Back to Putney via the 08.17 train from Didcot again. So having emerged from the station we were back down to the river and almost straight away we walk through Wandsworth Park as it runs alongside the river. A pleasant start to the day. We have been so lucky along this path, with the weather. We are well on our way before 10.30 and as can be seen the tide is a long way out, a little different from yesterday’s excitement.
This is quite an interesting section as life has changed on the river -‘Ubers’ and several piers, probably not very useful at present! We have to cut away from the river for short stretches, partly because of large water inlets, probably once docks and also for building work. We walk passed Plantation Wharf, a rather evocative name which conjures up all sorts of smells, sounds and questions. Now used presumably for offices. There are quite a few bridges in this section both for road and rail. Interestingly even though it is much more built up it doesn’t feel oppressive in any way- just rather fascinating. Heliports on disused ground, cranes – so much happening. an odd mix of functional and decorative.
We continue round as we approach Albert Bridge and can just begin to see the iconic towers of Battersea power station on the horizon. On our side we have Battersea and across the river Chelsea, areas change in popularity and prestige. Albert Bridge looks splendid as we approach the edge of Battersea Park. Comfort stop needed so I google public toilets and some of us divert to a parallel path in search – by the zoo but not 5* !
Not sure what will happen at the power station, the path even on the digital map goes round the back but as we approach, on the ground we can pass in front. ‘Glide’ Christmas fun and an ice rink but sadly no way to continue so we have to go alongside this massive buildings then round some building sites- hopefully in the future! Note to self to go back and explore, really want to get the lift to the top of one of the chimneys
As we walk the next stretch there is a familiarity. Pimlico, Tate Britain, Lambeth Palace and more bridges each with their own style and flavour. So much more could be captured photographically along this section but we still have a way to go and a busier path. So good to see the Houses of Parliament from a different angle and although includes an old section I rather liked the contrast of Lambeth Palace, and the intensity of it’s colour.
As we were approaching this section there were more people stopping and taking photos and we had to work harder to keep together as a group. The memorial wall for Covid deaths is something which gives a stark reminder of the last few years and volunteers are continuing to paint and repaint hearts.
Going over Westminster Bridge onto ‘Southbank area’ was quite an experience, amongst them a feeling of being dressed inappropriately for the time and place! Christmas Market stalks, musicians, families, huge queues for the eye. Definitely no real time for photos. We agreed to wait at the foot of every bridge incase we got split up -even that was quite difficult in this buzz of people. I did manage one shot looking back – just before 2 pm and the sun was already low in the sky.
More Christmas stalls, pop up bars, a closed down design centre , lunch by the Golden Hinde- a rather impromptu gathering but a while since our morning snack stop. Remembered when this replica had sailed into Falmouth and I had followed it on the yacht I was on. So much to explore in this area but not really time on this walk. Wove our way round the back by Southwark Cathedral but no time to pop to Borough Market! I realised that I’m quite familiar with this area and able to identify several important landmarks. Always like the Globe Theatre and looking across to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
We are soon at Tower Bridge which bizarrely I didn’t photograph. We cross this on our way to Tower Hill which will start us on our rather arduous adventure home. Two underground stops in Putney so first to establish which is closest to the train station. After a bit of research we decide where to get off which isn’t next to the overground station- miss a train , next delayed wish we hadn’t headed for Richmond and then at last are on our way home.
England World Cup match tonight – have to drive to my friends to watch it and miss quite a lot of the first half – got there for food !
We all agreed this was another good and interesting walk. Can’t quite believe we’ve nearly finished! 22km today to the bridge.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 