Walking from Greenwich to Woolwich along the Thames path offers an interesting route along the river that takes you through the heart of industrial docklands, glamorous new developments, and past significant points of interest like the Millenium Dome and the Thames Barrier.
We wandered from Greenwich to Woolwich as the second part of a longer walk along the Thames. You can read about the first part of the walk from London Bridge to Greenwich here.
It was a mild day in December when we completed this walk, and it was later in the afternoon when we did this stretch from Greenwich to Woolwich. The sun was setting quickly and there was a race against time to see the Thames Barrier before we lost daylight, but the setting sun provided a great atmosphere and backdrop for the city.
This is one of the best walks along the Thames in London due to the sight you’ll see and how quiet this part of the Thames Path is.
Walking out from Greenwich
Having already walked from London Bridge to Greenwich earlier in the day, we’d stopped for lunch before setting off, heading away from the Old Royal Naval College along the Thames Path, with Canary Wharf across the river to our left.
One of the first sights you’ll notice to your right is Trinity Hospital, next to Greenwich Power Station.
Passing by Crowley’s Wharf, you’ll notice a series of painted tiles on the wall to your right. These tiles tell the story of “Stan”, and it’s entertaining to pause for a moment and read it from start to end.
Further on, you’ll head past Cutty Sark pub, which is a good option if you need a quick stop-off point early in the walk.
As you head around the bend of the river, you’ll see the Millenium Dome up ahead, indicating which direction you need to be heading. So, along with the signs pointing out the Thames Path, it’s not easy to get lost!
Cutting across Greenwich Peninsula
Continuing along the Thames as it curves northwards, you’ll pass by various new developments along the waterfront.
At one point, the Thames Path will cut inland and away from the river. You’ll come across a fork in the path with a signpost indicating two routes: one heading up to the Millenium Dome and following the curve of the river, and the other a quicker route cutting across Greenwich Peninsula.
You can take either route, depending on how much time you have. We opted for the slightly shorter path inland in order to reach our destination in the light and to see a different part of the city.
For this route, follow the signs to a footbridge that takes you over the busy road leading into Blackwall Tunnel and then down the other side.
You’ll be led to Central Park, where you can see the Millenium Dome and a first look at the IFS Cloud Cable Car in the distance.
Head across the park, take a right then and left shortly after and the road will take you back to the river where you can rejoin the Thames Path.
Down the Thames Path from Greenwich Peninsula
Now you’re back by the river, you can get an even better view of the cable car crossing the Thames to the north of your position.
The Thames Path is easy to follow from here, following the river as it curves south and then east. It will take you past a series of impressive waterfront apartments, and then past Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park.
You’ll be able to see the Thames Barrier in the distance – the next major landmark to head for.
Towards the Thames Barrier
Once you’re heading away from Greenwich Peninsula, the Thames Path will lead you through industrial docklands as it leads towards the Thames Barrier.
You’ll briefly be taken along a road that passes the Hope & Anchor pub before coming back out along the river, where you can get great views of the city skyline behind you.
On our walk, with the daylight already fading, we got some amazing shots of the city.
Heading by the Thames Barrier
The Thames Path will then take you past one of the most impressive feats of engineering and architecture in the city – the Thames Barrier.
You’ll be led through a (slightly scary-looking) tunnel, and out the other side you’ll have even more great views.
Continue along the river and up a small embankment to get perfect views of the barrier and city to the west of you.
Navigating your way towards Woolwich
From here, the Thames Path breaks away from the river and you’ll have to follow a slightly windy path down small roads and old warehouses before being led back to the waterfront again.
Keep along the Thames Promenade as it takes you east towards Woolwich.
If you want to see how far you’ve come, back a look behind at how distant Canary Wharf seems compares to the start of the walk.
You’ll soon pass by a pair of old cannons – the first sign of the history of Woolwich Arsenal.
Into Woolwich
Keep straight along the path and you’ll eventually reach Woolwich Pier, which will likely be busy with cars waiting for the ferry across the Thames.
From there, you can head into the centre of Woolwich up the high street if you’re looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat, or a little further along the river you’ll be able to hop on an Uber Boat back towards central London.
We headed straight for Woolwich Arsenal station and got a train back to London Bridge where we started out earlier in the morning, wrapping up our long walk back where we began.
Other recommended London walks to try out
Explore our blog to learn about more of the best walks in London, including:
- London Bridge to Greenwich
- Camden to Little Venice
- King’s Cross to Limehouse
- Blackfriars to Battersea
- Limehouse Cut walk
