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london-footprints.co.uk |
ROUTE INFORMATION
A walk along the Thames foreshore at low tide is great fun for exploring and gives a different view of things. Because it is difficult to negotiate the stretch under London Bridge the route suggested follows the Thames Path for the first section then the foreshore itself for the second section. There are several access points to the foreshore between the Globe Theatre and Festival Pier (details below). The steps at Gabriel's Wharf and OXO Tower have open metal treads. The others are concrete and can be covered in slimy mud (take care!).
Stairs/Gates are currently as follows:
London Bridge Pier = climbable gate
Southwark Bridge = locked gate
Globe Theatre = no gate
Tate Modern = open gate
Bankside Gallery = open gate
Blackfriars Bridge (east) = locked gate
Blackfriars Bridge (west) = open gate
Oxo Tower = no gate
Gabriel's Wharf = open gate
National Theatre = locked gate
Festival Pier = open gates
From London Bridge Station
go via Tooley Street to the river. Follow the riverside path
upstream to St Olafs then go between the buildings and continue
along the roadway.
Look out for metal strips in the pavement marking the position of
features such as old London Bridge. As you go under the present
bridge notice it is supported by an arch of the previous one of
1823-31 by John Rennie. As this was the one that was sold to the
Americans I wonder how they managed without this section! On the
right opposite the cathedral are more stones from old London
Bridge. One of these has profiles of the previous structures.
Behind these are steps from which you can view the foreshore.
Continue past Southwark
Cathedral and around to the Golden Hinde ship.
From the platform between this and the Thameside Inn there is a
view of the foreshore (notice the barge beds)
Continue past the remains of
Winchester Palace and the Clink Prison Museum to the Anchor pub.
Walk along the riverside (with more views of the foreshore) and
go under Southwark Bridge.
Notice the depiction of the Thames Frost Fair on the panels.
Continue to the Bankside
Pier.
There is an information panel about the river here. This 120
metre section of the riverwalk is cantilevered to provide a
walkway without encroaching the river and damaging its ecology.
The handrail is inscribed with a quote from Shakespeare's Henry
VIII.
Use the steps just beyond
this to access the foreshore and continue upstream
The word 'Bankside' in 10' letters made from reclaimed timber has
been fitted to the wall and provides ecological niches.
Note: from here you can also explore downstream but will need to return as there are no access points
SAFETY
Check the tide times [see additional info]
Ensure you can reach steps when necessary
Take care when using steps as they are often slippery
The terrain is mostly rough - boots are recommended
Avoid hand to face contact and wash hands afterwards
Ensure wounds are covered
Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult
Do not take food onto the foreshore
Do not leave litter
Carry a mobile phone and emergency numbers
If you would like to try a SCAVENGER HUNT the following objects should be available
(suggest you limit the size of objects!)
piece of chalk
piece of coal
oyster shell
another shell
piece of coloured glass
piece of patterned china
a leaf
a feather
piece of clay pipe
piece of pottery
a bent nail
a plastic object
a piece of wood
a piece of bone
© london-footprints.co.uk 2007