Beneath the Thames

Leaving Canary Wharf behind, I continued my walk along the waterfront and crossed onto the Isle of Dogs.

The atmosphere changed once again.

The busy office towers gave way to quiet residential streets, converted warehouses and modern apartment buildings overlooking the water. Every now and then I passed a houseboat gently bobbing alongside the docks.

It reminded me a little of Rheinauhafen in Cologne, where old harbour buildings have been beautifully woven together with modern architecture. I always enjoy these neighbourhoods where cities preserve a piece of their industrial past while giving it a completely new purpose.

Eventually, I reached the River Thames.

Across the water stood the magnificent Old Royal Naval College, with the historic Cutty Sark moored just beside it.

To get there, I didn’t need a ferry.

Instead, I descended into one of London’s hidden engineering marvels: the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

It’s a strange feeling walking beneath one of the world’s most famous rivers. The tunnel seems to go on forever, and it’s hard not to think about the thousands of tonnes of water flowing directly above your head.

A few minutes later, daylight returned.

On the Greenwich side, I stopped for a few photos of the Cutty Sark before admiring the elegant buildings of the Old Royal Naval College.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to explore everything.

My evening plans were waiting.

It was time to head back into central London.Read more