Keep On Running

As the days start to lengthen, here are some tips from our resident runner. Millions of people visit Greenwich every year to stroll around the attractions and heritage. But another way to see the sights is to run Greenwich. Try this route on Greenwich Peninsula. It’s about 5km. And it’s flat!

Head to the riverside and start underneath the line of the Emirates Air Line cable car. Then head down river towards the magnificent Thames Barrier in the distance. The run takes you past Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, a tranquil oasis with four acres of freshwater habitat and home to a fascinating array of wildlife.

Further along, there’s a stretch of industrial works and all kinds of sounds and smells of the working river Thames as you run past.  Echoes of the industrial heritage that Greenwich Peninsula is known for. The Anchor and Hope pub looks good for a refresher but keep pushing on – maybe on the way back.

Before long you reach the famous Thames Barrier.  You may think it’s a dead end but follow the signs and you’ll see a path that takes you underneath some of the Barrier and then out in to the grounds of the Thames Barrier Information Centre.

This is where you can pause before the run back.  Turn back on yourself to see one of the best views in London – the Thames Barrier with riverboats and sailing yachts passing through and Emirates Air Line cable car, The O2 and Canary Wharf all in the background.  It’s stunning.

Now, run back and before you know it you’ve run quicker than your outbound journey.  Stop for a drink, or keep going underneath the cable cars, past North Greenwich Pier and around The O2 and the tip of Greenwich Peninsula.  Look out for art installations along the way including half a ship and a man in a cloud.  Stop now to complete your 5k…”