The South East London walk with a castle, palace and dinosaurs along the route offers a unique glimpse into the capital's rural charm. The entire route passes through more than 300 fields and green spaces, but you don't need to do the whole thing at once.
What is the Green Chain Walk?
The Green Chain Walk is a 50-mile trail winding through South East London, stretching from the River Thames at Thamesmead all the way to Nunhead Cemetery near Peckham. According to the Inner London section of the Ramblers website, the Green Chain Walk 'is made up of over 300 open spaces and woodland that form a great arc of undeveloped land between the River Thames and Crystal Palace Park'.
Route Sections and Distances
The route is divided into 11 suggested sections, breaking the 50 miles into far more manageable portions. This means it needn't be tackled in one go but can instead be enjoyed gradually, with plenty of fascinating landmarks to discover along the way. The lengthiest recommended section covers 6.2 miles, running from Mottingham Lane to Beckenham Place Park, while the shortest stretch is just 0.9 miles, connecting Marvels Lane in Mottingham to Elmstead Wood.
Highlights Along the Route
Among the highlights you'll encounter along the way are the 18th-century Gothic folly of Severndroog Castle, the Art Deco splendour of Eltham Palace, a wealth of parks including Plumstead Common and Oxleas Woods, the wildlife and iconic dinosaurs of Crystal Palace Park, and the impressive Thames Barrier, to name but a few.
Navigation and Resources
Throughout the walks, directional signposts display the route to follow, marked with the 'G-C' logo and 'Green Chain Walk' branding. The Ramblers website contains extensive information regarding each walk, featuring starting and finishing locations, alongside available transport options at every point. Additionally, it provides comprehensive maps available for download to ensure convenient access.
Gallery of Key Spots
- Ruins of Lesnes Abbey in Abbey Wood - historic ruins set in a peaceful park.
- The dinosaurs of Crystal Palace Park - iconic Victorian sculptures.
- Bostall Heath in Plumstead - a scenic green space.
- Eltham Palace Gardens - fairytale-like gardens with Art Deco architecture.
- Beckenham Place Public Park - one of many green spaces on the route.
- The Horniman gardens - boasting amazing views of London.
- Maryon Wilson Park in Charlton - a hidden gem.
- The Water Tower on Shooters Hill - impressive architectural feature.
- Severndroog Castle in Shooters Hill - a Gothic folly with panoramic views.
