Thames Path: Richmond, Ham and Teddington Lock Circular
London
This is one of the greenest stretches of the Thames in London, where the river bends through meadows and old estates grazed each summer by Belted Galloway cattle, so dogs go on a lead there. The 10.5km circuit follows the Thames Path on both banks, crossing at Richmond Bridge and at the footbridges by Teddington Lock, the tidal limit of the river. On the Surrey bank it passes Ham House, the 17th century mansion now cared for by the National Trust, the riverside woods of Ham Lands and Petersham Meadows below Richmond Hill. On the Middlesex bank it passes Marble Hill House, Orleans House Gallery and the riverside at Twickenham, with about a mile on residential streets where the path leaves the water. From the riverside car park at Ham the route is flat, on gravel towpath, tarmac and some rough, muddy stretches beside Ham Lands.
This is a dog friendly walk with the river for company all the way. There is good off-lead potential on the wider grassy sections at Ham Lands and by Marble Hill, but the towpath is shared with cyclists and runners, so keep dogs close on the narrow parts. A small herd of Belted Galloway cattle grazes Petersham Meadows every summer, and the riverside near Richmond floods on the highest tides. The Thames has strong currents and boat traffic, so it is no place for a dog to swim. Riverside pubs and cafes line the route at Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Pubs and cafes at Richmond, Twickenham (including Orleans House Gallery cafe and Radnor Gardens cafe) and Teddington; none checked for dog policies.
- Parking
- Small riverside car park at the end of Riverside Drive, Ham; also parking near Teddington Lock. Parking in Richmond is limited: Richmond station is by the route.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Thames Path: Richmond, Ham and Teddington Lock Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thames Path: Richmond, Ham and Teddington Lock Circular dog friendly?
This 10.5km circular walk rates 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness and is a lovely choice for a day out with your dog, with the river for company throughout. The route takes in some of the greenest stretches of the Thames in London, passing Ham Lands, Petersham Meadows and the riverside at Twickenham, with plenty of space to stretch legs along the way. Riverside pubs and cafes at Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington offer rest stops along the route, though dog policies at individual venues haven't been confirmed.
Can dogs be off lead at Thames Path: Richmond, Ham and Teddington Lock Circular?
There is decent off-lead potential on the wider grassy sections at Ham Lands and near Marble Hill, but dogs should be kept close on the narrower towpath sections, which are shared with cyclists and runners. Dogs will need to go on the lead at Petersham Meadows, where a small herd of Belted Galloway cattle grazes every summer. It's also worth knowing that the Thames has strong currents and boat traffic, so it's not a safe place for dogs to swim.
What should I know before visiting Thames Path: Richmond, Ham and Teddington Lock Circular with my dog?
The route is flat throughout and follows a mix of gravel towpath, tarmac and some rougher, muddier stretches beside Ham Lands, so it's generally manageable for most dogs. Be aware that the riverside near Richmond can flood on the highest tides, and leads are essential when passing through Petersham Meadows during the grazing season. Parking is available at the small riverside car park at Ham or near Teddington Lock, and Richmond station sits conveniently on the route if you'd rather arrive by train.
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