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Richmond Group

We are the Richmond Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

Join me to uncover hidden gems of South East London. We start this moderate walk by going to the historic ruins of Lesnes Abbey, a tranquil 12th-century site providing a fascinating start to our journey. From there, we continue on the Green Chain Walk, climbing through ancient woods and parkland, with some necessary road walking, to the strategic high point of Shooters Hill. A perfect place for a picnic with a view, and visit to the popular café. We then pass the stately Charlton House and go on to see the geologically fascinating Gilbert’s pit. The walk finishes at the impressive Thames Barrier, a testament to modern engineering. There are many drop out points. Toilets at Abbey Wood station and at lunch. I recommend bringing some picnic food as the café is likely to be busy.

This is a joint walk with HFW Ramblers. 

Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Start time:
11:00 am
Estimated finish time:
4:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
15.3km / 9.5mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
linear

Wednesday is forecast to be a hot day so come with enough water.

Dropout point - bus 122 as we enter Woolwich Common to Woolwich Station
Buses to Woolwich from Thames Barrier 177/180/472
Buses 180/472 (North Greenwich) to Charlton 2 stops or 15 mins walk to Anchor and Hope Lane

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport
  • No Stiles

Starting point

Grid reference:
TQ 47358 78949
Nearest postcode:
SE2 9RH
what3words:
gloves.scarf.appear
Start time:
11:00 am

Abbey Wood Station, upper concourse (Richmond 9:45 change at Waterloo station for Northern line [northbound], change at Tottenham Court Road station for Elizabeth line [eastbound]}.

Finishing point

Grid reference:
TQ 41518 79294
Nearest postcode:
SE7 8NJ
what3words:
woes.stay.zips
Estimated finish time:
4:30 pm

Thames Tidal Barrier

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking