After completing the Wandle Trail where it joins the Thames it seemed sensible to continue along the Thames on the south bank towards Battersea. I did this section in 2021 on the north bank, now with the opening of Battersea Power Station the river is far more accessible after Chelsea bridge.
Leaving the Wandle mouth it is a short walk to Wandsworth bridge, currently closed to traffic for repairs. Then along to Battersea railway bridge.
Plantation Wharf Pier, then the path is diverted around the back of Battersea Heliport, which seemed totally devoid of helicopters.
Oyster Pier by Battersea Railway Bridge with views of Lotts Road Power Station across the river.
St Mary's church where I popped inside to have a look.
Batterea Bridge then In Town, an artwork by John Ravera.
Albert Bridge, one of the most magnificant on the Thames and another view of Battersea Bridge.
After passing Albert Bridge the path follows Battersea Park, one of London's largest. The Peace Pagoda, built in 1984, was gifted to the city by the Nipponzan-Myohoji order of Japanese Buddhism. I climbed the steps to have a closer view of the four bronze statues of Buddah.
After passing under Chelsea Bridge and then the railway I ended my walk along the Thames and was now in the newly opened area around Battersea Power Station. Arches Lane and Circus West Village seemed a thriving area. I stopped for lunch at No 29 Power Station West.
Battersea Power Station opened last year after years of redevelopment with the Lift 109 viewing platform visible at the top of the north west chimney. Between the power station and the river is now an attractive little park.
Inside the power station. On the lower floor is an exhibition about the redevelopment over the past forty years and a strange machine that I have not been able to work out what it actually is. The majority of the power station is a huge shopping mall with up market shops on several floors, some still to open.
A few reminders of its former life.
Leaving the power station from the south entrance. Here was a large chess set for people to play with. I then went to the newly opened Battersea Power Station underground station where I caught the train back. But first a little diversion to Baker Street to have another look for the Tyburn river as it passes through. Again I failed as I had wrongly gone to the Metropolitan platforms rather than the Circle line ones. Third time lucky maybe. Back to Waterloo and home after another enjoyable day.