Under the Thames on a Brompton

Crossing the River Thames can be a bit of an issue at times. Bridges are usually quite busy and the one at Hammersmith has been indefinitely closed to everything but pedestrians and cyclists - for the moment. If you are on your bicycle and heading east, a good way to cross the Thames is by travelling under it. One such location is the Greenwich foot tunnel.

The construction for the foot tunnel at Greenwich started in 1899 was opened in 1902. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have walked through it and cycled through it at different parts of the day and night and would not really care to do so at night on my own! More on that later. 

The tunnel is 370 metres long and a section of it with curved iron beams near the start of the tunnel after you have come down the spiral staircase was required after being damaged in WWII. Occasionally, one can detect a dripping sound and it is hard to gauge whether this is condensation or a slight leak?!

The entrance to both sides of the tunnel have rather lovely domed entrances and the lifts, that have been there since it opened were upgraded in 2012. However, their availability would make one come to the conclusion that they are the original ones from 1902!

North side entrance/exit

South side entrance/exit

The tunnel was designed by cicil engineer, Sir Alexander Binnie, who in addition to the Greenwich foot tunnel also designed Vauxhall Bridge and the Blackwall Tunnel. Vauxhall Bridge is a rather interesting one as at the other end stands the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) building, the office you might have seen James Bond using. (Who knows what will happen to him now)!?

On Vauxhall Bridge 

If you should be in the area, paying a visit to the foot tunnel is a good idea. If you pop out on the south side of the Thames, you will have the delights of Greenwich. There is lots to see and do. The old Naval College, National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, lots of eateries to name a few.  

The old Naval College in the distance

Further east, there is another foot tunnel at Woolwich, opened in 1912 and slightly longer at 504 metres but there really isn't a great deal in Woolwich. You could a visit to the first McDonald's in the UK on Powis Street in Woolwich!

Of course, being in London there are several strange goings on associated with the Greenwich foot tunnel. There have been reports of sudden and unexplained temperature drops. The sound of footsteps when you are the only person in the tunnel and they are not yours! The sound of people working and having conversations. The feeling that someone is following you when there is no one behind or infront of you. There have even been reports of a man and woman, dressed in old-fashioned attire appearing and disappearing. 

Well worth a visit, but perhaps do not go alone, after dark!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!