London walks-Isle of Dogs Circular.

Key Facts

• Location: London
• Terrain: Urban paths
• Access: Footpath and road ‘bridge’
• Height gain: 70 metres
• Map: OS Explorer 162 Greenwich and Gravesend
• Starting point: Canary Wharf River Bus Stop

Isle of Dogs walk summary

This circular London walk offers real breathing space within the City. Although the island is under rapid development, the clatter of haulage equipment raising cement through the multi-colour jungle of high rise skeletons is muted by the calm waters of the Thames that gracefully meander towards the sea. Grebes, gulls and people alike enjoy the escape it offers from the frenetic urban forest. There are two very different worlds here and both are very enjoyable.

Along the walk the Isle of Dogs has plenty of green space on offer with the Sir John McDougal and Island Gardens and Mudchute farm a short deviation from the Thames Path. There’s lots of fascinating history to uncover too – all shaped by the presence of the mighty Thames. There’s the historic Docklands Sailing Centre; St Paul’s (not that one); old wharf buildings once the centre for chemicals, paints, drugs and oils; the Ferry House Inn, the oldest building on the island; historic pumping stations and more.

The view from the Isle of Dogs to Greenwich is one of the best in London and the famous landmarks of the glass dome at the south entrance of the foot tunnel, the wooden masts of the Cutty Sark, the majestic buildings of Greenwich Hospital and the parkland with the Royal Observatory on the hill top can easily be picked out across the river. It is possible to walk through the Greenwich tunnel to experience a different side of life – and worth it just to walk through this incredible feat of engineering and Victorian architectural delight.

Today the island is still making history. Canary Wharf’s towering, angular buildings with their colourful and reflective surfaces ooze financial success and the ultimate in urbanisation. You’ll still find fishermen on the dockside though as you walk the length of the South Dock. A nod to the joy of this water’s timeless presence