Greenwich Village and Blackheath, from Canary Wharf Station, London, England

Canary Wharf Station, Jubilee Line

The station is in a modern financial centre, with coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. The station exits onto the Reuters Centre Plaza, where the news ticker is timely and regularly updates. Much overheard discussion about financial news, investments, stock markets, etc. There is a pedestrian bridge to the Island of Dogs, located a few minutes walk south of Reuters Plaza, through the "Ubica" Centre. In this direction the environment quickly becomes quieter and less crowded.

Obica Centre

From Reuters Plaza, the route goes straight south, crossing the lobby of Obica Centre at street level, and continuing out the far revolving doors. This leads out to the curved pedestrian bridge to the Isle of Dogs. The shopping complex can also be accessed down an escalator from the Obica Lobby, with a good bookstore and big Starbucks nearby.

Pedestrian Bridge

The curved footbridge crosses to the Isle of Dogs.

Along Quayside

Walking south along the old Quays that once supporting international trade and shipping activity in this area of London. Canary Wharf was originally set up for trade from the Canary Islands. There is a free "Docklands Museum" north of Canary Wharf, that explains the area's history.

Pepper Saint Ontiod Pub

The pub is in a modern building but has a traditional layout and atmosphere. Fish and chips among other things. Especially popular after market close.

Docklands

The waterways open up a bit towards the south, with a sailing club at the far west end. The area is frequented by swans, Canada geese, terns, and other common seabirds.

Mudchute Park

This sections feels like a typical English countryside walk, although tall buildings can often be seen above the treeline.

Farm at Mudchute Park

Horses, sheep, and turkeys seen. This area could be explored in more detail. There was a small Christmas fair on in season.

Island Garden DLR Station

There are a couple of pubs not far from here, including the Ship Inn. The area has more of a town rather than city environment.

Island Garden Park

A Thames-side park at the north end of the Greenwich foot tunnel. The sights of Greenwich seem quite close as viewed across the River from here.

Under Thames Tunnel from Island of Dogs to Greenwich Village

Descend by spiral staircase or elevator. Elevators are sometimes out of service, and this could also apply when going up on the opposite side. This is also a popular crossing for bicycles, and most obey the "no bike riding rule" where there are walkers.

Cutty Sark Museum Area

There is an admission fee to go aboard the Cutty Sark clipper ship.

Greenwich Market

The "Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich" DLR station and the Greenwich Market are both near the exit from the under-Thames foot tunnel.

Greenwich Visitor's Centre

A Museum and students bookshop, also selling tickets to Old Royal Naval College and other Greenwich attractions nearby.

Pepy's Walk

Courtyard, at University of Greenwich

Queen Anne Court - University of Greenwich

Trafalgar Tavern

Fish and chips among other things, lots of windows along Thames side. Other pubs, including "The Yacht" and "Cutty Sark" can be found to the east, along a narrow street and river walk that starts immediately south of the Trafalgar Tavern (these are not on this track).

National Maritime Museum Grounds

Extensive manicured grounds.

Queens House Museum

A residence of former English Queens.

National Maritime Museum

The Franklin Expedition was featured on the day, and is timely given the recent discovery in the Canadian Arctic of the two expedition ships Erebus and Terror (admission fee).

Hill to Royal Observatory Greenwich

This direct route gets quite steep for a few hundred yards, alternatively there are at least two more gentle footpaths to the top.

Pavilion Teahouse

Good afternoon tea stop. Indoor and outdoor tables.

Blackheath

Small ponds with duck and crow activity, lots of large trees, expansive lawns, dog walkers, and other activities.

Blackheath Avenue at Charlton Way

At the south exit from Blackheath. The British Rail Blackheath Station is located directly down the hill to the south (off track).

Queen Elizabeth's Oak

From sign at the site: "This ancient tree known as Queen Elizabeth's Oak is thought to have been planted in the 12'th Century and it has been hollow for many hundreds of years. It has traditions linking it with Queen Elizabeth I, King Henry VIII, and his Queen Anne Boleyn. It may also have been a lockup for offenders against park rules. It died in the late 19'th Century and a strong growth of Ivy supported it until it collapsed in June 1991."

Re-enter Greenwich Village

Re-enter Greenwich village from to the west of the National Maritime Museum.

Greenwich DLR

British Rail Southeastern Line also has a Station here. The DLR connects back to Canary Wharf, stop at Heron Quay Station.