Went for a bike ride last night - rode to Erith and followed the Thames cycle path all the way to Woolwich. I'd not done it before but thought it was great. There's a lot of negative press about London and we've had a few threads discussing London on here but this is an example of some of the good things that have been created in London in the last few decades. Was a bit wary at first - light fading etc but it was a real pleasure riding right by the Thames, taking in the sights and by the time you reach Thamesmead and Woolwich, it's like being on a promenade on holiday - people fishing, kids playing, couples strolling etc. Some of those apartments right on the river - if they're council then what a result for the tenants and the Royal Arsenal development, tube link etc etc is a catalyst that seems to be changing Woolwich for the better.
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Its a cracking route...have done it both ways in daylight and the pitch black of night.
Going Kent bound, we've followed the Thames Path all the way under the Dartford Bridge (the bit between Erith and the Dartford Bridge across the marshes is a mare due to the little rivers inlets from the Thames and makes you take a huge detour) into Greenhithe, then picked it up again at Gravesend and followed it all the way up past Higham and Chalk. The views across the estuary are lovely.
But my favourite ride at the moment, which I do on my road bike, is up to and across London Bridge then down to Upper Thames Street and then follow the Thames either up to Putney Bridge where I stop and have a drink at the pub next to the bridge or turn right up Northumberland Avenue at the Charing Cross footbridge then up to Hyde park via the Mall and Constitution hill. Not as much cycle path but lots of Bus Lanes and it is great cycling around Hyde Park in the cycle lanes.
On a sunny summer evening, especially if it is a high tide, when you come out of the tunnel at Blackfriars and see the light shimmering on the Thames with Waterloo Bridge, the South Bank, the Big Wheel and Big Ben in the background the view is iconic and literally breathtaking. Like you, in the last few weeks when I have done this route I could not help thinking of that thread on here where a lot of people have been denigrating London as a city.
Does anybody have a map for this, I have got as far as the Jolly Farmers on Thames road, coming from Erith along the river, then can't find any sign of the path.
This does the Thames Path from Thamesmead Golf Range out towards Higham... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/38250251
and this one does the Thames Path from Woolwich all the way back to Erith... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/31842772
If you alternate between the map and sat view and zoom in, you'll see the path...
That last one I never intended to do the path that way...it was the same time as you guys were playing Leeds at the Valley last season but the traffic was so horrific coming through Greenwich I turned around and came back that way!
The first link also shows what a pain in the harris the bit between Erith and Dartford is.
Must admit although I think my cycling days are behind me ( does my bum look big on this ... yes!) I could wobble away on this at my own pace and hopefully get fitter!.
Was down at the river at Greenwich and Woolwich last week, and yes I was one of the people slagging off the state of the place, mainly because it was a place I loved as a youngster!. Always loved the idea of living by the river, I just detest what has happened to the place that I grew up in, the industrial,Wharf and barge building industry had a beauty that other countries have not simply destroyed!, and levelled. The Royal Arsenal for too long acted as a 'no man's land' and hindered development in Woolwich. And although I am not entirely convinced that the Barclay Homes development is the answer at least it is trying to retain the architectural features of the area.To me the river paths are public rights of way, not for the gated community, or the preserve of the rich, keeping the public off 'there land' .
So yes have to try this! but still think that Greenwich council have vanderlised the area!.
To conserve is to preserve, not knock it down and build a ghetto for future generations, and the council are the mere stewards of delivering this, in the case of Greenwich council they have failed on too many occassions!
Let's hope that it is temporary Curb _it.....
Interesting that people are trying to preserve, and catalogue the recent past that so much of lower Charlton and Greenwich, I think living in the shadow of the Royal Naval college area has at times taken the focus off other surrounding areas!. That is why areas like the Greenwich market is vital to be preserved and not become another shopping centre, that is the last thing it needs to be!. Although some people fail to understand this!
That sounds like an achievement.
It made me get off my arse and on saturday we jumped on a train to erith and walked the river front from Erith to Charlton (anchor pub). I see what original poster means about Thamesmead - fairly pleasant. Some parts are very industrial but definitely worth doing. I wanted to walk on to greenwich but 3 hours was enough for one day plus what with the bits temporarily closed at the moment by the Pelton its not so much fun.