Brompton Canary Wharf Winter Lights 2023

Last Saturday saw the return of the Canary Wharf Winter Lights, sadly cancelled a few years due to the C word. At this event, several light installations are dotted around Canary Wharf that you can peruse at your leisure. 

The ride started at Brompton Junction in Covent Garden, who were very kindly allowing us London Brompton peeps to gather and have a cup of tea or coffee. The ride itself would not be that long and for me part of the appeal was getting there and getting back. 

I set off from the wilds of SW13 with about 8 miles to cycle more or less all hugging the River Thames. It was a lovely route and if I had not been rushing for the start time, I would have taken dozens of photographs. Luckily, knowing that stopping to take one would result in stopping to take more, I resisted the temptation. 

Brompton Junction was resplendent and the downstairs was the place to be. After catching up with a few familiar faces and eying up the many goodies on offer, it was time for the first of several group photos. 

At more or less 17:00 we ventured outside for the off, but this was of course put on hold for another group photos. For London Brompton peeps one is rarely enough!

As always, London looked particularly lovely at night and the weather was reasonably kind. (More on this later though)!

We headed east with the River Thames never too far away. Canary Wharf came up rather quickly and once we ascended the stairs leading up to all the lights, the Canary Wharf Winter Lights began. 

There were many light installations to see but almost instantly it became obvious that the best way to see them was on foot. I have to confess that the lights were not really the main draw for me. The cycle ride in London at night and the company was what really mattered. 

At various points we stopped and those wanting to see (and of course take photos) could leave their bikes to be watched by those not wishing to do so. I chose to view the lights from a safe distance, with a caring hand always on my Brompton...just in case!

By the time we reached an installation of the Earth, the hyperactive nature in me was getting distracted but luckily the ride had reached its end. A few took the tube and various other forms of transport to wherever home was. A few cycled back. 

I cycled back too but wanting to go faster and a slightly different route to the main group, I said my goodbyes and headed off. 

My route back to NW8 was about 10ish miles and I enjoyed every pedal stroke. However, a rather strange thing happened. When I cycled past Sadler's Wells Theatre, I really started to feel the cold. It was as if the temperature had been turned down a few degrees?! I was glad to reach a place of warmth not too many miles further.

Many thanks to Jenny for leading the ride and to Brompton Junction for being such good hosts. 

Until next time, take care out there people!