West London Walkabout
Wed 3rd Jul 2019
Walk Details:
A pacy swirl through Battersea Park along the Thames and then across the river to savour the visual delights of Chelsea. 'We'll just call you Dave,we'll just call you Dave, Azpilicueta, we'll just call you Dave' A prize for anyone who knows the melody (demonstration required)
Entry Details:
Walk Report
West London Walkabout, Wednesday 3rd July 20198 walkers, 7 miles – leader Aysen Bekir
8 of us set off on a sunny Wednesday evening through Battersea Park, threading our way through the thousands turning up for JP Morgan's Corporate Challenge. We managed to steer our way uninterrupted through the park, enjoying the sculpture, landscape and history as we sniffed the barbecue aroma coming from the vast catering operation next to the corporate hospitality marquees preparing for the post-race jollies. While walking along the stretch of river from the Peace Pagoda to Albert Bridge we were pitted against the hundreds of runners streaming past us in the opposite direction, heels thundering, chests heaving and breath heavy in our ears.
Our attempts to exit the park were subject to delay and diversion as we waited for the next tranche of runners to pass before we were allowed to cross to the gate. Once we'd made our escape, the walk continued without further interruption across to Chelsea, passing various historic sights including the Moravian burial ground, Chelsea Physic Garden and Royal Hospital, and then on towards Millbank to the spot where 19th century POMs (Prisoners of Millbank) stepped down into the prison boats taking them to the convict ships in Woolwich for their journey to Botany Bay. The last stretch took us through the peaceful back streets of Pimlico to Westminster Cathedral, our final point of historical interest before a well-earned drink at the Willow Walk by Victoria Station.
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