Teddington to Barnes Bridge

From Teddington, the path splits, with one on each bank. We thought initially to do the shorter of the two on each leg, and then realised that this would take us on the South Bank every time. Why, when the river curves both ways? Because the north bank is (generally) more developed, which means more diversions around riparian properties. This means the south bank is more of a riverside walk, and so confirmed our choice as the better option.

Twists and turns in the river mean that at Teddington (and a few other places), the south bank is, in fact, north of the river, but we knew what we were doing.

An old friend with considerable local knowledge met us at Teddington station (pictured) on Thursday. It was unseasonably cold in London for June - possibly the coldest day we've had on the whole walk.

The stroll along to Richmond was pleasant enough, along a wooded former towpath. Just before Richmond, our local guide took us just off the Thames Path, along River Lane, the cafe at Petersham Nurseries. We would never have found this ourselves, and it's not in the giuidebook, but a lovely stop-off with home-made cake to have with our teas and coffees. We firmly commend this place to Thames Path walkers.

A breezy walk around Richmond Deer Park was surprisingly green on both sides of the river, considering how close we were to central London. Later, the Brent river and the Grand Union Canal joined on the opposite bank. At Kew we stopped at the Greyhound, apparently a pub from the outside, but more like a restaurant inside, so much so that ordering drinks at the bar wasn't welcomed.

It wasn't far after that to Mortlake - beginning the Boat Race part of the walk - then Barnes Bridge. As we had company and still needed to catch up on old times, another tea break was called for  - this time at Orange Pekoe. We left from Barnes Bridge station, remarking that this was the closest station to the Thames Path that we had seen anywhere from the source.