Putney to Barnes, south west London

Directions: Exit Putney railway station, turn right and cross the road at the lights. Proceed down Putney High Street all the way to Putney Bridge, whereupon bear left along Lower Richmond Road to meet the river on Putney Embankment. This riverside stretch is generally busy with the comings and goings of rowing clubs that cluster along this southern bank of the Thames. Putney has been popular for recreational rowing since the 1830s, though it's best known as the starting point for the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. 

This first stretch of the Thames Path can flood at high tide, but beyond (where the pavement starts) is generally high and dry. Carry on along the road to where Craven Cottage (Fulham's football stadium) rises over the opposite bank. Here the embankment ends at a bridge across the mouth of Beverley Brook, after which you'll be on a broad, unpaved track, leaving the bustle behind. 

From hereon the river is lined with poplar, elm and horse chestnut trees, behind which are playing fields and open, green space. Things feel wilder still as you pass the London Wetland Centre on the left, with trees obscuring the river from view along the right hand side. Further along lies Harrods Village, an upmarket housing development linked to the landmark Harrods Furniture Depository. Now converted to luxury flats, this elegant 1890s structure (complete with its own riverside wharf) must surely in its day have been the world's most fancy warehouse. 

Equally ornate is the Victorian-era Hammersmith Bridge, a grand West London icon that lies a little further on. Once you've passed this, look back to admire the view of the bridge and across to Hammersmith's historic waterfront, most likely with teams of rowers sculling past along the river. Then carry on down the Thames Path as it curves around towards Chiswick. On the left, you'll pass the playing fields belonging to posh St Paul's School, then on the right (across the river) Chiswick Eyot, an uninhabited island where willows have long been grown and harvested. 

At this point the path splits in two. Leave the riverside by the left-hand fork and follow the fence-line into the trees. This leads to a kissing gate through which you'll find a body of water. Now a nature reserve, this former reservoir is ringed by a footpath and flanked by some huge poplar trees. Terns and herons nest on rafts, there are warblers in the reedbeds and bats, parakeets and tawny owls residing in tree-trunk hollows. Benches scattered along the bank are inviting places to take a break and watch the birds, or just enjoy the peaceful sensation of being surrounded by greenery.   

At the reservoir's far end, rejoin the riverbank and continue to where the path merges with Lonsdale Road. Keep going and pass beneath Barnes railway bridge to reach The White Hart, a bright and airy pub standing right by the river. The building dates from the late 1890s but it's had a modern makeover and serves Modern British cuisine (including a pretty darn good Sunday roast). Tuck into yours by the fire in winter or out on the terrace in summer; or if you just want a pint, nab one of the trestle tables on the riverside. There's surely can't be anywhere in London to drink beer quite so close to the Thames. 

When you're ready to move on, retrace your steps to the bridge (with the option of taking the train from Barnes Bridge station if you're pooped). Beyond it, turn right at the roundabout into Barnes High Street; at its far end, this swings to the left and becomes Church Road. Take this past the village pond and continue all the way to the junction with Castlenau, whereupon cross over and stay straight ahead, past playing fields to the right.

On the left-hand side you'll soon reach the entrance toLondon Wetland Centre, an urban nature reserve that's well worth a visit if you've time (and a tenner) to spare.Past this, a paved path continues along the boundary fence to rejoin the Thames. Turn right and follow the flow downriver for the final stretch back to Putney Bridge, turning right turn up Putney High Street to return to the starting point.