Barnes Meander – River Thames

Barnes-Meander-Strava-Route-Where-to-run-in-LondonClick here for a zoomable map and the Strava Route

  • Distance – 7.6 miles
  • Surface – A mix of tarmac and gravel paths
  • Terrain – Flat
  • Surroundings – Riverside
  • Traffic Free – Mostly, there are a few road crossings

This could be classed as West London or South West London as it covers both sides of the River Thames. A beautiful loop between Putney Bridge and Barnes Railway Bridge (which has a footbridge) following the river as much as possible. On a sunny day in London, there’s few better places to run and take in the beauty of the river and suburban London. The route can be very muddy in the winter.

The Route

Putney-Embankment
Credit –standhisround

The route starts on the south side of Putney Bridge, which is accessible from Putney Bridge tube or Putney rail station.

  • Follow the river west along Putney Embankment past the rowing clubs.
  • After 0.6 miles, you’ll cross the Beverly Brook Bridge and join the river towpath.
  • Follow the towpath for 3 miles, passing Hammersmith Bridge until you reach Barnes Railway Bridge.
  • Use the footbridge to cross the river and join the path on the other side heading eastwards, back on yourself.
  • After 2 miles, pass under Hammersmith Bridge and continue.
  • Follow the river for 1.9 miles back to Putney Bridge, you’ll have to briefly leave the river to go around Fulham Football Club’s ground Craven Cottage.

The paths along the riverside can be narrow at times, so please respect the other walkers/runners/cyclists/dogs.

Opening Times

Thames-Path-Hammersmith

The riverside is accessible at all times. It’s recommended not to run this route when it’s dark for safety reasons. Please consider your safety or run with others.

Getting There – Public Transport

The closest mainline station is Putney (South Western Rail) and is 0.4 miles from the Putney Bridge, although along a very busy High Street.

Putney Bridge tube station (District Line) is a couple of minutes from Putney Bridge.

Parking

There is parking on local streets but resident restrictions will apply Monday to Saturday between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm. Public transport is a better option.

Food and Drink

Hammersmith-Bridge
This is Hammersmith Bridge

There are pubs and cafes dotted along the route. In this part of London, you will never be far away being able to get a drink or a bite to eat in Putney, Chiswick, Hammersmith or Fulham.

Parkrun

The nearest parkrun is at Fulham Palace (Bishop’s Park, Bishop’s Avenue, London, SW6 6EA), which is on the north side of the river (on the route) not far from Putney Bridge.

The course is an anti-clockwise ‘almost’ 3 lapper around Bishop’s Park. The meeting point is at the central court near the children’s playground.

Fulham Palace parkrun page here.

Fulham Palace parkrun course page here.

Other Information

The towpaths along the side of the river can get very muddy with lots of puddles in winter, so trail shoes are advised.

Strava

Click here for the Strava route which you can print or export.

Alternatively search “Where to Run in London” in the Strava app, go to “Routes”, pick the route and “Use”