Where did the summer go? For me, it’s involved enjoying the great British weather that we have been experiencing. I’ve also been doing a LOT of walking with my latest project/challenge of 298km (185 miles) along the bank of the River Thames and the Thames Path national walking trail. With the Thames Path Greater London section completed in 5 days.
We enjoyed taking our time and savouring the trail at a very gentle pace. And although we still have a lot of ground to cover, in the meantime I wanted to share the highlights from the Greater London section of the trail.
If you have a few days spare and enjoy walking, this is a really easy/nice trail for anyone who fancies a straightforward challenge as it’s about 58km and takes in some of the best views of London and would be enjoyable anytime of the year. Something a little bit touristy but which only a regular to London would have completed.
The map of the route we took can be found here, and I’d recommend downloading the gpx file if you want to give it a try, even just as a guide for the alleys and recommended river crossings.
Below are my highlights from each section (note that each could easily be broken down into longer or shorter walks depending on your enthusiasm and stamina):
O2, North Greenwich to Monument (14.5km)
We started the route with our first leg from the O2, passing through Greenwich and then crossing to the North bank and the Isle of Dogs. Via Katherine Docks onto Tower Bridge, finishing at Monument.
Having walked the South bank many times it was interesting to view much of the route from the North bank as well as being treated to beautiful cherry blossoms, and clear blue skies.
Monument to Waterloo (3.5km)
We completed this section twice in a matter of days (and regularly walk here too). I recommend covering both the South bank and then the North bank a couple of days later – at night. This section really could be tagged onto the previous or next bit. We were squeezing in a trip to the theatre and then dinner with family so were short on time.
Waterloo to Putney (13.25km)
Plenty to see along this section and plenty of places to stop, with the Covid Memorial Wall, Battersea Power Station and Battersea Park to name a few. There was even time for little bit of sketching at the Peace Pagoda.
Putney to Richmond (14.25km)
It seems like there are a lot more bridges along this section, or at least a lot more with a story to tell. A much less busy part of the route the day we were there.
Richmond to Hampton Court (12.75km)
My favourite stretch so far. The pathway widens along the route and there’s plenty of activity. The area is quite busy with watersports in particular.
Along the way there is some fantastic street art/murals (more from my travels and tips on where to find more, if of interest). Then a reasonable length of path passes Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII.
I’d recommend the Thames Path Greater London section in either direction. Take a packed lunch or enjoy some of the many restaurants, pubs or cafes along the route. You will appreciate these so much more if you then go on and check out the remainder of the trail. Heading through to the source at Kemble and the remaining 240km has a lot less options available!
