Join The Green Londoner for a special walking event as part of the London Walking Festival — a mindful journey along the Thames through the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Richmond.

We’ll follow a scenic route that begins in Bishop’s Park, follows the river to Hammersmith Bridge, back along the river to Putney via Smoky Wood, and leads into the peaceful grounds of Fulham Palace Garden — pausing along the way to admire some of West London’s nature spots and extraordinary trees. Along the route, we’ll also pass iconic landmarks including Craven Cottage, the riverside home of Fulham FC, Riverside Studios, Harrods Village, and historic rowing clubs. 

At the heart of our walk are two legendary trees that have outlived monarchs, survived centuries of storms, and continue to stand tall, offering vital ecological benefits with quiet strength:

Barnie — believed to be the largest tree in Greater London  A Holm Oak — nestled in Fulham Palace Gardens and thought to be one of the city’s oldest living trees

The walk will finish at Fulham Palace Garden, a hidden gem steeped in history and surrounded by nature. Once the country residence of the Bishops of London for over 1,300 years, the palace and its gardens are now open to all.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or curious Londoner, this walk invites you to slow down, look up, and reconnect with the natural giants that shape our urban landscape.

Route Highlights

1. Bishops Park

Join us for a mini tour through one of West London’s most beloved green spaces — uncover its hidden gems, majestic plane trees lining the Thames, and stories that only locals know.

2. Tidal Thames

As we follow the river path, we’ll walk beside the tidal Thames — a living, breathing waterway that rises and falls by up to 7 metres twice a day. At low tide, the exposed mudflats become feeding grounds for birds and breeding grounds for invertebrates.

3. Barnes – Barnie the Tree

Visit what’s thought to be the largest tree in Greater London with 8 meters girth — a beloved local landmark with a life of its own.

4. Fulham Palace Garden – Holm Oak

Estimated to be over 500 years old, his evergreen oak has stood through civil wars, plagues and modern restoration. Its dense, holly-like leaves and gnarled trunk tell a story of resilience and rootedness.

Practical Info

• Start: The Tea House, in Bishop’s Park (near Putney Bridge Tube Station, District Line)

• End: Fulham Palace Garden 

• Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours including breaks

• Toilets: Available at start, midpoint, and end

• Access: Route includes riverside paths and park trails — some uneven terrain but mostly accessible

• What to Bring:

  • Comfortable shoes (some paths may be muddy)

  • Water bottle

  • Layers or rain jacket depending on forecast

  • Binoculars (optional – for birdwatchers!)

  • Cash or credit card for drinks/snacks at Fulham Palace Garden Cafe at the end of the walk

  • We’ll walk at a relaxed, social pace — making sure everyone feels comfortable and no one is left behind.

Please note: this is a friendly group walk, not a professionally guided tour. The organisers are not certified walk leaders or tree experts, but passionate locals and nature lovers keen to share the joy of walking and discovery.

 Distance: Approx. 5–6 miles (easy pace with plenty of stops)

Route: Google Map

Purpose

This walk is designed to: • Celebrate the London Walking Festival • Reconnect people with local urban nature • Support The Green Londoner — a not-for-profit platform covering London’s environmental challenges and solutions • Learn more about Bishop’s park and the Friends of Bishop’s Park.

Supported By

The walk will be led by Gautier Houel (founder of The Green Londoner) and Stephen Lavery (Friends of Bishop’s park). Credit: Photo by Victor Ho.

Photography & Filming Notice

​There will be some photography and filming taking place during the event which will be used by organisers and partners in post-event communications on social media, email or websites. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed during the walk, please let us know before we begin. 

Get Involved

• Sign up early to secure your spot (spots limited) • Share with friends and neighbours • Follow The Green Londoner on Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit our site to discover more local green tips, stories, and events. You can also check out the Friends of Bishop’s Park on their website  and Instagram to learn more about this beautiful local space• Help us grow: all proceeds help fund future nature walks, articles, and events across London. 

Questions? Contact: contact@thegreenlondoner.co.uk