How to walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier: Thames Path Day 19

The walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier is a long slog. 12 miles on concrete or similar. Comfortable shoes are a must.

It’s a milestone day, because this is where the Thames Path used to end. Not anymore though. Still another 40 or so miles to go.

Looking towards the Thames Barrier across the river, on the the walk from Tower Bridge. — The Thames Barrier

A leaning derelict ship on the left side of the river at low tide, with the Thames Barrier behind, on the walk from Tower Bridge. The skyscrapers of Canary Wharf are visible in the distance. — The Thames Barrier from the other side

What to expect on the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier

You leave the city and tourist London, for what was historically working class London. A lot of old buildings, with a few modern ones thrown in. Industrial in parts, and some abandoned factory buildings.

A brick wall with old sign painted in white saying Mills & night. LTD Nelson Dock. There is a family walking next to the wall on the pavement.

Looking towards the corner of a derelict factory building partway through the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier. There are broken glass window panes in the building. There is a cyclist on the road on the left.

Looking across the river to an industrial site with machinery painted blue, when walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

I quite enjoyed this walk (most of it anyway). You will circle around the Isle of Dogs with the impressive skyscrapers of Canary Wharf rising high, pass by an unusual amount of sculptures, and lots of historical things.

A small brick lock hut on the walkway on the left, with black railings then river to the right, and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf on the other side of the river.

Looking across the river to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, partway through the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

You will switch a lot between the riverside and road, which is mostly well signposted.

Looking along an alley way between a pub and brick wall, with Union Jack bunting hanging between them.

8 miles in, you reach Greenwich which is a good place to end the walk if you can’t make the 12 miles. Trendy with lots of places to eat, and a park with one of the best views across London.

Looking across the green courtyard surrounding by palatial buildings in Greenwich.

Looking along the walkway to the river and Canary Wharf skyscrapers on the other side, in Greenwich. There are lots of people sitting and walking. — This isn’t the park view. Just another good one.

If you do continue to the Thames Barrier, there isn’t a train station there, so the walk actually ends a couple of miles further along at Woolwich Arsenal.

Fun Fact: Woolwich Arsenal is where all stuff artillery used to be made, and old home to the Ministry of Defence. It reached its peak in WWI. It’s origins are in fireworks production from 1696.

Logistics

Start: Tower Bridge, London.

Finish: Woolwich, London.
Distance: 12 miles.
Option to shorten the walk: Yes. See public transport below.

Terrain: All hard ground.
Difficulty: Easy trail, the length on hard ground makes it more challenging.
Amenities: Lots all along the route.

Time of year: I walked from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier in mid July.

Read day 18 here: Battersea to Tower Bridge

Public Transport

The nearest proper station to Tower Bridge is London Bridge which is a gateway type station. Lots of different underground lines plus the overground and national rail run through here.

The nearest to the Thames Barrier is Woolwich Arsenal which is about 2 miles past the Thames Barrier. This has the overground (Thameslink), underground (Elizabeth Line), and DLR.

Along the route there are a few option, but I think the best would be Greenwich which is 8 miles in.

The Uber Boat also runs along this part of the river which would be a fun way to end. The is a pier at Woolwich Arsenal and Greenwich, which will take you back into the city.

Map for the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier

(There are a few gaps where I stopped my tracker for a break, then forgot to restart it).

Route Description: Walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier

If you are arriving from London Bridge Station, somehow make your way to the river. It can be a little confusing. The easiest way is to exit at Tooley Street. If you want to go to Borough Market first, then exit following the Borough Market signs.

When you do reach the river, turn right and walk towards Tower Bridge.

Looking across the river to the skyscrapers of the city of London, at the start of the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier. — One last close look at the city

Looking across the river to the Tower of London, at the start of the walk towards the Thames Barrier. — The Tower of London

Continue under Tower Bridge onto the alley type road, then take a left along Maggie Blake’s Cause. This will get you back onto the riverside for a great view of Tower Bridge again.

A pedestrian walkway between the tall buildings with bridges between them, and lots of people walking below.

An ally between the brick buildings. There are some people walking along it. — Turn left here

Tower Bridge across the river, at the start of the walk towards the Thames Barrier.

Follow the walkway, over the little bridge, and more walkway, then you will be led onto the road.

A wide walkway with brown brick buildings to the left, and railings and river to the right. — The view looking back

Looking along the river offshoot running between old apartments buildings. — Over the little bridge

Looking along a road lined with brick buildings.

For the next while you will be switching between riverside and residential road.

Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, and history

At the road, you can stay straight, or turn right. I turned right, then took the first left onto Jacob Street. Then at the end, a left then immediate right onto Chambers Street.

Looking at the corner of a brick houses, with a street sign saying 'Jacob Street'.

A road sign saying 'Chambers Street' on a red brick wall.

At the next junction with Thames Path sign, it’s a trick. It says to go left, but that’s a dead end. So stay straight, and take a left onto Loftie Street.

Follow the road as it curves, and you will reach the riverside. The first statues you will reach are Dr Salter’s Daydream.

Statues of Dr Salters Daydream on the walkway, lined with a brick wall on the other side. Houses and skyscrapers are visible in the distance.

These are statues depicting Dr Alfred Salter, Ada Salter, their daughter Joyce, and a cat. Very important people of the area. I didn’t know this, so looked them up when I got home and this is what I found on the Living London History Website:

Dr Salter moved to this deprived part of London, and offered free medical treatment to those who could not afford it. This didn’t make his fellow Dr’s happy, as it would reduce their business. He was married to Ada who dedicated her life to helping others. Both were involved in local politics, with a mission to bring change, improve housing, and bring more green space. Ada was elected Mayer of Bermondsey and was the first female Mayer of a borough in London.

Although they could afford to live somewhere more affluent and cleaner, they stayed in the area. This unfortunately meant they were exposed to Scarlet fever which swept through the slums, and led to their daughters death at the age of 8.

Then you will reach the remains of King Edward III Manor House. This ditch around it used to be a moat, and at high tide he would come and go along the Thames by boat.

Wall ruins surrounding a grass patch, and a row of terraced houses on the other side.

The path continues along a mix of riverside, roads, and cobbled streets (it’s well signposted), with more sculptures, and views back to the city.

A Sheltered walkway, with river to the left.

An alley walkway between brick buildings, on the walk between Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier. There are bridge balconies between the buildings. There are some people walking below.

Looking to the corner of a brick bridling on a cobbled street.

A sculpture of a man, child, and dog o0n the walkway, with the brick wall behind them and river on the other side.

Looking across the river to a rusty cargo boat, row of apartments on the other side, and the shard in the distance.

A black thames path sign, on a black post, with white allow pointing left, on the walk between Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier.

Looking along the path between the brick buildings to the road with parked cars.

Canary Wharf

At some point on one of the street detours, you will get your first view to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, before following a riverside path with them right ahead.

Looking along the walkway with a brick wall to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf ahead, partway through the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

You will have some more back and forth between the riverside and roads.

A thames path sign on the wall, with a white arrow pointing right, on the all between Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier.

The facade of the Blacksmiths arms pub with lots of red flowers hanging outside.

Steps leading up next to a brick building, with tall skyscrapers ahead.

A wide walking path, with apartments on the right, black railing on the left, and river to the left of it. There are a few people walking on the path.

One of the river detours I didn’t see a signpost for. It’s the photo below. You need to walk down there, then turn left (which is signposted).

A walking path with apartments to the left and bushes to the right. — Turn right onto here, then turn left.

When you get back onto the river, there are more sculptures, and historic things, including wall remains. This used to be the boundary wall of Kent and Surrey (it was relocated to here though).

a narrow walking path with brick walled houses to the left and a short brick wall to the right. There are bushes and trees coming up from behind the brick wall.

A wide walking path with two people ahead. There is a black railing and river to the left.

A sculpture on the walkway, when walking from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier. There are skyscrapers in the distance, on the other side of the river.

An old wall in the middle of the walking path.

The big boring detour

There is a big not so interesting detour from the river next. When you reach the park and playground, follow the path through it, into a housing area, then straight through the next park to reach the road. Turn left onto the road.

A path leading through the park with a playground to the left and trees ahead. — Walk through here

A thames path sign on a black post, pointing ahead.

A three story brick building next to the road, with arch shaped windows and white peeling paint at the top.

Follow the road and Thames Path signs to reach another park.

A wide path leading through the park. There is green grass either side of the path and overhanding green leafy tree branches.

This one is odd. The sign tells you to take a left or right. Left takes you on a loop around the green which seems pointless. You might as well take the right. I actually took the left, then when I realised what the path was doing I was confused. A guy sitting on the bench saw me and knew. ‘Thames Path?’ he said. Then pointed to where I should go.

Anyway, follow the path to the right, out of the park onto the road.

A road, with cars path on the right, and big trees to the left.

Keep going, then just before the end at the main road, turn left (there is signage here).

A green Thames path sign pointing left and back.

Keep following the signs as they guide you around the houses, and you will eventually be back onto the river.

A road lined with a graffiti covered wall on the left.

A narrow road with a pub on the right side, with red parasols covering the outdoor eating area.

A black circle thames path sign on a black lamppost, with a white arrow pointing ahead.

Looking over the pier at low tide with its supports exposed and canary wharf skyscrapers in the distance, on the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

Greenwich

It felt good to be back on the river again. Now with slightly more modern apartments. Keep going and you will reach Greenwich riverside. You will know you are there because it will be a lot busier.

A bridge walking path leading towards a large grey apartment building.

A wodę path leading to an old ship. There are lots of people walking along the path.

This is a good place to end the day. Or at least stop for lunch. There are lots of places to eat, street food, market stalls etc.

Street food market stalls, with lots of people walking about in Greenwich.

You can go and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line which where the east and western hemispheres meet.

The big grand building you will see is the Old Royal Navy College, and university of Greenwich.

Looking along the sand back of the river at low tide, with a walking path on the other side and grand palatial building, partway through the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

That big ship you walked past is Cutty Sark. This is an old British clipper ship built in 1869, and was the fastest of its time. It was one of the last ships of its type to be built before steam ships took over.

You can read more about Greenwich here.

I had already decided earlier on in the walk that I would end here. The hard ground was getting tedious, and it was a pretty hot day.

I found my spot to sit and eat, contemplating my next move. I could get the river boat back. That would be nice. But in the back of my mind, something told me I should keep going.

A stone paved walking path with benches and small green to the right, with a grand palatial building on the right side and black railing and river to the left. There are a few people sitting on the benches. — I sat here to eat

So I did. I got a coffee first though, to give me that boost.

If you continue following the path, you will be off the river again briefly then back again, where you will get a good view to the 02 arena. This is the best view of it. It’s less exciting when you get up close.

A row of houses with steps leading up to each one with a colourful door in Greenwich.

Looking across the river to the 02 in the distance, on the walk between Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier.

Walk to the Thames Barrier

I reached a sign which pointed left 2ish miles to the Thames Barrier. I felt excited, especially as I didn’t realise I was so close. Then I realised this was a dead end. That’s when I saw the sign pointing ahead, 4 miles to the Thames Barrier. That feeling when you find out you have 2 miles left, to then find out it’s actually 4 miles.

After some more apartment buildings, things start to feel a little more industrial.

A wide walkway with orange and light blue coloured apartment building ahead.

A narrow walkway with railing to the left and brick building to the right behind the wall. The building has 'Modern Wharf' written in bold across it.

A wide walkway with railings and river to the left, and industrial things to the right.

Then you pass a golf driving range. This made me laugh. It’s not a true English walk unless you go through a golf course. Even in the city it seems.

I zoned out in my own world for a little and almost missed that I was now walking right next to the 02. It felt a little anticlimactic.

The 02 building behind a blue metal fence.

Around here you will get a view to the cable cars. I got one of these once, many years ago. To get home after going to the Olympics.

Cable cars across the river, on the all from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

As I continued on, I looked ahead along the river looking out for the Thames Barrier. That’s when I realised I didn’t know what I was looking for. I’ve never seen it. So I did a quick Google of what it looked like.

A row of sailing boats moored on the river, with the Thames Barrier ahead in the distance.

I could see it!

There is a little more detour around industrial stuff before the final stretch of riverside path to reach the Thames Barrier.

A road with warehouse buildings on the left, a stone wall with barbed wire on the right, and a man walking ahead.

Walk to Woolwich

From the Thames Barrier, it’s a little confusing. I walked underneath, and followed the path to the end which is a dead end. After lots of circling around, I realised I needed to follow the road to get out of here.

You can pick up the road next to the Thames Barrier Cafe.

When you reach the point in the photo below, follow the walkway (I accidentally walked the wrong way at first).

A bridge walkway with factory buildings ahead, and a thames path sign on a pole.

Across the walkway you will be in an area full of abandoned factory buildings. I’ve never seen a place like this before. The one on the left is where batteries were made in the 1920’s.

An old derelict factory buildings with peeling white paint, on the walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier.

A large derelict factory building with car park in the middle, near the end of the Tower Bridge Thames Barrier walk.

Continue all the way to the end and up the next walkway ramp to get onto the riverside again.

A long straight walking path lined with silver railings. There is a person walking along it ahead, and the river is to the left.

A long straight walking oath with green hedges to the right and concrete wall to the left. There are twp people walking on the path.

Two cargo boats sitting in the middle of the river near the end of the Tower Bridge Thames Barrier walk.

I zoned out again along here. Theres not a lot to look at.

A little past the Woolwich Ferry area, I came across a sign saying Thames Path/South West Coast Path. This must be where they meet. I decided this would be a good place to stop for the day, and headed onto the main road.

Two Thames Path and England coast oath black disc signs on a pole, at the end of the Tower Bridge to Thames Barrier walk.

Walk to the station

To reach the station from this point, you need to cross a very busy road (the crossing is just on the right). Then continue onto the road directly across from the crossing, then take a left onto what feels like a high street.

Looking across the road too a central reservation and shops on the other side. — Cross over here

At the very end you will reach Woolwich Arsenal DLR train. I spent a good 10 min trying to figure out where the other trains are. I went in and out of the station and down to the platform and back up a few times. When I gave in and finally asked someone, it turns out they are just around the other side. It’s very confusing, and not signposted at all.

Read next: Woolwich to Dartford Day 20 (coming soon)