One of my favourite stretches of the tidal Thames is Limehouse Reach; that’s the part of the river East of Tower Bridge to Greenwich. It’s steeped in history and on both banks there are some lovely old riverside pubs with names that evoke times past. The Captain Kidd, Prospect of Whitby, Town of Ramsgate, The Grapes on the north bank; The Angel and The Mayflower on the south side.
On both sides of the river there are stunning views of the opposite bank, and in places you can see along the reach to Canary Wharf in one direction and to Tower Bridge in the other. It’s an easy two and a half mile walk from Tower Bridge to the Canary Wharf Estate along the north bank path with great views of the Pool of London warehouses and plenty of other sights to attract a photographer’s attention.
On the south bank from Tower Bridge to Greenwich (Cutty Sark) it is a good six miles with numerous diversions away from the river, but the views of Canary Wharf compensate for the effort you will have to expend to do this walk. The very last bit can be done by bus. The Angel and The Mayflower are both worth a visit and the “village” of Rotherhithe is an oasis of calm.
In 1620 the Mayflower sailed from Rotherhithe on the first stage of its epic voyage to America, and in command was Captain Christopher Jones. Christopher Jones lived in Rotherhithe; his children were baptised at St Mary’s Church Rotherhithe (See opposite) and he was buried in the churchyard.
And, yes, the time was 12:00 midday when I took this picture, and we were just about to head into the Mayflower pub by the river Thames and opposite St Mary’s for our lunch……. which was very good!
On this side of the Thames it’s best to time the walk to arrive at low water opposite Canary Wharf so that you can access the foreshore, for some interesting and different photo opportunities. You can always cut short the route by hopping on the Uber Boat from Rotherhithe pier to Canary Wharf; it’s £5.90 for the three minute crossing……. yes £5.90!
The images in my gallery below have been collected over the last 15 years and countless visits. I am looking forward to the next, planned for August.
Mike Hawkridge Photography 
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