Barnes: the wetlands, the village, the towpath
A nature reserve inside the M25, a duck-pond village, and the best stretch of the Thames path nobody talks about. Walked and written by the editor. https://walkwalk.org/london/walks/barnes-wetlands-village

1. Barnes station
Overground from Waterloo, 20 minutes. Come out onto Station Road and walk through Barnes Common to the village.

2. Barnes Common
Sixty-five acres of common land with the rare combination of ancient oak trees and wetland vegetation. The ring road curves around it but feels distant inside.

3. Barnes Pond
The duck pond at the centre of the village green is one of the few remaining village ponds in London. The heron is usually in residence.

4. WWT London Wetland Centre
A nature reserve converted from four disused Edwardian reservoirs. Over 200 species of bird recorded; otter family resident. Entry charge; worth it.

5. Thames Path to Hammersmith
Follow the towpath north along the Thames to Hammersmith Bridge. The path passes the Dove pub and the rowing clubs of Chiswick before reaching the bridge.

Barnes: the wetlands, the village, the towpath