A stone’s throw away from central London, nestled along one of the mighty River Thames’ many famous meanders, you’ll find a deliciously picturesque dog walking spot. Here you can enjoy one of the cities finest river walks with your pooch, whilst spotting a few of the lesser-known London sites, such as the former Harrods Furniture Depository, rowers on the river and Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club.
We’ve started this route at Hammersmith Broadway station to make it easy for any pooches visiting from other parts of town – if you live nearby or want to mix up your dog walking route, feel free to start in a different place and pick up the walk wherever you like! Please note, though the majority of this dog walk route is away from busy roads, the very beginning crosses a busy road in Hammersmith Broadway.
Walk time: it’ll take about one and a half to two hours to complete the whole loop, allow for more time for a pit stop at the dog-friendly pub The Crabtree.
Dog-friendly features on this dog walk:
Away from busy roads
Dog Poo Bins
Litter-free paths
Off-Lead Time
No other animals
Water Available
Secure perimeters
Well-lit at night
Hammersmith to Putney Bridge Loop Dog Walk Route:
- Starting at Hammersmith Broadway station, make sure your pooch is on their lead and you’ve got a firm hold – there’s a couple of quite busy roads at the very beginning. Take the exit toward Hammersmith Apollo out of the station, cross the road and walk toward the river with the Apollo on your left, head down Queen Caroline Street. Follow this stree all the way to the very bottom and you’ll spot the River Thames – follow the path right. You will immediately see Hammersmith Bridge. To get over this, there is a small street to the right, leading towards The Old City Arms Pub. At this point, you can cross the bridge over to Barnes. The bridge has its very own footpath for pedestrians (and pooches!) which is separated from the road by a barrier.
- Once over the bridge, take the first path to the left, heading down towards the river. You are now on the towpath and you can let your pooch off lead if you like. Follow this for about half an hour, passing the old Harrods Depository building and some tennis courts. Enjoy the walk, there are a few benches to rest but it’s largely shaded and quieter than the other side. Towards the end of this side, you will reach all the boat clubs and come out towards Putney Bridge past several good pubs with river views where you can sit for a whistle-wetter with your pooch!
- Follow the path towards Putney Bridge – cross the bridge to continue and create a circular route. If your pooch has had enough, you can jump on the tube at Putney Bridge station, which is on the Fulham side (north bank) of the bridge, and across the road. To carry on with the walk, you keep to the left and turn into Bishops park by All Saints Church. This is a little path that leads down a sloping footpath and back toward the river.
- As long as you keep the river to your left, you can walk any way you like through the park; there are long stretches of open grass for dogs to run around and some enclosed spaces too, in case your is an explorer! When you reach the end of the park, you will see Fulham Football Club. This is where you exit the park, keeping the club to your left. Once past the club, there is a little path back towards the river just after the coffee shop.
- Follow this path all the way to the Crabtree Pub. You will pass flats, a playground and lots of dog poo bins! The Crabtree is dog-friendly and you can stop here for a bite or just a coffee. This section is largely concrete to walk on, but it is still beautiful and you are three-quarters of the way back to Hammersmith.
- Past the Crabtree pub you will be able to walk all the way to Crisp Road. This leads you back onto Queen Caroline Street to get back to Hammersmith Station – a round route, who doesn’t love those!
Where to find the River Thames Towpath
Hammersmith Broadway, where our walk guide begins, is easily accessible from all over London – simply pop on the tube and use the Picadilly or District Lines. You can also start from the other end of the route and walk the whole way in reverse if you’re coming from the Putney end of the route.
What is the Thames towpath opening hours?
You and your pooch can enjoy wandering the Thames towpath twenty four hours a day. However, sections of the towpath aren’t particularly well-lit, so if taking a night time stroll be sure to pack a torch and make sure you keep your dog on lead.
Do you have a favourite local dog walking route you’d like to share with the DogBuddy community? Let us know in the comments below!