Coffee in Greenwich

An early morning start was the order of the day because of the tide times.  We needed to paddle to Greenwich and be back at Tower Hamlets just after 12.00 otherwise we would be paddling against a significant tidal flow.  The river is always quieter on Sunday mornings so we were able to be more relaxed when it came to crossing over or to passing some of the river ferry terminals.

I always find paddling past Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs a nostalgic experience as I lived in the area in the early to mid 1970's, when it was a completely different place.  We used to be able to see ships from our kitchen window and there wasn't an office block in sight.

Arriving in Greenwich we found a small rubbish covered beach on which to land before a quick sprint for coffee and muffins.  These were consumed on the river bank as inquisitive tourists passed by.  In previous years we have had time to linger for lunch but today time was tight because of the earlier tide and all too soon it was time to cross over the river and head back towards the Canoe Club.

Another couple of great days paddling in the heart of London thanks to the hospitality of the Tower Hamlets Canoe Club.  We already have next years dates fixed but with a slightly different programme which includes an over night trip.  It should be interesting.

 Early morning calm as we headed past the commercial hub of Canary Wharf.  The river was uncharacteristically calm.

 As we were approaching slack water we were able to explore the remains of some of the derelict wharves, left over from when London was the greatest port in the world .  Urban caving.

 Landing places are not always easy to find in Greenwich.  This rubbish strewn beach seemed the best option.  It is hard to believe that something like this is allowed to exist in a World Heritage Site.  We were lucky as the day before there was a dead dog on the beach.

 Coffee and cakes were the order of the day, barely an eye brow was raised as we mingled with the Sunday morning crowds in our dry suits.

 As time and tide wait for no man it was important to head back towards Tower Hamlets.  En route we came across an Antony Gormley sculpture close to The Grapes pub.

Launching the day before required some imagination, today it was exiting.  Keeping hold of the kayak with a foot whilst climbing onto a ladder and then reaching down to grab the bow required a certain amount of co-ordination.

The final movement of the kayak out of the water was completed with several willing volunteers.

Sea kayaking in the East End of London

After an overcast day heading upstream the following day was simply stunning as we paddled around the Isle of Dogs.  Our aim was to visit the Thames Barrier followed by lunch in Greenwich.  An ideal way to spend a Sunday before flying home to Jersey.

Early morning  on the Thames, with the buildings of Canary Wharf providing a dramatic backdrop.

Having paddled around the southern tip of the Isle of Dogs, we headed up the other side of Canary Wharf.  Greenwich, our venue for lunch, was behind us as we continued downstream.

The O2 is one of the more dramatic buildings along this stretch of the river, an area which has undergone major transformation in recent years.

A recent arrival across the River Thames is the Emirates Cable Car.  If you are in the area it is well worth a visit.

Later in the day used the cable car to access our train back to Gatwick.  The views on a day like this are superb.

Passing underneath the Emirates Cable Car, which crosses the Thames close to the O2.

Approaching the Thames Barrier.  A quick radio call for permission to pass through resulted in one the passages being opened up for us, indicated by the green arrows.

 The Thames Barrier, after we had just passed through.  It is the world's second largest movable flood barrier and was first used to defend London in 1983.  Viewed from a sea kayak it is a particularly impressive structure.

The Thames Again

It doesn't matter how many times I paddle through the heart of London it is always something special.  The Jersey Canoe Club trip to paddle with Tower Hamlets Canoe Club appears to be turning into an annual fixture.  

Launching from Tower Hamlets base to run upstream on the flood tide, the national landmarks arrive quickly.  From just a few centimetres above the water the monuments take on a completely different perspective. 

Kayaking in one of the world's great cities is an exciting and memorable activity, if the opportunity arises then seize it with both hands.

The ever changing London skyline.  the last time I headed this way the Shard, wasn't quite finished

Kate outside the Tower of London.  Kayakers always seem to attract plenty of attention paddling through the heart of the capital, we appeared to be the subject of numerous photographs.

Paddling past the former Battersea Power station can't help but bring back memories of the Pink Floyd album, Animals.

Leaving Vauxhall, where we had been for a meal.  It always amazes me how tolerant the owners of the restaurant are, when soggy kayakers descend on their establishment

 The Houses of Parliament, a familiar site from both land and water.  I always prefer the night time.

 The London Eye always looks more spectacular as night falls.

 Approaching Tower Bridge, by the time we arrived it was pitch black.  We had plenty of lights on the kayaks plus head torches as back up, essential items of equipment because of the density of other traffic on the water.

More Capital Paddling

The second day of our kayaking in the heart of London required a much earlier start as we were heading down stream on the last of the ebb tide.  It was a bright sunny morning after a wild night, wind wise, at the Shadwell Basin.  We were carried past Canary Wharf and Greenwich until we were just passed the O2, by now the tide had turned and it was time to head back up stream.

We landed in Greenwich, quite an amazing experience, leaving the kayaks on the river front walk whilst we retreated to the warmth of the local pub, for lunch.  It is impossible not to be impressed by the maritime traditions of this London suburb.

When it came to launch the rising tide had covered our friendly beach and it was quite entertaining to launch down the steps.  We were quickly carried up the west side of the Isle of Dogs, arriving back at Shadwell Basin for quite a tricky landing.

Kayaking in London is far more interesting than it seems at first sight.  Fast moving streams, vertical walls preventing easy access and moored obstacles create an environment which is challenging for paddlers.  Safety procedures and group control need to be sorted out before launching because once on the water it is all too easy to be distracted by the world famous historic views, which are continually changing.

If you have not been kayaking on the Thames before it is well worth considering for a weekend visit.

 The unique skyline of Canary Wharf

 

Residential waterfront developments are certainly different to the granite cliffs I normally paddle alongside.

 

The O2 from the water.

 

Kayaks almost blocking the footpath at Greenwich, they certainly generated interest amongst the walkers in the area.

 Launching at Greenwich.  There was quite a bit of chop bouncing off the steps.

 Landing back close to Shadwell Basin.  Not the people in the water helping the kayaker.

 

Landing was not easy.  It was a matter of making sure that your arrival coincided with a lull in the swell which was generated by the numerous passing ferries.  A bit of a sting in the tail.
  The end of a great day out in one of the worlds major cities.