London Rivers Week 2025: River walk by the Duke of Northumberland’s River

Join Richmond River Walks for this London Rivers Week 2025 special riverside walk.

The Duke of Northumberland’s River was created as a branch of the Rivers Coln and Crane by the Duke of Northumberland in the 16th Century, in order to bring water to his lands and mills in Isleworth and Great Syon Park.

However, the section this walk will follow actually traces its  origins to Syon Abbey in the 15th Century.

Syon Abbey was founded in 1415, and dissolved by Henry V111 in 1539. It was established by nuns from the Order of Saint Bridget, which originiated in Sweden. It was administered  by a series of Abbesses. The river at that time served to fill lakes at Syon Abbey, where the nuns bred trout for their table!

The current river begins in Kneller Gardens Twickenham, and enters the River Thames in Isleworth. During this walk, you will be able to follow its path.

Details of route

We meet at Twickenham Station forecourt at 10.30 and from there take the path along the River Crane to Jubilee Gardens, where the Duke’s River begins. The river itself is a beautiful clear stream with many reeds and water ferns in its bed.

The path takes in many interesting conservation sites, including Mereway Nature Park, Whitton Brook, and Silver Hall Park. We will skirt around the Twickenham Rugby Stadium, Mogden Water Treatment site , the Eel Pass( built in 1930’s) ;Mill Platt and Kidd’s Mill. There is the opportunity for a coffee break along the route at a local café.

The river enters the Thames just by the famous riverside pub :The London Apprentice, where we may stop for lunch/light refreshments.

Open to U3A members only. Please contact Amanda Rose at richmondriverwalks@gmail.com  for more information.

This is a FREE event.

All U18s must be accompanied by an adult.