LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

I took the bus from Westminster Abbey then had a quick look around at the sights to Westminster Bridge, via Methodist Central Hall, Mandela statue, protest tents, Churchill statue, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, County Hall and London Eye. What a start to a good day's walking! I crossed over the bridge to continue on the Thames Path, walking past County Hall, London Eye, human statues by Jubilee Gardens, Golden Jubilee Bridge, Royal Festival Hall etc. I made a short diversion onto Jubilee Bridge for photos of Big Ben, then a quick visit around the Festival Hall, enjoying the dare devils jumping in and out of the pavement water fountain. I continued onwards, passing Queen Elizabeth Hall, Waterloo Bridge, the National Theatre, IBM building, Television Centre, OXO Tower to Blackfriars Bridge. There were lots of similar sights on the north bank from South Bank - see Walk No. 860 on Thames Path Section 24 I continued under Blackfriars Railway Bridge to Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge etc, before taking another short diversion over Millennium Bridge where I almost lost my much-valued bus pass on my way to photograph St Paul's Cathedral. I went back to South Bank to pass Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Southwark Bridge, The Anchor public house, Clink Prison Museum, Winchester Palace, the Golden Hind Ship, Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, Hay's Galleria, The Shard, City Hall to Tower Bridge. I had a quick stop to admire Tower Bridge before continuing the long walk to Greenwich via Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and Deptford. The path diverted from the river bank many times to skip around the numerous wharf houses on 'The Pool' bank. I looked inside the Brunel Museum, but had no time to stay and enjoy the experience. I continued along Rotherhithe Street to Surrey Water Dock and on again around Limehouse Reach to Hilton Docklands Pier. There were wonderful views of Canary Wharf Towers, the apartment blocks and the statues. I passed Greenland Dock, South Dock and Wood Wharf on the way to the Cutty Sark by Greenwich Pier. It was a short stroll into Greenwich centre to catch the bus back to the hotel. What a wonderful day walking, I loved every minute! I had happy and sad emotions, happy to complete all of the Thames Path, but sad that there are no more wonderful sights.

Location Map: - Start: at Westminster Bridge - Finish at Greenwich
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