A couple of years ago I did a short survey with the girls to see what their favourite walks were and as a result we've used those quite a lot. Two of the favourites are the route of the Big Fun walk and the walk along the canal from Mile End to Paddington. This time I was determined not to fall into that trap so I had to get more creative.
having been in the forest recently I knew that things had got rather muddy so that wasn't going to be a good choice especially as the January walk is usually well supported, I didn't want to go for the favourites but I did want some good paths. The Thames Path came to my rescue.
Meeting up at Waterloo, outside Costa of course, we headed towards the mouth walking along the South Bank which at this time of day wasn't too busy. Group shot, of an unusually small Jan group, was taken near to HMS Belfast with Chris, Cajsa, Geraldine who has bought a waterproof after how many years, Lindsey, Kathy and Teresa. A real core of the longest serving East End Girls.
We've walked to and over Tower Bridhe quite a lot over the past year but to go beyond this on the south Bank hasn't happened in a long time. In fact I think the last time when we were actually training for our Breakthrough Walk in 2006. Wondering how it's changed? Last time we got a little lost due to the lack of signs etc.
You were wondering when coffee would come weren't you? Well we made it as far as Starbucks just past Tower Bridge and then in fear of there being nowhere else, we stopped.
The East End Girls in relaxed mode having discussed Kindles and the Dukan Diet, getting ready to head off...into the unknown somewhat.Once we got going again we were soon in Shad Thames and looking along at the iron bridges between the buildings which always make me think of Dickens time and of the film Oliver. Rather than walk along and under those though, the path takes you along the passage called Maggie Blakes Cause onto the Riverside and not far along you look back and see this wonderful view of Tower Bridge.
The next stop wasn't far on, just a little detour to the Design Museum and once back a glimpse of Victorian Dockland where there's an inlet and in some parts it feels as if the sun hardly ever shines.
Not much further is an area known as Jacob's Island, which in early Victorian times was a notorious slum area. Now, with much development, there is a real mix of the old and the new, the pubs, squares and new housing establishing, once again, communities. It was really good to be on this side for a change looking over and piecing together the places that we've walked past on numerous occasions on the opposite bank. It was much quieter here too.
One of the things I love along this part of the river are the many sculptures even if some are missing. This one, known as Sunbeam Weekly and the Pilgrim's Pocket is of a 1930's lad reading the story of the Mayflower, of the journey and what happens after and he seems unaware of the astonished pilgrim looking over his shoulder!
Along this part there are a number of ins and outs as you have to leave the river and return again, probably doing even more mileage! So much history here that seem more real than that on the other bank that's been refurbished for longer.
We did get a little lost when we got into a private housing development near to the Hilton Hotel. Easy to get into, not as easy to get out of so a bit of back tracking after funny looks from car drivers.
This time we're in luck and the Surrey Docks Farm is open so we go to visit. Many goats, wonderful small, small donkeys and pigs. A good cafe by the looks of things too but we're heading to Greenwich for lunch. Loved the bronze sculptures of the animals as well at the entrance. Will have to come back here again.
We got to Greenwich only about 4 hours after setting out and it's lovely to see the development of the Cutty Sark again after it's fire, things are coming on well. Not so good is the disruption around the foot tunnel, pier and station as so much work happens, all probably to get sorted for the Olympics.
We were heading for the Trafalgar Tavern and lunch but it was mobbed and a quick walk through showed no tables at all and no chance of one for a while so we left and took a path through the Naval College back into the centre of Greenwich and lunch in a restaurant whose name I cannt remember, where the food was good but where my chick kebab without the trinnings was really expensive and the manager was not willing to offer any discount!
Never mind, none of us will go back but we did have a great walk and it was so good to explore, to chat and to share.
Now where shall we walk in Feb?
