Historic views of Ham House walk, Ham House

This gentle linear walk links a string of well-loved viewpoints along the Thames between Richmond and Ham. Starting near Buccleuch Gardens, the route climbs through Terrace Field and into Petersham Common Wood, emerging at King Henry VIII's Mound with its famous protected sightline across the meadows.

Dropping down past The Fox and Duck in Petersham village, you continue through the quiet paths of Petersham Lodge Woods and out onto the riverside meadows. Hammerton's Ferry offers an optional crossing to the Twickenham bank, while the main route carries on through the Cherry Garden to finish at Ham House.

Along the way you catch glimpses of Marble Hill House across the water, and pass close to landmarks associated with figures such as Edwin Chadwick and Walter de la Mare, both connected to Petersham. At just over four kilometres with modest ascent, it makes an easy half-day outing packed with river views, woodland and historic gardens.