Green Chain Walk (Southeast London)

Thames Barrier, Thamesmead or Erith to Crystal Palace or Chislehurst 64km/40 miles total EASY

This pioneering urban walk, created in 1977 by a joint team of four London boroughs, is actually a network of routes connecting the riverfront with southeast London's generous endowment of green spaces, including fragments of ancient woodland at Oxleas and Lesnes Abbey Woods, heathland at Plumstead Common and magnificent Victorian parks at Avery Hill and Crystal Palace. The central spine of the network, from Thamesmead to Crystal Palace (26.5km/16.5 miles), is supplemented by numerous spurs and links, creating many opportunities for circular walks.

Some sections are suitable for walkers of all abilities. The section between Maryon Park, Charlton and Crystal Palace is now part of the Capital RING.

A new 4km/2.5-mile circular route, Explore Charlton, is currently being developed that links to the Green Chain Walk between the Thames Barrier and Charlton Park.

Update. The Green Chain festival takes place 9 - 17 July 2005. See Events Diary for details.

	Adopted by the Greater London Authority as a strategic walking route
	Many easy access sections: see leaflet pack, or contact the Green Chain Project Office (see below).

Connects with Bromley Circular Walks (via short connecting walk at Chislehurst), Capital RING, Greenwich Millennium Heritage Trails, London LOOP (via Thames Path), Thames Path, Waterlink Way

Highway Authorities Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham

Parks and countryside South London Parks (Avery Hill Park, Beckenham Place Park, Chislehurst Common, Crystal Palace Park, Lesnes Abbey, Oxleas Woods)

Tourist Information Centres. There are TICs at Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham. Click here for details.

Public transport The route is excellently served by numerous suburban rail stations connecting with central London, and frequent bus services, all within the London zonal fare and Travelcard system. For more on transport in London, click here.

Landranger Map 177
Explorer Maps 161, 162
The route is marked on recent editions of these maps.
Local street atlases may be more useful: see Walking in London: Maps.

Publications

• Explore South East London's Green Chain, pack of walk cards showing colour maps, photos and background information, £3.50 including p&p: Order here.
• Explore South East London's Green Chain, free colour overview leaflet showing full extent of open spaces and footpath network, from address below.
• Explore Charlton!, circular trail leaflet, free from address below.