Thames Path

Ended up walking along the path after leaving the O2 to head back to my hotel by the Greenwich tunnel. It’s very industrial on this section and glad I wasn’t alone on parts of it as there were no lights in places and had to use phone to light the way. The views were amazing across the Thames to Canary Wharf though and saw some interesting places I’d like check out but definitely during the day

During a recent holiday to London, I decided to do some early AM running. Upon arriving at Canary Wharf Pier via the ferry, I noticed signage for “Thames Path.” I thought to myself, “HmmmI wonder what this this could be? Is this going to be an amazing course to run?” Guess whatit is.

Canary Wharf pier south/west to Greenwich is 2.25 miles (4.5 miles with return). Views include Canary Wharf, the Thames, and Greenwich. This section of the Thames Path follows the very edge of the Thames via flat, smooth pavement. It has clear signage, and a single detour halfway along the Path that takes you away from the Thames; this section diverts you along a busy road for a span of roughly 0.5 miles. You return once again to the Thames and, as you approach Greenwich, there’s a pedestrian tunnel that takes you UNDER the Thames to Greenwich (near the Cutty Shark).

Canary Wharf pier north/east to Tower of London is 3.0 miles (6.0 miles with return). Views include Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London. This section of the Thames Path has very poor signage. Only about 20% of the Path follows the Thames; the majority of the Path diverts you along narrow streets with no view of the river (but there are a few pubs). Existing signs are very dodgy; in many areas, a sign for the “Thames Path” points towards a private entrance or closed area, with no means to follow the Path (see photos). If you can guess which way to go and follow your instincts (or follow local runners/bicyclists), your frustrations are rewarded: as you approach the Tower Bridge, the Path again returns to a nice pedestrian pavement adjacent to the River, and you have 0.4 miles of the Thames Path with a direct view of the Tower Bridge. As you go past Tower Bridge, you have the Tower of London and other sites to your right. Mind you, the Path after Tower Bridge by The Tower of London consists of large cobblestones (not pavement) and poses a minor hazard for runners.

Overall, this Thames Path going each direction from Canary Wharf pier provides a walker, runner, or bicyclist with epic views of London.

When thinking of London and The Thames, it’s hard not to imagine all of the monuments in the center of the city. Following the Thames Path west or east will provide another view - at times picturesque - of London Town. The buildings diminish in size and number and the green spaces grow increasingly large, while the sounds of the city fade into the distance. In a surprisingly short amount of time, the crowded, noisy, polluted city feels like it is a world away and the natural beauty - yes, it does exist in London! - embraces all who visit.

Note: The section we walked was from Hammersmith Bridge to Chelsea Harbour

Was early for Kew Gardens so went for a short stroll, starting at Kew Bridge in the direction of Richmond. What a pleasant place to walk. Much of the portion I walked was shaded by trees. Folks were out with their dogs, others biking or running. The Thames is always within a stone's throw. Some people were on the river, rowing solo, doubles, quads and eights. You can also access Kew Gardens from near the Thames Path.

The big sites are fine, but I also like to poke around and see the local neighborhoods. The Thames Path stretches quite a long way -- from the mouth of the Thames through London. I walked the Thames Path from Greenwich to Tower Bridge. Because it was January, the sun set rather early. The signage for the path isn't consistent, there were detours, and it was a bit unnerving to be get lost periodically in the dark, especially as some stretches had few pedestrians or vehicles at that hour. The path is sometimes right next to the river, but often it is not. The area used to have a lot of warehouses, which have now been converted to apartments and office space. I enjoyed the walk, but the area was not on my large tourist map. It would have helped if I had bought a guide to the Thames Path, which probably would have explained the history of the area and the significance of the buildings. And most important, a guide book would have shown the correct route for the path. A cell phone with GPS mapping would also have helped with navigation.
Next time I walk a section of the Thames Path, I will be better prepared.

Greenwich to Woolwich Thames path is breathtaking and now accessible after years of riverfront development - the rich riverscape is varied and mixes the industrial past with controversial modernist new additions.

The Thames Path runs for miles along the banks of the review on both sides. It’s a great place for sightseeing and walking / jogging.

No matter which part of the Thames Path you decide to walk, it's one of the best activities you could do in London. Gives you a great opportunity to see life on the river and learn more about the importance of Thames and how the surroundings changed over time.

Had a lovely early morning run down the Thames Path in East London. Great view as I ran. The path was well maintained and clean. Can imagine it would be a lovely sunny walk.

There are now some great stretches of the Thames which can be walked with ease.
Very good views including meadows and boating etc.
Lots of gems of walks to be discovered.