Browse Routes
Explore all paddle routes on the tidal Thames. No date needed — just browse, then plan when you're ready.
21 routes
Battersea Bridge Loop (Short)
Gentle loop upstream to Battersea Bridge and back. Head east along the north bank, round the bridge, return along the south bank. Stay within 50m of shore at all times. Good for beginners on a calm day.
Albert Bridge Loop (Medium)
Upstream past Battersea Bridge to Albert Bridge. Cross to the south bank at Albert Bridge and return along the Battersea Park embankment. Passes the Chelsea Harbour entrance — watch for marina traffic. A satisfying paddle with good views.
Chelsea Bridge Loop (Long)
Full loop to Chelsea Bridge. Passes through busier water near the Battersea Power Station development and Chelsea Bridge. Strong currents near Chelsea Bridge on springs. Not recommended for beginners. Excellent views of the Peace Pagoda and Battersea Park on the return.
Wandsworth Bridge Loop (Downstream)
Downstream loop to Wandsworth Bridge and back. Depart on the ebb, turn at low water slack, return on the flood. A quieter alternative to the upstream routes. Less commercial traffic in this direction.
Chelsea & Albert Bridge Loop
Loop from Battersea upstream to Chelsea Bridge, across to the north bank, downstream to Albert Bridge, and back via the south bank. Passes through the busier Battersea Power Station area. Good views of both bridges.
Ham House Loop (Short)
Gentle loop downstream to Ham House and back. The calmest stretch of the tidal Thames — barely any current near the lock. Head downstream along the south bank, cross near Ham House, return along the north bank.
Richmond Bridge Loop (Medium)
Downstream through one of London's most scenic stretches to Richmond Bridge. Pass Ham House, Petersham Meadows, and the famous Richmond Hill view. Cross at Richmond Bridge and return along the opposite bank.
Isleworth Ait Loop (Short)
Upstream past St Margarets to Isleworth Ait — a tree-covered island in the river. Loop around the island and return. Watch for herons and cormorants on the island.
Kew Bridge Loop (Medium)
Upstream through Isleworth and Syon Reach to Kew Bridge. The river makes a big westward bend through Isleworth before turning east to Kew. Pass Isleworth Ait, Syon House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Strand-on-the-Green Loop (Short)
Downstream along the north bank past the charming Strand-on-the-Green pub row, around Oliver's Island, and back along the south bank. Short and scenic.
Chiswick Loop (Medium)
Downstream past Strand-on-the-Green to Chiswick Pier and back. Pass Oliver's Island and Chiswick Eyot. Watch for rowing traffic — this is a popular training stretch.
Chiswick Eyot Loop (Short)
Downstream past Chiswick Eyot to Barnes Railway Bridge and back. Keep clear of the Eyot shallows at low water. Good beginner paddle on calm days.
Hammersmith Bridge Loop (Medium)
Downstream past Barnes Railway Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge. The river curves through Barn Elms — watch for rowing crews training. Cross at Hammersmith Bridge and return along the south bank.
Barn Elms Loop (Short)
Downstream past Barn Elms Wetlands and back. Quieter than heading upstream. Keep an eye out for rowing eights — this stretch hosts the Boat Race course.
Putney Bridge Loop (Medium)
Downstream along the Boat Race course to Putney Bridge. This is one of the most famous stretches of the Thames. Cross at Putney and return. Watch for rowing crews, especially at weekends.
Vauxhall Bridge Loop (Short)
Short loop upstream to Vauxhall Bridge and back. Stay close to the bank — Thames Clippers pass through here at speed. Keep out of the centre channel.
Westminster Bridge Loop (Medium)
Upstream past Lambeth Bridge to Westminster Bridge with views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Very busy water — tourist boats, Clippers, and police launches. Keep to the edges at all times.
Limehouse Loop (Short)
Downstream along Limehouse Reach to Limehouse Basin entrance and back. Commercial water — stay near the bank. Watch for Thames Clippers and cargo barges.
Canary Wharf Loop (Medium)
Downstream past Limehouse to Canary Wharf. The river begins to curve south around the Isle of Dogs. Very busy commercial water — large vessels have right of way. Dramatic skyline views.
Cutty Sark Loop (Short)
Upstream past the Cutty Sark and Old Royal Naval College. Cross to the Isle of Dogs side and return. Excellent views of Greenwich's maritime heritage.
Thames Barrier Loop (Medium)
Downstream past the Greenwich Peninsula to the Thames Barrier. Navigate through the correct barrier spans — recreational craft must use spans marked with green arrows. Strong currents near the barrier.
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