Day 15 of the Thames Path, the third day in this block. This was suppose to be the easy journey to London – quick tube journey from Paddington to Tower Bridge but no there was a strike! Change of plan and an even earlier start – Millets at 7.20 and we caught the 7.55 Oxford Tube (bus) to Victoria. Luckily both Victoria and Tower Hill were on the same line so that made life easier. Again good weather. So back over the bridge and ready to continue our trail. Good view of the Shard from near the Tower but still forgot to photograph the bridge!
The path initially leads through old brewery yards and warehouses, mostly now converted. This area must have been so busy and noisy, quite narrow walkways and high buildings, some joined by outdoor stairways and passages. We come to an area with several statues including this child. It marks the fact that a hospital or home was set up here to support the local population and their health needs.
We go passed the end of Southwark Park – is this where the queue started to see the Queen’s coffin? Next is Rotherhithe, I’ve see the name on the Dockland Light Railway but didn’t know where it was. Quite a significant place it would seem as this was where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from- yes they did call in at Plymouth so you could say that was their departure point from the UK but this was their actual start.
A now disused round building marks the end of an under the Thames tunnel, probably once an essential means of getting to and from whoever the work was depending on which boats had docked. There are some large dock areas of water the Thames has curved right round and as we come opposite Canary Wharf we walk through a ‘City zoo’ and I notice that their is a Russia wharf woodland area. This was once so different. A wonderful piece of machinery that enabled a slab of roadway to be lifted to allow boats through!
A statue to a Russian Tsar – Peter the great , who came to learn ship building. near Deptford the path detours around a large disused area of land – very strange.
Lots to see but for the first time I feel a bit pressured. I’m aware of the time and how much further we have to go before the barrier and a tour. There is a long way to go until Greenwich which is my goal for lunch – we needed a coffee stop at the beginning but our time is a little compromised. We arrive at the Cutty Sark at just gone 1pm, more Christmas Markets and we find a small wall to sit on to eat our lunch. Another tunnel entrance, this one is open 24hours- quite fancy that. Mirella finds a loo upstairs in Nando’s, luckily they are very busy so we all manage to slip in and out!
I think some of the group think I’m rushing them but have already had to change the time of our visit, later but not too late as we have to get back from our obscure destination! We walk passed the splendour of the Old Royal Naval College buildings and I note this as another place I’d like to go back to.
We can see the 02 arena which is actually on our side of the river, the bends are so large at this point. Certainly not the most exciting part of the route, developed in places, in process in others and neglected in some. We’ve noticed lots of piers along this stretch and guess that during the week there is perhaps more river traffic.
The path goes right around the end of the arenas then starts to double back. Billboards are busy advertising this area as the Greenwich peninsular – apparently the new in place to live, eat and seek entertainment! Lots of stylish blocks of apartments and several statues as well as the landing point for the emirates cable car.
It’s 3 o’clock and our goal is getting closer – I said we’d arrive between 3 and 3.15 so we just have to press on down the path . Bit of a hiccup at the end trying to find the information block but I manage to find a phone number and our guide comes out to meet us.
Our tour is very informative and our guide very enthusiastic. Dark and much colder when we come out! There is a mural/ time line in a tunnel by the barrier which shows places we have been and she insists that the three of us that have done the entire 180 miles should have a photo!
Now to get back to Victoria. It’s gone 5.00 but I have researched and found that the Thames Link train from Charlton is running. Our helpful guide suggests we back track a bit then take a path to the left which will ultimately take us to the station. The local football team have been playing , the first group of supporters aren’t much help but then a more informed local points us in the right direction.
At the station they have closed stairs to platforms but we eventually find our way and wait on a very crowded platform for the next train – a fun journey with some unusual banter with some inebriated fans! All part of the experience, through to Blackfriars and then to Victoria.
Coach journey home was a bit of a nightmare and took about 2 hrs and 40 minutes .
Really pleased that I both attempted and suggested this for others. Enjoyed leading , not exactly hard navigation but others were pleased to have someone to make the decisions and to follow along!
What will my next long distance path be?
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 