Take in the sight of Hampton Court Palace from the water on a route with much activity on the water. Enjoy mixed landscapes of parkland and town, and historic landmarks. This trail is suitable for all abilities by either canoe or kayak in normal river conditions.
Tide times are posted on the PLA website. While useful to know if you are leaving a car next to the river, the influence of the tide in the 3 miles from Teddington to Richmond is small. The water level and flow is controlled by a half-tide sluice below Richmond and normally the river in this reach can be canoed in either direction without difficulty.
Garrick’s Temple was built by the great 18th-century actor-manager David Garrick in 1756 to celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare. The Corporation of the City of London built the first pound lock at Molesey entirely of timber in 1815 along with the lock keeper’s house. In 1906, it had to be rebuilt and enlarged by the Thames Conservancy. The current house was built in 1925.
Thames A Class Raters are unique to the Thames. They are specially designed for sailing conditions at Surbiton and are extremely fast with the large sail area. Pope’s Villa was built on the original site of the poet’s mansion. His famous grotto is underneath the present building and is open to the public.
At Eel Pie Island, unseen from the river, are two historic residences. Marble Hill House is to the left and Ham House to the right. In full view is the magnificent sight of Richmond Hill and the Star & Garter Home set behind Petersham Meadows.
For an alternative finish, continue through Richmond past Paddle UK and Richmond Bridge to see the impressive riverside development noted for the mix of English and Italian influenced architecture. You could turn here and return to River Lane.
The other finishing point is a further half-mile past the mansion of Asgill House, the railway and Twickenham Bridges to arrive at Ranelagh Drive on the left-hand bank. Work your way through the moorings to land at the steps between the road bridge and the half-tide sluice. Keep well away from the sluice if the gates are down.
This trail moves from the non-tidal Thames under the Environment Agency jurisdiction above Teddington to the tidal Thames, which comes under the control of Port of London Authority. Both issue navigation notices for river closures and temporary restrictions, and it is always best to check beforehand:
For up-to-date information visit: Environment Agency: Thames Closures with a link to flow conditions.
PLA: Notices to Mariners and information for recreational users.
Further useful information can be found on the following websites:
