The London Winter Walk organised by Action Challenge, is a great way to kick off the ultra-challenge season. The route takes in highlights of the River Thames, its historic bridges, and many of the Capital’s famous landmarks.

This event has now become a regular feature for me in my hiking calendar. I’ve done the London Winter Walk (Full Marathon) both as a participant and as a Trek Master, and despite the pounding on your feet from walking 42km on London’s pavements, I’m always drawn to return and do it all over again the following year!

Taking part in any challenge event is always an incredible experience, and there’s nothing like doing one in your home town! So when I was asked by a good friend of mine, Richard, (who hadn’t done this particular event previously) if I’d do the London Winter Walk with him this year, I could hardly say no!

From the moment you arrive at Base Camp, at The Oval Cricket Ground, it has a kind of party atmosphere about it. The vast majority of people wearing their Winter Walk bobble hats adds to the joyous nature of this event. You can feel the sense of excitement.

There’s always plenty of familiar faces you know and love from the ultra-challenge community, with plenty of big hugs as you catch up with your friends after the Winter break.

This one was from last year when I was a Trek Master (TM), with my good friends Jo and Dan.

There’s also loads of people who have never done a challenge event before. Some are raising money for a charity, others just for the pure thrill of taking on a challenge. Some come in a team, others solo, and there’s the understandable nervous excitement as they wait to cross the start line.

So what can you expect to experience along the London Winter Walk?…

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

River Thames

Walking along the River Thames offers stunning views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Tower Bridge and the London Eye, which you pass on the East Loop of the Winter Walk. It’s a delightful walking experience, steeped in history, and all along the route you can experience the mix of modern and classic architecture. Riverside pubs and cafes, and many pop up stalls add to its charm. No wonder it’s a must for thousands of tourists that flock to London!

Bridges

London’s bridges feature throughout the walk. As well as crossing Tower Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge (twice on full marathon), and Putney Bridge (if on full marathon), you pass many more…

Lambeth, Westminster, Golden Jubilee, Waterloo, Millennium, Blackfriars, London, Chelsea, Albert, Battersea

Historic London Landmarks

London has a rich and long history, and throughout the walk, you’re taken on an architectural journey through the ages. From the Tower of London, dating back to the 11th Century, to the Shard, which was completed in 2012. These are just some of the major historic landmarks you see along the route…

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey
The Shard
The Globe
St. Pauls Cathedral
The Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Battersea Power Station and Battersea Park

EVENT DETAILS

DATES

The London Winter Walk is held annually.

Sat 27th and 28th January 2024

Starts and finishes at the Oval Cricket Ground

Distance Options

The Marathon – The Oval Loop Challenge

26 miles / 42km

Start time slots: 8am – 10am – Sat & Sun

The Half Marathon – East and West Loop challenge

13 miles / 21km

Start time slots: 10am – midday – Sat & Sun

The 10km Thames Loop Challenge

6 miles / 10km

Start times: Sat & Sun 11:00am - 12:00pm

Difficulty

No matter what distance you do…It’s an ultra-Challenge event – expect to push yourself!

The terrain – Flat, with mainly pavement, Thames Path, and some bridges

Overall, it’s very easy-going. The distance combined with the constant foot pounding on pavements however, can take its toil on your feet!

Kit List

Action challenge provide a unique App for every event, that amongst all the high level of information you’ll need for an ultra-challenge, comes with an event specific suggested kit list…

Clothing list:

Appropriate walking shoes/boots
Warm bobble hat (optional to pre-order before the event)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Micro fleece top for layering
Warm layers
Trekking T-shirt/base layer/breathable top
Gloves

Essential Equipment:

Your Ultra-challenge E-Ticket
Hand sanitizer
Filled water bottle
Credit card/cash
Mobile phone
Small first aid kit and blister kit

Rest Stops (food and drink)

Base Camp – the Oval Cricket Ground (The Start, halfway, and finish)

Start (The Oval) – Hot drinks and snacks
Rest stops – Rotherhithe / Parsons Green – bakery, pastries, sweets, nuts, chocolate and hot drinks/water/squash
Halfway for full marathon (The Oval) – picnic style brunch
Finish (The Oval) – Hot meal & cupcakes, hot drinks

Travel

Location: The Oval Cricket Ground, Alec Stewart Gate, Kennington, London, SE11 5SL

Getting there and away: By train – Vauxhall (over-ground and Victoria Line tube), and Oval (Northern Line tube)

Route Directions

Marc’s OS Maps route

THE LONDON WINTER WALK 2024

My story

Event Day

It’s an early start to the day, having got up around 4.45am! Then again, it always is on an Ultra day! After my usual routine of taping my feet, and last minute kit bag checks, I was out the door by 5.30am and on my way to meet up with my good friend Richard.

Although this is his first London Winter Walk, he’s no stranger to taking part in some of the other Action Challenge events with me.

From his house we got the train to the Oval, and it’s just a short walk from there to the event Base Camp at the Oval Cricket Ground. We arrived a little early, and joined a small queue as we waited to be let in just after 7am. Being early morning (and the sun hasn’t risen yet), it’s quite cold. But the forecast for today is for relatively sunny skies with a top temperature predicted around a fresh feeling 9 degrees, and no chance of rain…(I know, quite remarkable for the UK)…but thankfully was true!

Registration

First things first, is to collect our Event Packs, complete with - Event pass, lanyard, bib, and route card. Everyone also receives a souvenir Winter Walk neck buff, and (if you signed up early enough for the early bird deal) a rather special Winter Walk bobble hat! I now have a few of these beauties in my collection!

The team of Trek Masters, all volunteers, and led by the formidable and hugely inspirational Michelle (aka Mama Duck), huddle in a quiet corner, ready and waiting to give their moral and practical support and encouragement to participants along the route.

After a couple of cups of coffee, and some light breakfast, it’s time to get ourselves ready to head out. The buzz then builds as you file out to the starting pen. Chance for a quick last minute photo opportunity.

Then Dave, the event compare, gets the party atmosphere underway with his highly comical quips and final words of encouragement.

The music plays as you’re guided through the warm up routine, and then the final countdown begins…10, 9, 8…etc.

And then we’re off…42km ahead of us!

STAGE 1

The Oval to Rotherhithe, 10km

Start

Richard and I are in the 8am start wave (actually the start was delayed almost 10 minutes), and we’re on our way! It takes a while for everyone to file out of The Oval, as there’s a long stream of us heading out onto the streets at the same time.

It’s the East Loop first, so we head right, hugging the Oval Cricket Ground, and then make a left. All the route is well signposted with the usual pink coloured arrow markers, so we follow the signs along with everyone else. the route goes around the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and then very quickly we’re on to the Albert Embankment.

The stream of participants starts to spread now as everyone gets into their own stride.

Richard and I are joined by someone I know well from the Action Challenge fraternity, Steve. We’ve been on many walks in Box Hill together over the years.

5 minutes later the first of many London landmarks comes into view…The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

And then I spot a very familiar face, Bryony, another good friend I’ve made from the Action Challenge hiking community. We’ve been on lots of hiking weekends, and done a few challenges together in the past. It’s great to bump into her albeit briefly. She’s on a later start with some of her work friends.

On this section to our right is the National Covid Memorial Wall, which stretches along the path for a while. It’s adorned with hearts, where people can and have filled in the names of departed loved ones. It’s quite a sobering sight.

Over the course of the next 30 mins or so, it’s a never ending tourists dream, as you head onto the South Bank and beyond. We pass so many of London’s famous historic landmarks, which are intertwined with the more modern additions.

The London Eye

South Bank Skate Space

The National Theatre

Where old meets new…St. Pauls Cathedral, sits alongside the City’s rising towers…Heron Tower, Cheesegrater, Walkie Talkie, Gherkin…to name a few.

The Tate Modern

Shakespeare’s Globe theatre

It’s now 9am, and we come off the River Thames briefly, passing the close by Borough Market, and through a cobbled road in London Bridge.

Then we’re back down onto the Thames Path, first passing the HMS Belfast, built for the Royal Navy, and launched in 1938. It now stands proudly as a museum ship. Then our sights turn to Tower Bridge, and across to the North side of the River and the Tower of London (neither really needing an introduction!).

HMS Belfast

Tower Bridge…with Canary Wharf silhouetted in the distance.

The Tower of London

I’ve walked across that entire section of the Thames Path countless times, but it never fails to disappoint. However, it’s time to continue on. Richard and I aren’t too far now from our first Rest Stop. We continue along the Thames Path, through Butler’s Wharf and along the Thames by Bermondsey. Before I go any further I turn around to take in the view we’ve passed a short while ago…

We now head towards Rotherhithe. The route leads us off the Thames Path, and 15 minutes later we make it to Bacon’s College, Rest Stop 1. The first 10kms are complete, and it’s time to take on board a hot drink, and a delicious pastry!

Our plan was to make it a fairly quick stop. But I bumped into one of the organisers of my upcoming trip to Chimborazo in Ecuador this November. So I took the opportunity to ask some questions and get some good advice before we set off again.

A minor delay, but we’re making good time, and keeping up a steady walking speed of 6km/hr.

STAGE 2

Rotherhithe to The Oval, 10km to 21km (halfway)

Feeling refreshed, we’re eager to crack on! As we head out of Bacon’s College, the route takes us left initially, as we wind our way through a housing estate, before reaching Rotherhithe Station.

It’s a fairly uninteresting section, perhaps only for a couple of Km’s. But it’s not too long before we’re in Jamaica Road, which then after a couple of turns leads us onto Tower Bridge.

The Bridge is literally heaving with hundreds of tourists busy taking their photos of Tower Bridge, and the views across either side of the River Thames. We have to adjust our stride to avoid a large group of runners, as they seem oblivious to adjusting theirs, as they dash in and around the crowds!

Once safely across the Bridge, we follow the Tower of London to our left. Reaching the far end of the Tower, it’s then time to head back down onto the Thames. I grab a quick shot of the Tower before we head down.

This is a delightful stretch of the route, and in the main less crowded than its neighbouring South Bank. The early morning chill seems to have subsided, albeit we’ve been building up an inner warmth from our walk.

From this side of the River you can also get great views of some of the landmarks we’ve passed earlier. A better view in fact of The Shard, the UK’s tallest building standing at 309.6 metres (1,016 feet).

I’m then surprised and delighted to bump into yet another person I know from previous Action Challenge events, Jeanie. I first met her when I was a Trek Master at the London to Brighton Ultra Challenge event in 2023. What was more surprising was that she just happened to be taking a leisurely stroll through London on the same day! #SmallWorld!

Continuing on, we’re now down onto the Embankment, a busy stretch of road which goes first past the Temple on our right, with the South Bank in view on the other side of the River.

Eventually we reach Westminster., which as usual is packed with tourists. No surprise, as one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Big Ben, standing proud alongside the Houses of Parliament, is situated here.

We go past Big Ben and into Parliament Square, a hotspot for tourists and political protests, as it sits alongside the Houses of Parliament. To our right is Westminster Abbey, which has stood there since 1066, and has been the location of over 16 Royal Weddings since 1100! (For a change I didn’t stop to take any photos!).

We continue on, and onto Millbank. On our right we pass Tate Britain, once known as The National Gallery of British Art, and is part of the wider network of Tate Galleries in England.

Up ahead we come to Vauxhall Bridge. We’re on the home stretch for our halfway rest stop! That last section seemed to have flown by!

For any James Bond fans, The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) Building, Thames House, and the headquarters of MI5, stands on the far side of the Bridge.

Once over Vauxhall Bridge (the first of two crossings today), it’s just a short stroll back to the Oval Cricket Ground.

Section 2 complete…21kms done, and we’re halfway! Time for lunch, and a break from the morning’s efforts.

Having eaten, I venture outside to get a view of the Oval Cricket Ground…

Richard and I decide not to spend a long time over lunch, as we don’t want our bodies to cool down too much. We get ready to make a move and onto the the longest section of 13kms.

Stage 3

The Oval to Parson’s Green, 21km to 34km (Rest Stop 3)

We head back out of the Oval, and make a left, then right, heading towards Vauxhall Park. It’s a couple of kms before we’re back onto the Thames Path, for a short while. It’s noticeably quieter now, having passed the more popular London tourist hotspots. It’s a welcome relief to walk in the relative peace and quiet, with the clear skies above and Winter sun in our face.

Moving off the Thames Path, our route takes us towards Battersea, and the iconic Battersea Power Station, and then shortly after, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Just past Battersea Station, we cross the road by a roundabout, and the route takes us alongside the outer perimeter of Battersea Park. For me it’s a shame the route doesn’t take us through the park itself, as it would have broken up the monotony of the road section.

However, once we get passed the Park, we’re soon back onto the Thames, and to my favourite of London’s many bridges, Albert Bridge. It has a uniqueness about it adopting 3 very different design styles. One of it’s features that stands out are the 4,000 or so light bulbs that adorn its facade. They sit alongside its current pastel pink, blue and green colour scheme. All of which is best seen at night obviously.

Richard and I are loving this stretch along the Thames, as we head by Battersea Bridge, with its array of colourful house boats harboured up along the River bank. It’s a tranquil setting, and you can understand why this is a popular spot to set up your floating home!

This scene continues on, past Imperial Wharf on the other side of the River, then Wandsworth Bridge, until we make a slight turn off the River at Wandsworth Park.

Just a few minutes walk from the Park, and we cross over Putney Bridge, which marks the point we’ll be heading back East along the River. We’ve now reach the 32km marker - just another 10km to go!

Only 2-3kms to our 3rd Rest Stop. Along the pavement I spot this mosaic which marks the famous Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, which has been running since 1829, making it the longest standing sporting challenge! Putney Bridge being the official start line, the race ending in Mortlake.

We come off the Thames, and head left then right past The Hurlingham Club. Another 5 minutes or so of walking and we make it to Parsons Green, and our final Rest Stop!

Regular Action Challenge walkers will know what this means….as well as the selection of fresh fruit and pastries, it’s also the Pick n mix stop!

Stage 4

Parsons Green to The Oval, 34km to 42km (Finish Line)

Despite both of us having taped our feet, and wearing Injini lining socks, we’re both feeling the effects of the constant pavement pounding on the balls of our feet. My left foot in particular is now quite sore. We decide to take some Ibuprofen before heading back out.

Great decision! Back on the road, and the effect is immediate. All pain has subsided, and we’ve picked up a strong walking pace. Also knowing we’re on the home stretch was a bonus!

It’s not long before we reach Imperial Wharf, and then Lots Road, Chelsea, famous for its Auction house.

It’s getting noticeably cooler now, as the sun seems to be rapidly making its way down towards the horizon. But as we’re walking at quite a steady pace, we don’t mind.

This photo below I took last year. I just had to include it as it was just a stunning moment!

We’re counting down the final Kms now, and no sign of letting up. It’s not too long before we see the familiar sight of Battersea Power Station, this time from the opposite side of the River Thames.

Just as I’m entertaining thoughts of the finish line, all of a sudden I can feel a burst of air and heat on the ball of my left foot, like a bolt out of the blue! The pain hits me immediately, and it’s hard to walk without limping. But I know there’s only 1-2 kms to go. So I push on regardless ignoring my discomfort. I’ll deal with what-ever surprise I have in store for me when I take my socks off later this evening!

I’m delighted when we reach Vauxhall Bridge, for the second and final time of our walk.

Once over the Bridge, it’s just a 10 minute walk now to the finish line! Our pace quickens once more, all thoughts of foot pain firmly pushed aside!

I text my good friend Mike, who’s on Cheer Squad duty waiting at the finish line. Mike (known in Action Challenge circles as Mr Hugs!) and I go way back, and we did the Everest Base Camp Trek together last year. I can’t wait to see him.

We’re now on the home straight in Harleyford Road, and the Oval Cricket ground comes into view. Just a few more steps to go!

We enter the ground and walk towards the finish line, where I’m greeted with my medal and a big hug from Mike!

London 42km Winter Walk 2024 done!

Just before we go inside for some much needed hot food, it was time to take in the moment as is customary on the podium.

Final Reflections

That concludes my part in this year’s London Winter Walk. Although my feet might disagree with me right now, I’m bound to be back again next year!

I’ve also got a whole bunch of other challenges lined up for 2024. My next one being the Dartmoor Winter Traverse on Saturday 24th Feb. So stay tuned for that, and many other challenges and adventures I’ll be having!

For now, thanks for reading

Happy Hiking!

Marc

The event continued on Sunday, with hundreds of people taking part over the course of the entire weekend, whether over a half or full marathon, or the 10km Thames Loop Challenge.

Each one an absolute legend!

You can watch highlights of my London Winter Walk adventure on my YouTube Channel

The London Winter Walk