The final BOC retirees walk of the year was in London, walking from Waterloo station, through Lambeth down to the Thames path beside Vauxhall bridge. then down the path to Battersea power station. Through the park to the Prince Albert pub for lunch. After lunch continuing along the Thames path to the helicopter landing pad before cutting through the housing estates to Clapham Junction station. The morning was bright, clear and chilly, with rain forecast for the afternoon, and so I packed for both cold, warmth and rain, in addition as this would mainly be on pavements I chose trainers as the best footwear. I planned to park in the Park and Ride and catch a train from Guildford station, as there were more trains per hour this way as well as a faster option.
I parked in the car park and made to catch the bus, but chose to walk in following the A3100 up past the St Catherine's chapel, before following a path down to the canal opposite the old John Lewis building. (I did check out the tow path below the theatre as it appeared closed - the flood gates were under repair (still) - for future reference). Then following the canal under the one-way system and up the twitten to the station.
I just missed one of the trains and had 25 mins to wait for the next fast train. At Waterloo 40 mins before the scheduled meeting time, I wandered around to find a bakery and second breakfast. I returned to the concourse as the others arrived in dribs and drabs - there were eventually 29 of us!
We set off in a long line, out of the entrance and under the Charing Cross line beside the Hole In the Wall pub. Into the park behind the St John Church, and out at the entrance to Roupell street (where the Midwife series does some filming). Bypassing this and under Waterloo East station
Down to the Old Vic theatre and past the Stage Door and along the street to Blackfriars road at the foundry of the same name.
Down Blackfriars road to St George's Circus with its obelisk. Then down Lambeth Road passing the underground depot.
Down to St George's roman catholic cathedral, where a gaggle of school children were crossing the major road for a service
Through the grounds outside the Imperial War museum, to reach Kennington road
Reaching Lambeth walk park to reach the road of the same name.
Crossing Black Prince road beside the Jolly Gardiners, and down Myer street. This had the old iron bed factory - now something else.
Down Vauxhall Walk and into the gardens - originally the closest countryside to metropolitan London in the 17/18th century.
Along side the main South Western railways line (the one I had travelled up earlier) then under Vauxhall station and up beside the MI6 building at Vauxhall cross.
Now on the Thames path, turning SW and around the boat bow shaped blocks of bridge house
Along the Thames path following the river and various Architect wet dream buildings to the US embassy - the bubble wrap building because of the strange sun shades. In the building behind the embassy is the Sky pool - a suspended glass swimming pool.
Around the embassy (and the peace camp opposite), back to the river and numerous scruffy houseboats - all high and dry as the tide was out.
Along Riverlight quay and several rows of more houseboats (better looking)
The Thames path takes a diversion around the waste processing site before turning down electric avenue opposite New Covent Garden.
The road heads towards Battersea power station (now a massive mall and shopping experience). Next to the power station building is a series of undulating buildings designed by Frank Gehry.
In amongst the shops are some of the original machinery and control panels. There is also a lift up one of the chimneys (however at £24 per adult we all avoided).
Outside in a plaza and the old coaling wharf (most of the plaza was taken up by an ice rink). Back on the Thames path under Grosvenor (rail) bridge. The tower opposite is the waterworks chimney.
On under Chelsea bridge and into Battersea park (or rather down the terrace walk). Heading for Albert Bridge.
Past the Peace pagoda with its four buddhas and approaching Albert bridge.
Just before the bridge we followed the park road and away from the river. At The carriage drive, we crossed over to the Prince Albert pub. We were early for lunch and sat talking until it was served. The food was pleasant pub grub, and after the requisite two hour break we were all paid up an ready to leave.
Back up to Albert Bridge to reconnect with the Thames path. Along the river past Battersea bridge and more fancy apartment buildings following the river as it curved around. Past St. Mary's church and under the railway at Lombard Wharf, followed by more houseboats and fancy buildings to the Helipad. From here we crossed into York road estate and thence into Winstanley estate - both less salubrious than the riverside apartment buildings.
Crossing over into Clapham Junction rail station amid the fight for trains home - it was getting to the close of the business day. Due to recent changes the fast trains to Guildford do not stop here so I had to catch one to Woking then wait for the on-going trains.
Back at Guildford train station (after over an hours journey) we arrived as it started raining. I did debate about finding a bus to the Park & Ride, however the rain was only light so I set off walking (now in the dark), following the same way I had done in the opposite direction this morning. On the way the rain got heavier and my top was soaked by the time I reached the car, luckily it was not far enough to matter.
A short journey home and warmth.
