The View & Swim Hunter
A 5km riverside ride to show you where locals actually swim, five spots most visitors never find.
A 5km riverside ride to show you where locals actually swim, five spots most visitors never find.
This route follows the Thames Path out past Richmond, tracing the river through some of its quietest and prettiest stretches. It's flat, easy going, and built for stopping wherever the view (or the water) looks too good to pass up.
This is one of our flattest, quietest routes, tracing the Thames Path out past Richmond into Petersham Meadows and along the Ham riverside. The surface is a mix of tarmac and hard-packed towpath, easy going throughout, with grazing cattle in the meadows and proper open sky once you're clear of the town centre. It's noticeably quieter than our other routes, especially once you're past Richmond itself, you'll share the path with the odd dog walker and other cyclists, but it never feels crowded. The views are the whole point here: wide bends in the river, reed beds, and a real sense of being out in the countryside despite being twenty minutes from a train station. Either bike suits this flat, easy ride, it really comes down to which one you find more comfortable.
For swimming, aim for the warmer months, roughly May through September, and go in the afternoon once the day's had a chance to warm the water slightly. For the views alone, this route is beautiful year-round, and early morning light on the meadows is hard to beat if you're riding for scenery over swimming.
Bring swimwear and a towel if you're planning to get in the water, plus something to carry wet things home in. The river here isn't lifeguarded, so swim at your own risk, stick to spots you can see are being used by others, and be aware of currents, especially near the weirs. Your cooler box is a good spot for a cold drink for afterwards.
Wild swimming is popular along this stretch but isn't official or lifeguarded. Only swim in spots you can see others using regularly, avoid getting in near weirs or locks, and always use your own judgement on the day.
The ride itself needs no swimming ability at all, it's just as good for the views. If you do want to swim, stick to calmer, well-used spots and don't go further than you're confident getting back from.
Yes, it's one of our flattest routes, following the river the whole way with no notable climbs. It's a comfortable ride for most fitness levels.
Book your bike and we'll send you the complete itinerary for The View & Swim Hunter: every stop, in order, with Google Maps links to get you there. This page is just the teaser, the real route comes with your booking.