Explore the Chelsea & Barnes Big Thames Loop
Location: London, England
This 26.0 km loop follows the Thames Path between Chelsea Bridge and Barnes Bridge. Because you can start anywhere, it’s a convenient option for a long, flat training run from several points in west London. The 11 metres of total ascent are unnoticeable; this is a course for holding a steady rhythm, with navigation kept simple by the river always being on one side.
Running clockwise, the southern section starts wide and paved past Battersea Park. As you head west towards Putney, the path becomes more varied underfoot with stretches of gravel and earth. Road shoes will be fine for most of the year, but the unpaved sections around Barnes can hold water and get muddy after heavy rain, so just be aware of the conditions before you set out.
After you cross the river at Barnes Bridge, the character of the north bank run is immediately more urban. The surfaces are consistently firm pavement and you’ll find yourself running along embankments and some street sections. This side is generally busier, but you are still just following the river path all the way back to your starting point.