LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

I took the bus to start the walk at Kew Bridge. The tide was out so there were lots of mud banks visible. I was surprised to see lots of cormorants 'drying out' on the mud bank of Oliver's Island soon after the start of the walk. I passed under the railway bridge and found a marble drinking fountain as the path left the river bank for Hartington Road. I made a brief return to the river bank at yacht basin before returning to Hartington Road by Quinton Hogg Sports Ground. I went back to the river bank at Chiswick Bridge, by the finish post of the University Boat Race. There were more cormorants and conkers on Dan Mason Drive towards Barnes Railway Bridge. I took another big detour from the river around Barnes Bridge before the promenade and the unexpected shelters. There was a further surprise when I left the promenade and was about to enter Thames Crescent, with the pleasant sight of the Dukes Meadows Stones. I continued on past Chiswick Pier and Chiswick Eyot Island to Hammersmith Mall, the Dove Pier and the impressive Hammersmith Bridge. I had a long uninterrupted river walk past Harrods Wharf on the opposite bank, old mechanical sculptures and River Garden apartments to Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club, currently a Premiership side. After a short detour around the stadium I went back to the riverside walk through Fulham Palace gardens and Pryor's Bank gardens. After Putney Bridge I took another large detour to Putney centre and around Hurlingham Park. I had a short return to the river before passing Wandsworth Bridge and walking along Townmead Road. This section of the Path passed a multitude of apartments on both sides of the river, some very modern and looking expensive, some a little dated. Sands End apartments were particularly impressive. I continued past the heliport, Chelsea Railway Bridge and harbour to Chelsea Creek. Another large diversion from the river bank before reaching the impressive gates of Cremorne Gardens off Lots Road. There the scenery changed yet again as we reached Chelsea Houseboats, with its intricate walkways to each boat and Chelsea Beach, enjoyed by a handful of ducks. I crossed over Battersea Bridge Road to Chelsea embankment with its excellent views of modern apartment blocks, to the most impressive Albert Bridge and the not to be missed lady statue nearby. Albert Bridge was closed for major strengthening works. Chelsea Bridge was next, by Lister Hospital where the bus was caught at the end of the walk.

Location Map: - Start: at Kew - Finish at Chelsea Bridge
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