Walk 1471 - printer friendly version

Thames Path - Cutty Sark to Tower of London Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km

Ascent - 50 feet / 15 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TQ382779
Lat 51.483176333 + Long -0.011104361
Postcode SE10 9HT (approx. location only)

This walk from Greenwich Pier to the Tower of London follows the Thames Path on the south bank of the river. As for most of its route through London there is a "Thames Path" on either side of the river although do remember opportunities for crossing the Thames are limited and you need to plan ahead if you wish to swap sides of the River. This section of the Thames Path leaves the river on a number of occasions although overall most of the walk is alongside the river. Generally signs are in place although in one or two places these are inadequate and you need a detailed map and a good sense of direction.

From the Cutty Sark, walk upstream with the river on your right. Almost immediately you will leave the Thames to cross the Ravensbourne River. This diversion was reasonably well signed when the route was researched and a right run across the river alongside the main road followed by another right turn back to the River is fairly straightforward. Shortly after rejoining the Thames another diversion takes you through the streets of Deptford. This section is fine if you have a map but the signs leave something to be desired. Assuming you have discovered the way and crossed the park at grid ref. TQ367783 you will arrive back alongside the Thames.

Across the River is the Isle of Dogs with Canary Wharf dominating the skyline ahead. With the path staying by the river you reach Greenland Pier followed by Greenland Dock which is crossed by a pedestrian bridge. Back alongside the Thames a short diversion away from the river leads you to City Farm where refreshments may be available in the café. Reaching the Hilton Docklands Pier another diversion is well signed and you are soon back alongside the Thames. As the path turns west across the river is Limehouse. You have now reached Lower Pool and soon cross the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

The path now leaves the riverside again taking you past The Brunel Museum on your right. If the weather is bad you can escape to Rotherhithe Tube station here.

Tower Bridge is now getting closer and the relative solitude you have enjoyed since leaving Greenwich is about to be broken. The final diversion away from the River in Bermondsey soon has you back with the Thames and an excellent view of Tower Bridge ahead. Continue along the Thames Path and walk under the subway at Tower Bridge climbing the stairs to reach the bridge deck. You are now part of the tourist trail and crowds abound for the final stretch over the river to the Tower of London which is on your left. Close by is Tower Hill tube station and a Docklands Light Railway station.

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