BOB's BLOG - Winter Walks Near Putney: Your Guide to Cozy Routes & Coffee Stops - Friday 9 January 2026

Rob Kelly
13 hours ago
4 min read

Greetings T&T VIPS!

Short strolls, warm welcomes, and family-friendly paths

There's a particular magic to winter walking around Putney. The crisp air, the low-angled light filtering through bare branches, and that promise of a warm café waiting at the end – it's what January afternoons were made for. Whether you're shaking off the post-lunch slump, entertaining restless children, or simply craving fresh air without committing to an expedition, Putney offers some wonderfully accessible winter routes.

The Thames Path: Putney to Barnes

Distance: 2 miles (one way)Time: 45 minutes to an hourTerrain: Flat, pavedPushchair friendly: Yes

The classic riverside route from Putney Bridge towards Barnes never gets old, especially in winter when the crowds thin out and you get the path largely to yourself. Head west along the Thames Path, watching the rowing crews even on the coldest mornings, and make your way past the Wetlands Centre towards Barnes village.

The beauty of this route is its flexibility – turn back whenever suits, or continue into Barnes for a wander through the village before catching the bus back. Little ones love spotting the houseboats and counting how many dogs they pass (always more than you'd expect).

The Coffee Stop: Make Tried & True your starting point or finish. Warm up with one of our seasonal specials and grab something from the counter for sustained energy. We're conveniently positioned for those setting off or returning from riverside adventures.

Putney Heath & Wimbledon Common

Distance: 1-3 miles (depending on route)Time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hoursTerrain: Mix of paths and open heathPushchair friendly: Mostly, stick to main paths

For something that feels more like proper countryside, cross over to Putney Heath. The open grassland and wooded areas of Wimbledon Common offer endless possibilities for exploration. A simple loop can take you past the Windmill (worth a look even from outside), through patches of woodland, and back via different paths each time.

Children love the sense of space here – room to run, puddles to investigate, and in winter, the occasional muddy adventure. Pack welly boots and embrace it. The heath has a wonderfully wild feel despite being so accessible, and on crisp winter mornings, it's absolutely stunning.

The Coffee Stop: Return to Tried & True to defrost. We understand the post-walk shuffle – that transition from windswept to warm, from needing sustenance to blessed contentment. Our space is built for exactly these moments.

Bishop's Park Loop

Distance: 1 mileTime: 20-30 minutesTerrain: Flat, paved pathsPushchair friendly: Completely

Sometimes you want fresh air without the commitment. The loop around Bishop's Park delivers exactly that – a proper walk that doesn't require planning, special equipment, or even much time. The Victorian park has a gentle, restorative quality in winter, with its formal gardens stripped back to their architectural bones and the riverside path offering constant interest.

Perfect for families with younger children who need frequent distractions – there's the playground, the riverside to explore, and usually a few friendly dogs to admire. It's also ideal for those days when you're not quite up for a proper expedition but know you'll feel better for getting outside.

The Coffee Stop: We're perfectly positioned for a pre-walk energizer or post-walk reward. Pop in before you head out, or make us your destination – either way, we've got you covered.

Winter Walking Wisdom

A few things we've learned from our own winter wandering around Putney:

Layer up: That first five minutes feels freezing, then you warm up quickly. A good outer layer you can tie around your waist is essential.
Embrace early darkness: Winter walks don't need to be rushed before sunset. There's something rather lovely about heading out at 3pm and watching the light change.
Puddles are features, not bugs: Especially if you're walking with children. Waterproof boots transform winter walks from something to endure into small adventures.
Coffee tastes better after fresh air: This is just scientific fact.

Your Winter Ritual

We're finding that our customers are building winter walking into their weekend routines – a Sunday morning stroll followed by pastries and coffee at Tried & True, or a midweek lunchtime escape to the Heath with a takeaway cup. There's something deeply satisfying about combining gentle exercise with good coffee and perhaps a slice of something warm from the counter.

So this January, while the parks are quiet and the air is fresh, why not explore what's on your doorstep? Putney's winter walks offer just enough adventure without requiring expedition planning – and we'll be here with the warm welcome when you return.

See what we did there! Find us at Tried & True in Putney, ready to fuel your adventures or welcome you back from them.

Looking for a unique gift?

You may have seen that we've been adding to our retail lines at Tried & True with our Rookery Farm Organic Eggs, Sevenseeded Breads, Alt Milks, T&T Totes and Tshirts, T&T Diner Mugs and a wide range of Specialty Coffee and Brewing Equipment available to purchase.

We'll be expanding the offer in the coming weeks with more artisan food products and gift ideas.

We've also expanded our range through our webshop hosted at shop.barnabyandboos.co.uk

Here you'll be able to select some exclusive new items including ceramic coffee mugs featuring Rachel Hunt Designs and our new T&T Original Brunch T Shirt. A perfect gift available in two colours and multiple sizes. For a limited time shipping is included.