A Winter Walk with a Nautical Twist

From Rotherhithe to Greenwich – Sunday 18 January 2026

Who says sailing club activities have to stop when the boats are put away for winter? On Sunday 18 January, Sundowners members, some with their dogs, swapped their sailing gear for walking shoes and set off on a five-mile riverside adventure from Rotherhithe to Greenwich. With London’s maritime history as our backdrop, it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, explore some fascinating corners of the capital and, of course, catch up with fellow club members.

Our starting point was the historic Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe, an atmospheric riverside establishment steeped in seafaring history. It seemed an appropriate place for a gathering of sailing enthusiasts, with its connections to the famous Mayflower voyage of 1620. From here, we set off along the Thames Path, following in the footsteps of generations of sailors, merchants and adventurers who have made this stretch of the river their home.

The route offered a fascinating mix of London’s past and present. We passed through Southwark Park, providing a welcome touch of greenery, before exploring the docklands around Greenland Dock. It’s remarkable to think that these now peaceful waters once bustled with merchant ships, whalers and the cargoes that helped make London one of the world’s great trading ports.

For anyone with an interest in boats, the walk was a treat. The Thames has witnessed centuries of maritime endeavour, and the riverside provides plenty of reminders of London’s enduring relationship with the sea. Along the way, the changing scenery revealed a different side of the capital, away from the familiar crowds and tourist hotspots.

As we approached Greenwich, the unmistakable masts of the Cutty Sark provided a fitting nautical highlight. This magnificent tea clipper is a reminder of the ships and sailors whose exploits helped shape Britain’s maritime heritage. Greenwich itself, with its Old Royal Naval College and rich naval history, made a splendid destination for our winter outing.

After approximately five miles on foot, we finished at The Ship in Greenwich, where there was an opportunity to relax, enjoy some refreshments and continue the conversation.

The Winter Walk perfectly demonstrated what Sundowners is all about: good company, shared interests and discovering new experiences together. Sailing may be our passion, but the friendships don’t end when the sailing season does!

Interested in joining us? Sundowners organises activities and social events throughout the year, so there’s plenty to look forward to, even during the winter months. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or simply enjoy meeting like-minded people, we’d love to hear from you.