Batken one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked this from Kennington to Battersea on a cloudy, but warm, Saturday afternoon. It had just rained.

This route is fairly direct, but mostly boring alongside busy roads, except for a lovely section along the Thames, following the Thames Path. First you go past the Oval cricket ground, and then you'll have to navigate the complicated road layout at Vauxhall, before a section along the Thames to where you can not go along due to the sewage pumping station (next to the US embassy, quite fitting). From there on it's along the busy Nine Elms Lane, with some great views of the Battersea Power Station. There is still much building going on in the area too.

Other than a short section along the Thames, which is very nice, the route mainly follows very busy main roads. It also goes through the centre of Vauxhall which is a very busy junction and you have to cross many roads.
There are now alternative paths opening up around Nine Elms or you could cut through Vauxhall Park, however this means missing most of the Thames which is the nicest part.

In brief:

Lots to see along this route of two thirds heavy traffic, one third gorgeous Thameside beauty.

Here's the detail:

I walked this route Oval to Battersea. The majesty of the Oval cricket ground goes some way to making up for the busy road. The pavements getting around the Oval and on towards Vauxhall are relatively narrow, and the surface of some of them might be a little problematic with mobility issues, but there's lots of interesting architecture to be seen (and the secret community garden as you approach Vauxhall Junction, recommend stopping off there for a little bit of cool respite in over-grown garden shade).

Vauxhall Junction itself is not exactly enjoyable - and you need to be on the left hand (North) side of Harelyford Road, by the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, for the tunnel to get onto the riverside.

Once you're down onto the river though, it is a treat and getting down from Vauxhall bridge is step free. There are lots of nice looking places along the way here to have a cup of coffee, or lunch, or a beer if you're in the market. Plus the station for the clipper to Blackfriars (or Richmond).

Really gorgeous pocket park by the river once you get towards Nine Elms.

The last leg of the route is another busy road. Now, at least, there are cycle lanes on either side so the traffic felt quite far away. Much of the river side is boarded up for the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station, which was a very grand site in itself, and this route takes you very close to it.

Highly recommend Nostros Coffee just before you get to Battersea Park. Coffee is as good as any I've ever had and they are super friendly (can give you a tip for the best pizza in London, tell 'em I sent you.).

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