Continued from The Big One Part OneDC Editor Adam writes…
As regular Daily Constitutional readers and some London Walkers will know, on my days off I like to stride out and walk London. I'm a big fan of the Capital Ring orbital walking route and I love to walk the Thames. Many of the pictures and ideas that end up on this blog are born out of my rambles.
On Wednesdays here on The Daily Constitutional, I'll be sharing some snaps, random observations and the odd bit of trivia picked up along the routes of my wanders.
The walks have no formal structure or narrative like a London Walks tour – these are, after all, my days off! They are merely notes and snaps captured as I drift along letting London happen to me.
Today I'm sharing a few snaps from The Big One – that's my name for a stroll along the River Thames east-to-west from North Greenwich to Richmond. I like to do The Big One at least once a year. I usually vary the route by swapping the river bank – in this instance I stuck to the south side. Taken easy it's a six-or-so hour ramble, so set aside the whole day to do it.
This particular account dates from 22nd June 2016…
The Big One Part Two…
The world's media had gathered to cover Brexit. This is NBC taking up a spot directly opposite Parliament.
The park dates from 1858 and is situated at the site of the old Battersea Marsh a popular duelling ground.
This 'andsome fella seems to have found the last remaining bit of marsh…
It's the day before Brexit and here's a British bulldog up to his neck in poop. Draw your own conclusions.
The park is also home to the London Peace Pagoda…
The Albert Bridge is surely London's prettiest bridge…
… but today I'm eschewing its charms in favour of the long view of Chelsea and Fulham from the south…
Battersea Square is one of those hidden corners that proves the concept of village London is more than an estate agent's conceit…
… and I'll be back to Le Quecum Bar some night soon for a lit of jazz (www.quecumbar.co.uk) with its tribute to the immortal Django Reinhardt…
Very good advice in Wandsworth Park…
Just past Putney, the view of two football stadia that always surprises me - Craven Cottage, home of Fulham F.C on the right of the pic, with the arch of Wembley in the distance.
Luxury flats at the old Harrod's warehouse…
And Hammersmith Bridge…
… my favorite London Bridge of all. It seems to doughty in its pistachio uniform, the color reminds me of the Crystal Palace dinosaurs (more of them on another ramble another day).
Beyond Hammersmith…
… it all gets a bit countryfied, punctuated by the odd bit of only-in-London daftness, such as the spaceman in Barnes…
But before we get too bucolic, the constant roar of Heathrow traffic brings us back to earth…
A barge cruises by the Duke of Northumberland's gaff, Syon House…
… as Richmond finally hoves into view…
And I end the day as I started it, on an empty tube train having only just defeated the evening rush hour…
Catch up with Part One of The Big One HERE.Later in the series I'll share The Big One from the north of the river.
I'll post another Big Walk Wednesday soon.
In the meantime, if you'd like to share pics of your own London wanders, please send them to the usual address.
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
