Aspen Way to Tower Bridge

I had to pinch myself that we were actually about to do the penultimate trip - this time last year it was a dream that my lovely Hubby encouraged me to believe in, and now, having completed Route 7 I am just over 3 miles from completing Clare's Challenge 50.

So how did Route 7 go ... well not a good start. Unfortunately Virgin Trains could no longer help with transport and as we chose to do this trip on a weekday the train availability did not suit either. We decided to drive and looking at the various traffic reports chose the M1 following the sat nav to our starting point - what a mistake ....

M1 going nowhere 

3 hours after leaving home we arrived at our destination, Majestic Docklands. I have to say a huge thank to them for coming to our rescue by providing parking for the day, a small thing that meant so much.

Majestic Wine Docklands 

Starting point at Aspen Way island

Route 7 started with a little cheat - the Marathon route actually goes up onto Aspen Way on the dual carriageway, along a short way, crossing over to the other carriage way and back to the island. This can only happen with a road closure and although I am special I'm not that special so we had to just go under the dual carriageway bridge and round the island - a little disappointing but including all the getting to and from start/end points I have walked far more than the 26 official miles.

Setting off down Poplar High Street I wasn't sure what buildings or places of interest we'd see, in fact I wondered if I'd need to take any photos at all. How wrong could I be, as always if you look around there is plenty to surprise you.

My first surprise was a whole row of 'Boris bikes' - so tempting - reasonably priced transport for anyone wanting to cycle around London. It was quite a sight seeing the bikes all in a row - Santander Cycles.

Peddle Power

Looking over my left shoulder I had an amazing view of the sky scrapers of Canary Wharf - having had these giants in front of me, behind me, in front of me again it was a good feeling to finally leave them behind.

Sky Scraper of Canary Wharf

Hubby and I have recently enjoyed some time in the Cotes du Rhone region of France, wine being a great hobby of ours. We also have a vine growing in our garden, just starting to produce grapes. Imagine our surprise when we spotted this vine doing very well in the city climate.

Vines of London

From Popular High Street we moved into Pennyfields and onto West India Docks Road. A couple of things caught my attention here, firstly dragons on a pole but I have no idea why or what their purpose was, and secondly on the Police Station wall a plaque announcing the first YMCA hostel for men.

Interesting yet unknown dragons

Plaque on the Police Station wall marking a moment in history.

West India Docks Road ended at a junction with Commercial Road, the A13 that we had driven down earlier. On the corner was a building we had seen from the car with inscriptions on both walls; known as the Sailor's Palace it was opened in 1901 and was the Headquarters for the British and Foreign Sailors Society.

Sailor's Palace

As we followed Commercial Road round there was a building that caught my eye, not for it's great history, its architecture or any signage; it just looked so sad. My father-in-law worked in the motor trade, as does Hubby and my grandfather worked for Rolls Royce - this building reminded me so much of times gone by, old cars, old mechanics, old mates and I felt a little melancholic looking at this garage which I expect was once a hive of activity with cars, smelling of oil and bustling with customers.

V.I.P. Garage - many years ago I expect it was

 I did find out a little about the building's orginial use 'This workshop was built in 1869 as a sail-makers’ and ship-chandlers’ warehouse. It was occupied by Caird & Rayner from 1889 to 1972 and was never substantially altered, so the building retains its original cast-iron window frames and two double loading doors that open on to the Limehouse Cut.' There is more information on Derelict London's web site, I find all this history quite fascinating.

Our side of the road was St Anne's Church, a little hidden by trees but we could see many of the gravestones, including an obelisk. The church was built in 1714-1727 and was named after Queen Anne. Having been gutted by fire on Good Friday 1850 it's rebuild was completed in 1854.  The church has a great connection with the Royal Navy as it's clock is a maritime clock that used to strike every quarter to guide the 6000 ships that used to moor in the dock. The golden ball high above the steeple was a sea mark for navigating the Thames.

Grade II listed pyramid - originally designed to be inside the church

St Anne's Church and its maritime clock.

Limehouse Cut looked so tranquil with its boats and smooth water. It was built to join the Lee Navigation to the River Thames; it now runs into Limehouse Basin.  

Limehouse Cut with the DLR passing by

Salmon Road joins Commercial Road making a small triangle of ground on which is this anchor, not a very good photo but without crossing the road it was hard to see it. It's presence on this busy street is explained by the building on the corner - The Mission. This was built in 1923 and was originally a Seamen's Mission; it has now been converted into apartments.

Anchor away

The Seamen's Mission.

To my surprise we had now walked over a mile and a half. Always slowly but my legs felt quite good. I have been going to the gym (nothing major, mainly strength work and a bit of swimming) and my legs felt quite strong. The main problem I have with my MS is although my legs/arms have strength they do not respond well therefore making me slow. I am also finding lately that I can do far more sitting than I can standing and my walking has a slight wobbly.... as you'll see later.

Anyway back to the sights of London; what a lovely view over Regent's Canal into Limehouse Basin. Canal locks, footbridges and DLR overhead showing just how varied London is.

Regent's Canal

By now I was needing a rest, Husk Coffee & Creative Space offered the solution. Great coffee, delicious salted caramel cake and comfy chairs giving me a much needed boost.

Coffee and cake at Husk

Route 7 took a turn into Butcher Row, passing under the DRL and on towards Limehouse Tunnel. Hubby spotted a blue plaque, one a just a few we've seen on our journey. This was for Reverend John Groser 1890-1966 a priest and social reformer.

Rev. John Groser's house

Blue plaque erected 1990

Back on familiar ground, Butcher Row lead us to The Highway. Previously on Route 5 we had turned at this point into Narrow Street as the main road disappears into Limehouse Tunnel. This time we turned west and retraced our steps all along The Highway back to Tower Bridge. It's a long road that didn't seem so far last time, I guess that is because it was the start of the route whereas today it was my last part and by now my legs were very slow and getting painful. There were still a few things to see, or re-see!

Free Trade Wharf 

Tobacco Dock

St George in the East

All through my Challenge, right from our first tube change on Route 1 one of London's iconic buildings has always been there. At some point on each walk we have seen The Shard, looking over us on our way. Just as I was getting very tired there in front was The Shard, it seems to always appear when I need a boost. One day I'll go to the top and look at my Challenge route from above.

The Shard encouraging me to the end.

And finally to the end, Tower Hill junction, the end of Route 4 marking my half way mark and now the end of my penultimate walk. This will be that start of Route 8 - the final - and what a special day that will be.

The next photo from here will be with our two grown up children too as we are ALL doing the final 3 miles together. Some friends are joining us too so it could be a party all the way !!

End of Route 7 at Tower Hill

Everyone comments on my smiley face, I can tell the tired photos but I do try to smile each time as who wants to see a grumpy photo. I am also careful to have photo's from shoulders up as that bit of me is ok - however the photos don't always then show how tough this has been for me. It is a struggle to walk the 3 miles, I certainly could not without my Dad's stick or Hubby's arm (in fact I am considering having a stick anyway as I am now struggling to walk outside on my own).

To give a small glimpse of how slow I am - and my wobbling - Hubby took a short video of me walking along The Highway.

In my usual style it was a much needed glass of wine now we had finished Route 7, it's always nice to celebrate. We popped into St Olave's Church which is just opposite the Tower of London as it was where Samuel Pepys worshiped. Hubby is keen on his life and diary. Nearby we found a lovely pub The Crutched Friar for our celebratory drink.

The Crutched Friar

Well deserved treat

I still find it hard to believe we have completed Routes 1 - 7. I am so grateful to everyone who had supported me on the way - Hubby (who has been amazing), Dave & Agnes who kept us company on Route 4, Mike for the coffee, Virgin Trains for the transport and Majestic Docklands for the parking.



When I started Clare's Challenge 50 I didn't set a fundraising target - everyone has been so kind. The current amount raised is   £820.50  
an amazing amount thank you.

I have however now set a target and would be so so pleased if it reached £1000 by the time I finish Route 8.

Please could I ask everyone who reads this to post on social media about Clare's Challenge 50 and help me reach not only my personal goal to finish the London Marathon but to reach my fundraising goal too.

This is the link to my fundraising page - thank you for sharing

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaresChallenge50

Hopefully this beautiful rainbow on our way home is a positive sign - we'll be doing Route 8           on 10th September from Tower Hill to The Mall. A really special day as it is my birthday and a year to the day that I announced Clare's Challenge 50. 

Dreams can come true