m) | 4 heures 30 minutes | Intermédiaire |
| Richmond to Kew | 8.6 miles (13.84 miles) | 177 feet (54 m) | 3 heures 30 | Facile |
| Belvedere to Greenwich | 15.4 miles (24.8km) | 171 ft (52m) | 6 hours 20 min | Défi |
| Bourne End Circular | 7.61 miles (12.24 km) | 445 feet (135 m) | 2 hours 45 min | Facile |
| Twickenham to Windsor | 27.96 miles (45 km) | 95ft (29m) | 9 hours 15 min | Dur |
| Circuit de Henley | 10.4 miles (17km) | 561 ft (171 m) | 4 heures 20 | Intermédiaire |
Best River Thames Walks
So now we had an overview of the River Thames walks, let’s get into more detail!
1 – London Thames Walk from Waterloo to Greenwich
We start our run down of the best River Thames walks near London with the iconic walk in London Thames Path. This is a À faire absolument. This leg takes you from Waterloo Station to Greenwich passing by popular landmarks and hidden gems along the way. Discover or re-discover London with a new perspective wandering on the Thames Path.
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics for the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
- Distance: 7.8miles (12.55 km)
- Montée: 65.6 ft (20 m)
- Point culminant : 49.2 ft (15 m)
- Point le plus bas: 0 ft (0 m)
- Estimation de la marche3 heures et 30 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Jubilee, Bakerloo or Northern Line to Waterloo Station. Waterloo Station is on fare zone 1.
- For the return, take Thameslink, DLR or Southeastern Train from Greenwich Station. Greenwich Station in on fare zone 2/3
- Both journeys are within London’s rail and tube network, so you can travel using your Oyster Card or contactless card
- Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Please bear in mind that the path is paved all the way, so it is highly recommended that you wear trainers. Tarmac can be hard on the sole of your feet so hiking shoes and boots are not suitable for this type of terrain.
- Sac à dos
- Collations
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that the banks of the Thames Path are pretty much exposed with few options to find cover.
- Couvre-chef, crème solaire et lunettes de soleil si vous partez par temps clair, pour les mêmes raisons que celles évoquées ci-dessus.
- Informations complémentaires
- Toilets are available at the Surrey Dock Farm
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Promenade acceptant les chiens
- Où manger et boire :
- Many options throughout the walk as you are in the city
- My advice is the Surrey Dock Farm for a coffee and snack break on the way
Highlights of the Waterloo to Greenwich Walk
- Southbank
- Somerset House
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- The City
- The Shakespeare Globe
- The Great Hall
- The Golden Hinde
- Southwark Cathedral
- The Shard
- Hay’s Galleria
- HMS Belfast
- Tower Bridge
- Cumberland Wharf
- Canary Wharf
- Surrey Docks Farm
- Circumsphere
- Sayes Court Park
- Peter the Great Statue
- Cutty Sark
- Greenwich University
2 – Oxford Thames Path Circular
Let’s get out of London for a walk alongside the Thames Path in the historic city of Oxford. This circular walk starts with a gentle stroll on the river banks, from residential areas to open lands passing by the ruins of Godstow Abbey and the village of Wolvercourt. You make your way back to Oxford via Port Meadow, a 300 acres (120 ha) pasture with horses grazing. A perfect mix of river, field and historic spots to see a different side of Oxford.
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics for the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Distance6,6 miles (10,62 km)
- Montée: 36 pi (8 m)
- Point culminant : 210 pieds (64 m)
- Point le plus bas184 pi (56 m)
- Estimation de la marche2 heures et 35 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Trains directs de Paddington ou Marylebone à Oxford. Le trajet dure environ 1 heure avec le train rapide et 1 heure et 30 minutes avec le train lent.
- C'est une promenade circulaire, vous pouvez donc acheter un billet aller-retour pour la journée.
- Veuillez noter que Chiltern Railway exige que vous réserviez une place pour garantir votre accès au train.
- Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Vêtements et chaussures confortables
- Sac à dos
- Collations
- Packed lunch if you are not planning on stopping at a pub for lunch
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day. Please note that as you are walking on the banks of the Thames, the path can get muddy, so don’t forget to pack your gaiters
- Couvre-chef, crème solaire et lunettes de soleil si vous partez par temps clair
- Informations complémentaires
- Il n'y a pas de toilettes publiques sur cette promenade
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Promenade acceptant les chiens
- Où manger et boire :
- L'Auberge de la Truite, Godstow
- Pub du Refuge d'Oxford, Oxford
Highlights of the Oxford Thames Path Walk
- Oxford
- Tamise
- Godstow Hamlet
- Godstow Abbey and Nunnery ruins
- Wolvercote Village
- Port Meadow
- Oxford Christmas Market – if you are going around Christmas time
3 – Hampton Court to Kew via the Thames Path
Walk from a royal residence to a royal garden with this Thames Path route from Hampton Court to Kew. Wander along the river banks passing by Kingston-Upon-Thames, Teddington, Richmond and Twickenham. And I have a pub recommendation for you at the end. Here is your next Sunday stroll sorted!
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics of the Hampton Court to Kew Walk
- Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)
- Montée: 43 pieds (13 m)
- Point culminant : 36 ft (11 m)
- Point le plus bas : 10 ft (3 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 4 heures et 30 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Direct trains from Waterloo Station. The journey takes 35 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can take the local buses R68 and 411 to Hampton Court Station depending on where you live
- Ce qu'il faut apporter:
- It is an easy walk in the city never far from civilisation and amenities should you need more water or buy additional snacks.
- Wear comfortable footwear. However, prefer a pair of trainers to the usual hiking shoes as the path is paved.
- Wear comfortable clothing, and avoid wearing a pair of jeans as they absorb sweat but don’t dry easily. Prefer a good pair of gym leggings or shorts depending on the weather.
- Bring with you a backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), snacks and packed lunch
- Informations complémentaires:
- Public toilets are available at Hampton Court Station and in Richmond at Buccleuch Gardens.
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Cette promenade est adaptée aux chiens
- Pub Stop: Coach & Horses, Kew
Highlights of the Hampton Court to Kew Walk
- Hampton Court
- Kingston-Upon-Thames
- Canbury Gardens
- Teddington Lock
- Richmond
- Richmond Railway Bridge
- Old Deer Park Obelisk
- Syon Park and Syon House
- Kew Gardens
4 – Richmond to Kew via the Thames Path
This is the shortest version of the walk from Hampton Court to Kew but with an additional park walk. Starting in the Royal Park of Richmond, searching for deer, the route then links to the Thames Path on the lively Richmond promenade. Continue your journey towards Twickenham before ending in Kew by the Royal Gardens. Bonus: there is a pub recommendation at the end!
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics of the Richmond to Kew via Thames Path Walk
- Distance : 8.6 miles (13.84 miles)
- Montée : 177 feet (54 m)
- Point culminant : 187 pi (57 m)
- Point le plus bas : – 7ft (-2 m)
- Estimation de la marche3 heures et 30 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
- Comment s'y rendre:
- District Line, Overground or South Western Railway trains to Richmond Station, fare zone 4
- The station is also well-served by buses. From there you can walk to Richmond Park (20 minutes) or you can take bus 371 to Cambrian Gate ( 10 minutes)
- For the way back, District Line or Overground from Kew Station, fare zone 3 &4
- Ce qu'il faut emporter:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. Prefer trainers as the path is paved
- Gaiters if it has been raining,
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is shining,
- Water and snacks
- Informations complémentaires:
- There are public toilets in Richmond Park located by the park’s main entrance, Richmond Gate.
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Cette promenade est adaptée aux chiens
- Pub Stop: Le Lévrier, Kew
Highlights of the Richmond to Kew Walk
- Richmond
- Richmond Park
- Chevreuil
- White Lodge
- Pen Pounds
- Tamise
- Twickenham Bridge
- Richmond Lock
- Thisleworth Marine
- Old Deer Park
- Syon House
- Kew Gardens
5 – Belvedere to Greenwich via the Thames Path
This is the continuation of the Thames Path after the Waterloo to Greenwich walk (see point 1). Starting in Belvedere in the borough of Bromley, this walk takes you back to London via the Thames Path. Passing by the Crossness Nature Reserve, the Erith Marshes, Woolich and the O2 arena, this stroll combines nature and city walks. And why not end at the Greenwich Market and enjoy some food in the park overlooking Greenwich University?
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics of the Belvedere to Greenwich Walk
- Distance: 15.4 miles (24.8km)
- Montée: 171 ft (52m)
- Point culminant: 157 ft (47.8m)
- Point le plus bas : -10 ft (-3m)
- Estimation de la marche: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Difficulté: Challenging due to the distance. However, you can shorten the walk and do Woolwich to Greenwich which is 6.94 miles (11.16km) to make it an easy walk
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Trains from London Bridge to Belvedere. The journey takes 30 minutes
- Belvedere is in fare zone 5 so you only need your Oyster card or contactless card
- For the way back, DLR from Greenwich Station or buses 129, 199 and 326
- Ce qu'il faut emporter:
- Comfortable clothing
- Pair of trainers for walking on concrete
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is shining
- Rain gear if some showers may come
- Water, snacks and packed lunch if you do not want to stop at Greenwich Market
- Informations complémentaires:
- There are public toilets in the O2
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Où manger: Greenwich Market
Highlights of the Belvedere to Greenwich Walk
- Crossness Nature Reserve
- The Assembly
- Hydra and Khali
- The O2
- Cutty Sark
- Greenwich University
- Greenwich Park
- The Royal Observatory
6 – Bourne End Thames Path Circular Walk
This circular trail starts with a hill walk, overlooking the River Thames before entering a forested area. You then cross the suspension bridge leading to the charming town of Marlow before making your way back to Bourne-End via the Thames Path. This easy walk is really worth doing to discover the beauty of the Thames in the heart of the Chilterns.
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics for the Marlow Thames Path Circular Walk
- Distance: 7.61 miles (12.24 km)
- Montée: 445 pieds (135 m)
- Point culminant: 249 ft (76 m)
- Point le plus bas : 75ft (23 m)
- Difficulté: Facile
- Estimation de la marcheDurée de la visite : 2 heures et 45 minutes
- Comment s'y rendre:
- There are no direct trains from London
- You have to get a train from Paddington Station to Maidenhead Station and change in Maidenhead for a train to Marlow
- Le voyage dure 1 heure et 10 minutes
- It is a circular walk so you can buy a day return ticket
- Ce qu'il faut emporter:
- Comfortable clothing
- If the weather is nice and the path is dry, a pair of trainers will suffice, nonetheless, if it has been pouring during the week, the path can get muddy so you would need a pair of walking shoes
- Snacks & water
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case of showers
- Informations complémentaires:
- Il n'y a pas de toilettes publiques sur cette promenade
- Kissing gates on the Thames Path
- The second part of the walk is dog friendly but the first part has some stiles (unless you can carry your dog above the stiles)
Highlights of the Marlow Thames Path Circular Walk
- Bourne End
- Tamise
- Bois de carrière
- Marlow Suspension Bridge
- Marina de Bourne End
7 – Thames Path from Twickenham to Windsor
Are you in for a challenge?
Then, there is the Thames Path walk from Twickenham to Windsor to satisfy your challenge craving. Embark on an ultra-marathon of 45 km alongside the sinuous River Thames. You start your journey at the most iconic rugby Stadium and end at the Royal Castle of Windsor, passing by highly rated landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace, Runnymede and the Magna Carta. Will you dare take on the challenge?
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics of the Twickhenham to Windsor Thames Path Walk
- Distance: 27.96 miles (45 km)
- Montée: 95ft (29m)
- Point culminant: 115 ft (35m)
- Point le plus bas : -3 ft (-0.9m)
- Estimation de la marche: 9 hours and 15 minutes at an average speed of 4.8 km/hour
- Difficulté: Hard
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Trains to Twickenham Station which is located in fare zone 5 or local buses to Twickenham Station (281 and H22)
- For the return journey, there is no direct train from Windsor to London
- Take a train from Windsor to Slough and change in Slough for a train to London Paddington. The journey takes between 25 to 40 minutes depending on the waiting time when changing train
- Ce qu'il faut emporter:
- Comfortable clothing
- If the weather is nice and the path is dry, a pair of trainers will suffice, nonetheless, if it has been pouring during the week, the path can get muddy so you would need a pair of walking shoes
- Snacks & water
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case of showers
- Informations complémentaires:
- There are public toilets at Hampton Court and Shepperton Locks
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Arrêt au pub : The Carpenter’s Arms, Windsor
Highlights of the Twickhenham to Windsor Thames Path Walk
- Twickenham
- Kingston-Upon-Thames
- Hampton Court Palace & Gardens
- Walton-on-Thames
- Runnymede & the Magna Carta
- Château de Windsor
8 – Henley Thames Circular Walk
We end our list of the Best River Thames Walks near London with this day-circular stroll in Henley. On the edge of the Chiltern Hills, AONB, Henley is a pretty and posh countryside town lying on the bank of the River Thames. This walk takes you from a river towpath to a woodland trail passing by a cute village on the way. An easy stroll for your next day out!
Lire le guide complet ici.
Logistics of the Henley Thames Circular Walk
- Distance: 10.4 miles (17km)
- Montée: 561 ft (171 m)
- Point culminant : 518 ft (158 m)
- Point le plus bas : 98ft (30 m)
- Estimation de la marche4 heures et 20 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Train from Paddington Station to Twyford and change at Twyford for a train to Henley-on-Thames.
- The journey takes around an hour, depending on the waiting time at Twyford Station
- Il s'agit d'une promenade circulaire, vous pouvez donc réserver un billet aller-retour à la journée.
- Ce qu'il faut emporter:
- Comfortable clothing & footwear
- The path can get muddy so pack a pair of gaiters if you are going on or after a rainy day
- Snacks & water
- Headcover and sunscreen if the sun is out
- Rain gear in case the heavens open
- Informations complémentaires:
- Il n'y a pas de toilettes publiques sur cette promenade
Highlights of the Henley Thames Circular Walk
- Henley-on-Thames
- Île du Temple
- Tamise
- Hambleden village
- Grands Bois
Best River Thames Walks Maps
Want to do these walks? Simply download the GPS maps by clicking on the link under the images below. If you need some advice on how to upload the map on your navigation app, please check my step-by-step guide ici.
Final Thoughts on the Best River Thames Walks
There are also so many rivers walks that you can do within a reasonable distance from London. From the River Ouse with the Lewes Circular to the River Arun with the walk from Amberley to Arundel without forgetting the River Darent and the River Chess Valleys.
Check my Promenades sur la rivière page to find out more about these walks.
And you, what are your favourite River Thames Walks? Let me know in the comments below.
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