I’ve had two days in London, a quick hop between a trip to Italy and a family visit in Scotland, and it hasn’t been long enough. However, I have a spare hour before I leave to board the train at King’s Cross for my journey to Edinburgh, so I think I’ve just enough time to squeeze in a final walk. My base has been the Premier Inn Bank (Tower) hotel, and it has proved an excellent location for exploring the area around the River Thames.
A five-minute walk takes me to the steps at London Bridge, I make my way down and follow the Thames Path walk along the North Bank. I’m heading west towards Millennium Bridge, which will bring me to St Paul’s Cathedral. The route is dotted with commuters and joggers but is quiet enough for my walk to feel leisurely.
I’m enjoying the views of the riverside and the contrast of old and new architecture. Some modern structures peek out behind beautiful old stonework and some classic properties seem to rise from the middle of contemporary buildings. Every now and then I’m diverted behind the riverfront through passageways and archways.
I wonder as to the safety because some of the passages are quite dark, but there are still people about and plenty of CCTV, so I figure I’ll be OK. After a 15-minute stroll I reach Millennium Bridge, and making my way up the steps I am rewarded with magnificent views of St Paul’s set majestically against a perfect blue sky. The pristine white Portland stone church is framed by red brick buildings, l.