The riverside walk and café you can find in Surrey after ringing a bell near the River Thames

Hopping on board a boat can be the best way to enjoy the River Thames. Over in Shepperton, you can take a small ferry boat across to Weybridge, where you can find a fabulous walk and café.

From near Shepperton lock, you simply need to ring a bell to hail the ferry, which darts across the Thames to Weybridge. If you were to drive, it would be more than a four-mile trip, but the ferry takes less than five minutes.

Following a scenic journey across the river, turn left and follow the river in a straight line. The path is flat and follows the Thames along, up towards Walton Bridge.

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To the left, the river offers nature views and wildflowers, and rowers passing by. The track will take you up towards Walton Bridge, with views of homes and gardens that extend out onto the riverbank.

This part of the river is particularly shallow, and dogs love to run and splash in the water. It’s also a haven for ducks, geese and swans, so dog owners should be aware there are plenty of waterfowl they might want to avoid.

On the right, you will see a large car park and a small building, which is home to Wilde Brunch, a cute café with outdoor seating and good food. Items on the menu include wraps, chicken burgers, fish and chips, jacket potatoes, and cakes - which can also be taken away.

The café also caters for children, with sweet or savoury croissants, fish fingers and chips, or sausage and chips. It also sells little bags of sweets, and quack snacks for ducks, for £2.

If you fancy continuing the walk, go to the end of the car park, there will be a metal access gate. Follow the footpath through the trees and over a wooden footbridge.

From here turn right and follow another footbridge, and continue on the path on the left of a grassy meadow. Follow across another footbridge into the woodlands and remain on the path alongside Broad Water lake.

Pass horse fields, and turn right onto a tarmac road upon reaching a red brick school. There will be a gate, head through and follow the path by sports fields. There will be a road, cross it and join the footpath opposite the river.

From here, there are two options of either a longer or short walk. For the short walk, pass under two bridges, and back to the carpark.

Or add Desborough Island, by following the towpath and crossing the first bridge, and through a gate to the left. Stay on the left near the river, and follow the bend round, along the left side of a meadow.

There will be a hedgerow ahead, turn left towards the river and join the riverside path. There will be a large field on the right, and a white cottage where the path will end.

Walk straight on the tarmac road over a speed bump and metal white barrier, with the river on the left. Continue past the water works and take steps down to the left, then turn right away from the bridge, following the towpath back in the direction of the carpark.

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