The best family-friendly hikes and walks around the London Borough Of Wandsworth

Iconic bridge closed to motor traffic

Open for pedestrians and cyclists (otherwise still closed)

Iconic London bridge with great views up and down the Thames. Best appreciated while riding across — traffic can be busy, so take the photo only when safe.

Along the river thames, very nice path to follow

There has been a centre of Christian worship on this site from at least the 12th century.The parts of the medieval church which survive today are the tower, some of the nave arcading (mid-15th century) and the Bishop West Chapel, built in the early 16th century by Putney resident, Nicholas West. During the Civil War, the headquarters of Oliver Cromwell’s army was briefly located in Putney. In 1647, meetings of the Army Council were held in the then Chancel of the church. These discussions on the future government of the realm were published as the “Putney Debates”. The Victorians substantially rebuilt and enlarged the church in 1836; it then featured an east – facing Altar, galleries on three sides and box pews. In 1973 an arson attack gutted much of the church. Rebuilding was not completed until 1982, when the church was re-hallowed by the Bishop of Woolwich, on 6th February. (https://stmarys.parishofputney.com/about-st-marys/st-marys-church/)

Putney Bridge is one of the most attractive and bustling parts of Putney. Spanning the River Thames, Putney Bridge links Putney’s pubs, bars and restaurants with Fulham across on the north bank. The story goes that in 1720 Sir Robert Walpole was returning to the House of Commons after visiting George I in Kingston upon Thames and was in a hurry to take the ferry across the river to Fulham. Alas, the ferry was on the opposite side of the river and the waterman was drinking at a nearby hostelry. Frustrated Sir Robert vowed to build a bridge that would replace the ferry, and the bridge planning was approved in 1726. (https://timeandleisure.co.uk/things-to-do/awesome-things-to-do-and-see-around-putney-bridge/)

The origins of the parish’s religious presence can be traced back to the early 13th century, with the first mention of a church in Putney appearing in records from 1292. The Register of Robert Winchelsea, Archbishop of Canterbury, further solidifies this historical presence, recording an ordination that took place within the parish in 1302. While the exact date of the church’s establishment remains uncertain, its significance in the community is undeniable. Historically, the ancient parish of Putney covered a vast area, spanning from the banks of the Thames in the north to Tibbett’s Corner on Putney Heath in the south. Its western boundary began at Beverley Brook, while its eastern counterpart extended to Deodar Road. Over the years, the parish underwent changes as new parishes emerged, including Roehampton in 1845 and Putney Park in 1932, reducing its size. The spiritual and administrative jurisdiction of the parish has also shifted. Putney was originally under the purview of the See of Canterbury, with the Archbishop holding the title of Lord of the Manor. However, in 1846, it transferred to the See of London, then to Rochester in 1877, and has been part of the Diocese of Southwark since 1905. In the present day, the Parish of Putney is home to two notable churches: St. Mary’s and All Saints. These historic places of worship continue to play a central role in the community’s religious and cultural life. (https://www.stmarysputney.co.uk/pages/history.html)

Beautiful riverside spot near Battersea Bridge – great view of the Thames with red buses crossing and Chelsea’s elegant riverside architecture in the background. Perfect for a quick photo stop or short rest along your cycle route. 🚲🌉