Wapping (pronounced 'Wopping') lies between Tower Hill and Canary Wharf in London Docklands and is easily reached from St. Catherine's Dock by Tower Bridge.

The old canal which runs from the western end of Wapping High Street to Shadwell Basin is now blocked at both ends so is no longer navigable from the Thames. It has been used as a development of modern housing on both sides and makes a pleasant and interesting walk. There is also an interesting old dock further on.

You should be able to see that this is Tobacco Dock. The old warehouse which comprises the main part of this development is classified as an historic building. Unfortunately it is currently closed to the public but it is possible to see the general environs, including the two full size replica sailing ships, from outside which is what we did.

Note the barrels and the hogs head on top of the wall.

A little further on from Tobacco Dock and the canal joins Shadwell Basin. Another interesting development of new homes.

At each end of Shadwell basin are some old lifting bridges that carry roads across the canal and because there is now no canal traffic these bridges no longer need to be lifted. This is the one nearest the River Thames.

The tall buildings of Canary Wharf are rather obvious beyond the bridge. We headed in that direction.

From Shadwell Basin we headed towards the Thames passing the old lifting bridge en route and ended up on the riverside path. This view is looking towards Tower Bridge although it can't be seen from this location.

We are now headed back towards Tower Bridge and looking at some historic pubs on the way.