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Blackheath Group

We are the Blackheath Ramblers. We offer long walks in the Home Counties and beyond, using public transport. We also offer shorter urban walks on Sundays.

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

Overview

Meet FOREST HILL station (Southern/London Overground; Zone 3), SE23 3HB, at 10.30.

Meet outside main entrance to Forest Hill station, adjacent to northbound Platform 1: if arriving from the direction of Highbury or London Bridge, you'll need to cross the footbridge.

Note that the route includes several ups and downs on unsurfaced paths which are currently quite muddy, particularly in Dulwich Woods, so please wear suitable footwear. The walk may not be suitable for those less steady on their feet.

There are no public toilets at Forest Hill station, though toilets are available not long after the start of the walk at Horniman Gardens. There is no lunch break, though a choice of cafes at the end.

At last we’ll finish the "alternative Capital Ring" with this short but delightful walk back to the starting point for this series at Crystal Palace Park with its Victorian Jurassic Park, also including the verdant pleasures of Dulwich Woods with its disused railway line.

Finish at Crystal Palace station (Southern/London Overground; Zone 3-4). 3 miles/2 hours.

Sunday, 7 January 2024
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
12:30 pm
Difficulty:
Leisurely
Distance:
4.8km / 3.0mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
linear

General notes on Blackheath Walks

Lunchtimes: Where walk descriptions stipulate a picnic/packed lunch, all walkers are asked to bring one with them. In such cases any lunchtime pub or café visit will be for drinks only. Lunch stops of this kind will last typically for 40-45 minutes, at the leader’s discretion. If, on the other hand, the option of lunch at a pub or café is offered, the duration will usually be about one hour.

Pre-booking is not required for Blackheath Ramblers walks unless indicated otherwise.

Starting times: Leaders do their best to adhere to the train times set out in the programme. However, the National Rail website publishes train timetables only 12 weeks in advance, and engineering work at weekends sometimes causes changes to departure and arrival times. So, please check train times with National Rail (0345 748 4950) / www.nationalrail.co.uk) before travelling.

Starting times will not be delayed unless absolutely necessary.

Safety: Please be aware that you take part in all Ramblers walks at your own risk.

Dogs: Some walks are unsuitable for dogs; please check with the leader before bringing one.

Blackheath Ramblers website: http://www.blackheathramblers.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/blackram

Features

  • Accessible by public transport

Starting point

Grid reference:
TQ 35414 72954
Nearest postcode:
SE23 3HB
what3words:
jelly.heats.patch
Start time:
10:30 am

Forest Hill Railway Station, Greater London

Finishing point

Grid reference:
TQ 34109 70544
Nearest postcode:
SE19 2AZ
what3words:
moth.flesh.mole
Estimated finish time:
12:30 pm

Crystal Palace Railway Station, Greater London

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