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Crane Park - River Crane Walk

2.5 miles (4 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This popular, easy walk follows the River Crane through Crane Park in Twickenham. There are good footpaths running along the riverside with woodland, scrub and reedbed. The park includes the Crane Park Island Nature reserve where you can look out for herons, water vole, woodpeckers, kingfisher, dragonflies and damselflies. You'll also pass the old Shot Tower, evidence of the The Hounslow Gunpowder Works which used to operate on the site of the park in the 18th century. It's a nice walk for families or anyone looking for an easy afternoon stroll. Access is straightforward with the walk starting from Twickenham station.
The park is located on the London Loop so it's easy to extend your walk towards Hounslow Heath or Teddington. You're also very close to Marble Hill Park and Strawberry Hill House.
These can both be reached with a short stroll along the River Thames.

Postcode

TW2 6AB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Crane Park OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Crane Park Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's an on site cafe where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk.

Dog Walking

The woodland and river trails in the park are great for dog walking. It's a popular place so you will probably meet other owners on your visit.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To extend the walk continue north west along the London Loop and you can visit Hounslow Heath and the riverside Cranford Country Park. The nearby park is set on the site of the old Cranford House and still includes the historic 15th century church and 18th century stable block.
Just to the east there's miles of cycling and walking trails around the expansive Richmond Park. The historic Ham House is also located in this area.

Photos

Crane Park and the Shot Tower - geograph.org.uk - 2872174

Crane Park and the Shot Tower. Along the walk, the riverbank is home to reeds, wildflowers, and grasses, creating a lush environment for many species. You can expect to see common plants such as nettles, brambles, and wild garlic, while the trees along the path include willows, oaks, and ash. In the spring and summer months, the area bursts with vibrant colours from wildflowers like foxgloves, primroses, and buttercups.

River Crane, Crane Park - geograph.org.uk - 90196

River Crane view. The fauna of the river is also diverse. Birds such as robins, blackbirds, and wrens are frequently seen, along with larger species like herons and kingfishers, which are attracted to the river. Small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels can also be spotted, along with occasional sightings of foxes and bats in the evenings. The area is rich in insects, with dragonflies, damselflies, and various butterflies populating the riverbanks, particularly in warmer months.

B358 bridge over River Crane and path - geograph.org.uk - 1982937

B358 bridge over the river

Weir on the River Crane - geograph.org.uk - 1982934

Weir

River Crane in Crane Park and the London LOOP - geograph.org.uk - 2872227

River Crane in Crane Park and the London LOOP. Crane Park itself offers additional attractions, with well-maintained paths providing easy access to the surrounding wildlife areas. The park features a mix of open spaces and woodlands, and the River Crane itself meanders through the park, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the peaceful natural environment. There are also historical features in the area, including the remains of old millponds and a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the river. The park is a key green space within the local community, offering both recreational activities and a serene retreat from urban life.

Private gardens from Crane Park - geograph.org.uk - 2871395

Private gardens from Crane Park

River Crane From Bridge Meadway Twickenham - geograph.org.uk - 781558

River Crane From Bridge Meadway Twickenham

River Crane below old sluice - geograph.org.uk - 3131293

Below the old sluice

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Crane Park.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Crane Park.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)