Westminster Bridge Loop (Medium)
5.5 km·intermediate·medium route·Loop
Upstream past Lambeth Bridge to Westminster Bridge with views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Very busy water — tourist boats, Clippers, and police launches. Keep to the edges at all times.
Tidal strategy: Best paddled on the flood tide (upstream, towards the turn point), turning at high water slack, then riding the ebb back.
Exit Points Along This Route
Pimlico Gardens Steps(steps)
0 kmSteps at Pimlico Gardens, north bank.
Vauxhall Bridge Steps(steps)
1.2 kmSteps near Vauxhall Bridge, north bank.
Lambeth Pier(pier)
2 kmPier near Lambeth Bridge, south bank.
Westminster Pier(pier)
2.8 kmMajor pier. Very busy with tourist boats — approach with caution.
Hazards on This Route
Vauxhall Bridge Commercial TrafficAVOID
Heavy Thames Clipper and commercial traffic. Stay well clear of the centre channel.
Westminster Bridge Tourist BoatsAVOID
Major tourist boat terminal. Large vessels manoeuvring. Do not approach the pier. Keep to the far bank.