North Greenwich to the Thames Barrier

Having wandered around the new developments surrounding the O2, what I think might be termed the Greenwich Peninsula, it was time to start the walk proper along the Thames Path.

This curious feature is the Quantum Cloud by the ubiquitous Antony Gormley. His sculptures generally leave me quite cold. They tend to be big and simple as I don't think he can really do detail. This seems a theme for much modern art. We haven't got the skill to craft stuff, so just make it bold and don't invite people to look too closely.

This is fairly striking, but I couldn't help but think a nice tree would look better. And a lot cheaper no doubt.

The Emirates cable-car is a fine addition to the area. Not really as useful as a bridge but much more fun.

This is a sundial designed to celebrate the Millennium. Rather less showy than the Dome

All along this Thames side area there are large and undistinguished flats, taking advantage of the river views. And while maybe of no great architectural merit, they are better than what went before and house lots of people, so one shouldn't carp.

But then you reach the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park. This, along with the area surrounding it, was once just redundant industrial wasteland. Now in my view it is one of the finest bits of regeneration I have seen. The park itself has lakes and reed beds. It is small, but very well designed for the space.

And I rather envy the people who live in the apartments than overlook them. Highly desirable, and a fine mix of nature and utility. The flats are not boring in themselves and have a great outlook.

This is the clubhouse for the Greenwich Yacht Club.

At this point regenerated residential hits old fashioned industrial. And unlike the industries that used to be here such as shipbuilding and chemicals, the industry here is still thriving. It is for the import of aggregates - basically building materials for the foundation of London's ever increasing developments works.Gritty. Literally.

Then suddenly you come across the Anchor and Hope pub

with fine views across the river.

Ad then you come to the Thames Barrier. I had never ventured out to here before. Very impressive sight as well has having an extremely useful purpose! Without it, London would be sunk. Spans 520 metres across the river
 

As you can see below, large boats can still get through the gates.