#wandle

Reef Mermaid vs River Mermaid

Walking the River Wandle Part 5: Wandsworth

The final stages of the walk along the Wandle begin with a pleasant stroll through King George’s Park. Here, the river flows to one side of the path, though a barrier of tall hedges and trees prevents much of it from being seen. Indeed, it quickly seems to vanish altogether, as the greenery gives way to industrial estates and a car park, before at some unseen point the river disappears into a culvert under the Southside Wandsworth shopping centre.

Continuing through the park, the walker finds a long pond, perhaps a tribute, if not a tributary, to the Wandle. The river itself is now flowing underground some way to the East though, so on leaving the park the road must be followed in this direction, up toward Wandsworth High Street.

At a bridge, the Wandle emerges again. For many years, this stretch too could not be followed on foot, as the area was occupied by Young’s Ram Brewery from 1831 to 2006 - with breweries having been been there as far back as 1550.

The brewery has now been demolished and replaced with the Ram Quarter, a rather generic collection of eateries, businesses, and expensive flats. It does however come with a footpath, which allows the Wandle to be followed until it passes under another road. 

No one seems to have though about quick access to the road from the footpath, so the walker has to almost double back on themselves to find the river again – not particularly welcome at this late part of the journey!

Having got back to the river, and taking the road running alongside, the Wandle is soon seen to split into two, its western branch picking up the name of Bell Lane Creek. A little further onwards, under a railway bridge, and past yet more industrial estates, the two branches quickly converge again around a small, green patch of land – known as The Spit – jutting out into a river, a fitting call-back to the environments that followed the Wandle for much of its length.

Here, the Wandle quietly meets the Thames, its journey – and the walker’s – now at an end.

Ever since I first listened to Rebecca Sugar’s “Love Like You” (from the end credits of Steven Universe) I’ve had this exact image on my mind, so it feels good to finally get it out there. 💖

This took me so long, and my face drawing skills are still lacking behind, but ultimately it was worth it in the end.