A Lady in London

Autumn has come to London. After a month of record-breaking heat in the UK, a chill has settled over the city this week. Coats, boots, and scarves are making their way out of closets, and London is bracing for a cold winter. But before the arctic front moved in, we had one final day of warmth. Knowing that it could be the last, I spent the afternoon walking along the Thames Path in Hammersmith and Chiswick.

The Thames Path is a 184 mile (294 km) trail that runs from the source of the river in the Cotswolds all the way out to Greenwich. On the way it passes through London and provides a great venue for walking and cycling.

My walk along the Thames Path started at Hammersmith Bridge, a great green construction spanning the river. From there I headed west along the trail, passing packed pubs and gardens. The whole world was out to enjoy the last day of warm weather in London.

This included the rowers. All along the river there were people rowing on the Thames. From school groups to club teams, every inch of the water was filled with long lean boats.

Eventually I reached Chiswick Mall, one of my favorite parts of the Thames Path in Hammersmith and Chiswick. Beautiful brick buildings and bright white houses lined the street, each with a private garden along the waterfront on the opposite side of the road. A small island separated the main river from their part of it, adding an extra element of seclusion.

This stretch was followed by a length of the Thames Path that ran right along the river and past several restaurants. Shortly thereafter the path tumbled into Dukes Meadow, a swath of grass filled with families at play.

At this point I turned around and retraced my steps. Again I passed the pubs, the boats, the gardens, and the bridge, soaking up the sun as I walked back along the Thames Path in Hammersmith and Chiswick. It was the perfect way to enjoy the last day of summer in London. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my winter coat…