Capital Ring: Section 14 & 15 - Hackney Wick to Woolwich Arsenal

Weather: Warm, sunny and slightly sticky with a stiff breeze

Playlist: Last FM Playlist

Time: 3 and 3/4 hours

A bit of a delay (ok almost 4 weeks) in bloging this section of the Thames Path, partly I think because I didn't find it that enjoyable, in parts the route become a bit of a slog, a chore rather than the pleasure I have got used to. At least the weather was nice.

This pair of legs could have been entitled 'Diversions and Disappointments'  as the early part of the route is heavily disrupted by works connected with the upcoming Olympics and the new Crossrail railway link. This meant a lot of route changes early on along some rather grotty and noisy main roads.

Most of the route takes you along the top of the NOSE or Northern Outfall Sewer Extension. A useful linear path with easy navigation with a subtle bouquet! However unlike some of the other similar linear paths the scenery was rather boring and uninspiring. Apart from the glimpse of the Abbey Mills sewage work there was little of architectural value and nothing of natural beauty to see on the walk.

The latter half of the walk takes you through the campus of the University of East London which is attractive and its dramatic setting on the side of the docks with London City Airport beyond is splendid. The next section of the walk took me to the Thames for the first time, tide was in and it looked very wide and wild with the wind whipping up the water. The next part of the walk was a little confusing and for me scary as you walk across the dock gates at the end of the docks. I hate heights almost as much as I hate spiders and this made me rather nervous.

The final part of the walk was to be though the foot tunnel at Woolwich but this is closed for repairs so instead I took one of the rather grand ferries and enjoyed the view up and down the Thames as I prepared for my first walk south of the river.