Putney Bridge - The Embankment - Putney Heath - Putney High Street

Putney Bridge
Putney, SW15. (Map Ref 1.)
The view from Putney Bridge reflects the dual nature of this area. On one side are some remarkably decrepit old buildings - in fact, I would not even like to call them buildings, abandoned ruins would be more apt.

The view from the right side of the bridge is radically different. You will be charmed by the distinguished red brick apartments, the dense cluster of trees in the distance, and the tranquillity of the Embankment.

Putney Bridge itself is not terribly imposing or bestowed with an infinite amount of grace, but the arches and red lanterns give it an air of mid-Victorian zeal, even if the bridge's texture is generally very grey. The only real pleasure you can essentially get out of Putney Bridge is the view of the one side of the riverbank.
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The Embankment
Putney, SW15. (Map Ref 2.)
As I have said before in one of the other sections, it might be worth an idea to plan out an entire tour of the riverside walks along the Thames. The beautiful scenery, the fresh smell of fish, and the picturesque pubs offer you the chance to remain healthy even though you are in London. It might be worth starting your trek in Hammersmith, which will then give you the opportunity to walk through the many paths and embankments that run along the Thames on both sides of the river. Of course, if you want to see the other more central parts of London it is advisable to travel by boat.

Putney's Embankment is so long that it takes you from the centre of town out into the more rural sections of this area. Pleasant riverside pubs line the banks liberally, whilst there are many types of boats moored on the waters. As you walk along the Embankment, you will see barges floating down the Thames, as well as a series of rowing clubs and boathouses to your left representing some of London's finest crews. Prestigious schools such as Westminster are lucky enough to have their own boathouses here.

As you move along the path you will observe further recreational devices, namely tennis courts and a children's playground. The rural part of the Embankment starts as you walk onto a narrow gravel path over a cute little bridge. This part of the walk will allow you the chance to make believe you are far away from the stranglehold of the city and the poisonous fumes it belches forth every day.

If you want to take your mind off any pressures building up around you or if you feel like contemplating the beauty of existence in its most primal form, take a walk along the Embankment, and I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
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Putney Heath
Putney, SW15. (Map Ref 3.)
As you walk out of the centre of Putney, you will eventually pass through the outskirts filled with council blocks and apartments. However, walk a little further and you will come across Putney Heath, which starts off as a little patch of grass but ends up meandering off into the countryside. The contrast just could not be greater.

You will be introduced to Putney Heath by a very elaborate memorial for soldiers who died in the Second World War. When you first chance upon the Heath, your breath will certainly not be taken away. The rough, rugged bushland breaks off into several converging paths, which you will walk along without any sort of dramatic expectation. All of a sudden, the countryside opens up, and whereas a few minutes ago you were walking through a drab London suburb, you now feel that you are in the heart of the English countryside. Sports fields suddenly abound, and in the summer, a perfect atmosphere is created when the local village cricket matches are in session. The effect is very pleasant, added to which there is a lovely old pub right by the cricket pitch.

If you enjoy a typical English country scene, sit down and listen to the birds in the trees, the sound of bat hitting ball on the field of play, and the smell of freshly cut grass on the surrounding lawns. You will be cheered up immensely if you ever walk this far out of Putney.
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Putney High Street
Putney, SW15. (Map Ref 4.)
One of Putney's most endearing qualities is the fact that nearly all its most impressive features are located right next to each other. Putney Bridge leads into the Putney High Street, which in turn connects with the Embankment. All of them are readily accessible because they are very close to the Putney tube and train station.

The High Street offers the traveller a comprehensive range of shopping services, as well as a cinema, several fine restaurants, and an excellent bus service. Other than that, it is not especially attractive and causes weary legs because of its steep trajectory. At least the High Street is so well positioned that it makes most of the Putney area compact.

There is not a great deal I want to say about Putney High Street except that it is like most suburban High Streets, the only difference being that this one is easy to get to and it branches off into the more attractive areas of Putney very easily indeed. If you like clothes shops and useful stores and services of every description, come here. However, do not expect to chance upon a King's Road or a Victoria Street.
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