Last parkrunday, we were on a mission! To answer the big question . . . does Thames Path parkrun in Woolwich have a “Walnut Whip” or a “Curly Wurly” on its course?
Watch our video, for our conclusion!
A deal spotted on the Travelodge website earlier in the week had us London-bound, staying just a couple of DLR stops from the parkrun. We almost joined a 55k ultra by mistake starting nearby, but the pink hi-vis adorning the steel “Assembly” statues by sculptor Peter Burke caught our eye, marking the meeting point in an eye-catching way.
3, 2, 1, Go! Running east alongside the river to start, then turning “inland” into Gallions Reach Park where the route curls up a manmade hill adorned with meadow flowers. As you reach the top, you get fantastic views across London (they would have been even better if it hadn’t been raining!).
Down we go, chatting with a fellow parkrunner we last met back in 2022 for Iona’s 50th parkrun at Dallas Burston Polo Club. Descent complete, we high-fived Ruth and Ewan as they started the climb while we headed back to the finish, just as the sun came out.
A lovely time of post-parkrun chat ensued, sharing the Curly Wurlys and Waln
ut Whips we’d brought with us for the volunteers before heading for a delicious breakfast at the nearby Visitor Book Cafe at the Woolwich Works.
Then came a day of post-parkrun faff in London. The Thames Clippers depart right by the parkrun, so we seized the chance for a river trip. It really is the best way to enjoy the sights of London. Cruising along, we saw barges being rowed along the Thames—it turned out to be the 50th Annual Historic Barge Race. Each crew has to steer and row their 30-ton Thames barge over a seven-mile course between Greenwich and Westminster Bridge.
Our destination was Battersea Power Station. Ruth hadn’t visited since it opened. 7UP had a promo popup outside, and we happily grabbed a refreshing, chilled drink (or two) before heading inside for Ewan to check out the latest gadgets at the Apple Store and some brick-building fun at the Lego Store. Back in the sunshine, Iona and I rated the Prospect Park playground in the shadow of Battersea.
Homeward bound, but not a quick trip back to Coventry. Trains were only running as far as Rugby, so we had to board a bus for the last few miles of our day’s adventure. And yes, you will have to watch the video to find out whether we thought Thames Path has a Walnut Whip or a Curly Wurly on its course!
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