Fulham Fallout.

There are a number of alternatives here of varying length. If you really want a hike then start at Wandsworth (see Chelsea Walk) and stroll west to Putney along the Thames path past the river Wandle and through Wandsworth Park. Alternatively at the end of the walk instead of just stopping for a nice drink and meal on the Hammersmith waterfront you can carry on past the Chiswick Eyot and through Duke's Meadow -ignore the private road signs- and loop back over Barnes railway bridge. From there take the Thames path East as it runs back to Hammersmith Bridge through some delightful woodland where, if you're lucky you'll see trees full of parakeets. The latter diversion will add an hour and a half to the walk and the former about forty minutes. As the basic route is an hour and a half in itself I'd suggest doing the extra bits only if a) you really like a walk or b) you have a bicycle! Actually there is a third diversion which involves walking from Hammersmith Bridge back to Putney along the North Bank through Bishop's Park which adds on another forty minutes or so.

Diversions aside the best starting point is Putney British Rail Station on Putney High Street. Walk down the HIgh Street then turn right onto Putney Bridge Road. Third on your left is Merivale Road which leads you to Putney Rail Bridge. There is a pathway along the Eastern side of this which offers nice views and a nostalgic trip for those of you who miss the old Hungerford Crossing. Once on the Fulham side go under the railway bridge and head for Putney Bridge. Rather annoyingly it's necessary to cross the road (though it might be worth a swift look at Bishops Park at the same time).

Cross the bridge on the west side before descending down to the towards the Embankment. There are nice pubs and cafes on either side of the bridge but be warned on Sundays the southern side ones seem to get filled up very quickly. Follow the embankment west past Putney Pier (the more adventurous might care to walk along the Thames bank itself at low tide but watch out for the really muddy bit where Beverly Brook enters the Thames. This increasingly rural pathway will lead you eventually to Hammersmith Bridge. After crossing the bridge there are a number of pubs stretched out along the waterside including the Dove and my favourite, but also the furthest, the Lamb right along towards the Eyot.

Hammersmith Bridge Road will after a ten minute walk lead you under the Hammersmith Flyover to the Broadway where the two Hammersmith Tube stations are located.