Transport for London (TfL) has got together with the London Boroughs and Walk London to put together some free guided walks which will span the width, length and breadth of the City.
The led walks will take place on London’s Strategic Walk Network, a series of seven long-distance routes broken up in to shorter sections. The 350-mile Network is one of the initiatives being promoted by TfL and the Boroughs to help London become one of the most walking-friendly cities in Europe by 2012.
Greenwich is one of the areas that will be explored with a choice of four walks. Participants of these walks will be able to get up close and personal with the site of the 2012 Games and the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park. There will also be a special walk, “Exploring Seafaring London”.
Ian Bull, who is leading the Charlton Station to Plumstead walk, said:
“We’re cherry-picking some of London’s most historic locations ranging from the geological to the industrial archaeological. We’ll visit the lovely parks around Charlton with their animals and views over the City before the Thames Path takes us to the immense industrial achievements in Woolwich. The Thames barrier represents the 20th Century followed by a possibly unrepeatable visit, and the first for 96 years, inside the cathedral-like 19th Century factory buildings of the Royal Arsenal.”
Ben Plowden, Director of Integrated Programme Delivery at TfL, said:
“London’s great landmarks and green areas are best explored on foot. That is why we are working with our partners and stakeholders to make walking in this city as attractive and enjoyable as possible by investing over £17 million this year to improve conditions across the Capital. Seasonal events like the ‘Winter Wanders’ are a great way to inspire Londoners to get out and either walk on their own or in groups to enjoy their surroundings and to keep fit. These events also show Londoners how walking can be a quick and efficient way of getting from A to B and encourage them to make more journeys by foot.”