Day 5, part 3: A bit of sightseeing

So we reached Maze Hill (after a long and dreary forced detour by the dual carriageway!) ans thereby filled on our missing piece. So now we can say we have truly walked the river all the way across London - from the Thames Barrier to Hampton Court Palace!

Time for a little sightseeing, so we walked on to Greenwich and under the foot tunnel, then took a bus, a train (DLR) and a boat to get to the London Eye!

Day 5, part 2: The Dome

Flotsam and jetsam on the tidal mud flats


Walking right around the 'Dome' or O2 arena, next to the David Beckham Academy.





Through a building site moonscape.

Day 5, part 1: Back to the start!

When we started our Thames walk there were transport problems (and weather problems!) in London so we could not actually get to the official start at the Thames Barrier. So now we decided
it was time to go back and fill in the 4 or 5 miles we missed off at the start: Thames Barrier to Greenwich.

Day 4, part 4. Hampton Court

Finally, we reach Hampton Court Palace, with a lot more wild parakeets than when Henry VIII was around!

Day 4, part 3. Towards Hampton Court

After a tea break in Kingston we decide to push on in the direction of Hampton Court - only another three miles!

Day 4 part 2. Teddington

A long lunch (and detour around Teddington) with Tim.





And onto Kingston - all exhausted!

Day 4: part 1. Richmond to Teddington

Back to Richmond for the start of day 4, and another warm sunny day.




Along the Hams and past Eel Pie Island.


The Obelisk marking the boundary between Port of London Authority and Thames Conservancy.


Teddington Lock - the limit of the tidal Thames.

Day 3, part 4: Kew to Richmond

Last leg of day 3.. Left Kew Gardens behind, passing Syon Park on the opposite bank.

















Lots of herons along this stretch, including a heronry (plus a few more parakeets).








King Henry VII built a palace and an astronomical observatory here, marked by these obilisks and meridian line.








And finally to Richmond - 9 miles walked today - in the SUN.

Day 3, part 3: Kew

To Kew and the National Archives for lunch. Six miles so far today.

Day 3, part 2: Hammersmith Bridge

Round the famous Hammersmith bend and under the impressive (but very low!) Hammersmith Bridge.

Day 3, part 1: Putney and Parrots

After a break for a couple of days we headed back to Putney to carry on the walk.








And amazingly the riverside trees were alive with ring-necked parakeets!








Wembley Stadium in the distance.

Day 2, part 10: Putney

Finally, after about 11 miles, Putney Bridge in sight! But oh no! A security alert and we have to divert to East Putney to end the day's walk!

Day 2, part 9: Wandsworth

Exausted at Wandsworth

Day 2, part 8: Pimlico to Battersea

Along the long long roadside section in Pimlico (the most boring part of the walk) opposite Battersea Power Station, across Chelsea Bridge and through Battersea Park (for a tea and chips stop).

Day 2, part 7: Vauxhall Bridge

With it's impressive statues of famous trades... and a heron fishing underneath (plus some gulls going crazy!)

Day 2, part 6: Westminster

Crossed Westminster Bridge to reach Big Ben at exactly 12 noon and hear the chimes!! Stopped to look at the statues of two famous women: Boudica and then Emmeline Pankhurst.

Day 2, part 5; South Bank

Suddenly into the crowds of the South Park - what a difference! Street performers and the OXO tower.