London - Regents Canal to River Thames, Isle of Dogs and Greenwich, 8km

This is part of my series of leisurely London walks aimed at exploring and getting to know the city better. They are easy, largely flat and shorter in length than my countryside hikes.

As we leave Mile End tube station, we enter Mile End Park, created on land devastated by bombing during World War II. It is a 90-acre linear park that runs along the edge of Regent’s Canal.

Walk along Regent’s Canal taking in the sights. We eventually reach Limehouse Basin, a quiet location sprinkled with residential accommodation and boats - the River Thames, Regent’s Canal, and Limehouse Cut all meet here, each providing a green highway along which wildlife can move around the built-up area.

As we follow the Thames Path in the Isle of Dogs, have your camera ready for stunning views of the waterfront and the city’s skyline (the Shard, Walkie Talkie, etc). Also soak in the views of the glass skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

We will continue along to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. The tunnel sits 15 metres beneath the River Thames and is 370 metres long. It was opened in 1902 and connects Island Gardens in Tower Hamlets in the north to Greenwich in the south.

On exiting the tunnel in Greenwich, we immediately come across the Cutty Sark, the state-of-the-art Victorian tea clipper. It was built in 1869 and designed to carry tea from China to England as fast as possible. A fashion developed among Victorians for consuming the first tea to be unloaded in London – this spurred the ‘great tea races’ and intense competition to get home first where you could command huge prices. The Cutty Sark was designed to be fast!

Walk along the grounds of the Old Royal Navy College – a cultural destination in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is an award-winning visitor attraction and one of the UKs most sought-after film locations due to the iconic architecture of its 18th century buildings, expansive grounds and views of London. It has appeared in Netflix’s Bridgerton and blockbusters such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor II, and Skyfall, among many others.

The Painted Hall here is the jewel, known as Britain’s Sistine Chapel (we will not be entering it as there’s a fee). You could also spend time in St Peter and St Paul Chapel (we may visit the Chapel if it's open).

We end up at Greenwich market with its arts and crafts and food stalls. Once the walk ends around here, feel free to explore Greenwich further on your own!

Cost: Free

Start time: 10:30am

Start location: Mile End tube station - I’ll be waiting on the pavement at the exit (main road A11). My mobile: 07951673142

End location: Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich DLR station / Greenwich market (they are 2 min apart by foot)

Length: 8km

Ascent: largely flat

Time: around 2.5 hrs - exact end time depends on the weather, pace of the group, and our breaks.

Pace & Difficulty: an easy, relaxed, and leisurely pace. The aim is to enjoy being outdoors and have a fun, friendly walk. It is suitable for beginners.

Transport: Mile End tube station (Central, District, and Hammersmith and City lines). Check the status of the tube before travel. Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich is a DLR station in Greenwich.

What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. Walkways and trails can be muddy and slippery. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (sturdy shoes with good grip/waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions

I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.