The landscape of London is a marvelous thing – on the one hand it is steeped in history and permanence, on the other new development and regeneration means it is ever changing. One of the best ways to appreciate the ebb and flow is on foot and, for me, a favourite place to start is Putney Bridge. Here you have options.

Either travel northwards through Bishops Park beside its famous palace, which hosted Catherine of Aragon prior to her marriage into the Tudor dynasty, the recently restored Victoria bathing pool and past Craven Cottage, home to premiership (at time of writing) football team, Fulham. This riverside walk takes you alongside the fabulous River Café, on to Hammersmith Bridge (currently closed to road and foot traffic) and beyond.

Alternatively head south over Putney Bridge, the only bridge in London with a church on opposite sides of the river bank. Once on the south side you can travel west past the University Boat Race starting line and the many boat clubs that front the river on Putney's embankment, on to Barnes and eventually Richmond.  

However, I am going east towards Wandsworth Park, with its fabulous avenue of London plane trees and glimpses back over the river to the Hurlingham Club. Once through the park you arrive at a quaint collection of house boats and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter, home to the Marco Polo restaurant and deli – a popular local venue. Residents here benefit from an on-site Thames Clipper pier, taking commuters into the city by river.

Once past WRQ you cross the River Wandle. From here, if you look right you can see the redevelopment of one of Wandsworth's oldest breweries, Ram Quarter, on the site of the Young’s Brewery, but head straight. The river walk breaks back in land for a while but soon you can hug the river again as you approach the well-loved Ship Inn beside Wandsworth Bridge. Wandering eastwards along Battersea's riverside, you’ll pass a number of new and newish riverside blocks, some more architecturally pleasing than others.  

Historically most of the south bank was home to working wharves, now long gone, and this stretch became a focus for new development. The walk takes you past London's heliport and St Mary’s, one of the oldest churches in Battersea (pictured top) – J M W Turner famously painted the river from the church's vestry window.

Montevetro sits next to the church and while it's decades since Richard Rogers architects finished the building on the old Hovis bread site, it does stand the test of time and remains one of the most popular residences along the river.  

Now you have a choice. Either head back north over Battersea Bridge to Chelsea or stay south until you reach Albert Bridge and Battersea Park. Battersea is a fabulous city park, especially for those with dogs. 

• At time of writing, shops, pubs and restaurants are still subject to restrictions and outdoor exercise must be local. For more information see gov.uk/coronavirus.

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In Focus and On Foot – expert views on local neighbourhoods