Route Section

Capital Ring

Section 1 (Woolwich to Falconwood)

Description:

This section shares its route with two others. From the start on the south side of the Woolwich Foot Tunnel it follows the Thames Path Southeast Extension, mostly beside the river with some grand views including the Thames Flood Barrier (popularly known simply as Thames Barrier), where the Thames Path National Trail starts.

Just before this you join Section 5 of the Green Chain Walk and continue with it all the way to Falconwood and beyond, in fact as far as Crystal Palace Park in the Capital Ring's Section 3. In Maryon Park you face a stiff climb up 106 steps, but there is an avoiding route in less steep parallel streets. After that the walking is fairly easy, though with some short climbs, through a succession of parks and woods. At Oxleas Meadows you move briefly on to the Green Chain Walk's Section 3, and its Section 6 at Oxleas Wood.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

Oxleas Woodlands
Thames Barrier

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Greenwich

Distance:

7.1 miles ( 11.4 km)

Start:

Woolwich Foot Tunnel (GR 432-793)

Finish:

Falconwood (Eltham Park North, GR 441-753)

Recommended direction:

North to south

Terrain and surface:

Mainly level but some steep slopes and two long flights of steps (with avoiding alternatives). Mixture of tarmac paths, pavements and rough paths, tracks and grass. No stiles. 2.4km (1.5ml) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways. The logo is 'Big Ben' and text 'Capital Ring' in blue and green on white background.

Temporary Diversions:

There are daytime closures of the Woolwich Foot Tunnel while this is refurbished, lasting until March 2011. The Woolwich Ferry boat service provides an alternative. More information: http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/Travel/TravelNews/river-crossings-remain.htm

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Woolwich, Charlton village, Shooters Hill and Falconwood. Cafes at Woolwich, Charlton village and Oxleas Meadows. Public toilets at Woolwich, Maryon Park, Charlton House and Oxleas Meadows

Public transport and breakpoints:

Free ferry from North Woolwich
Rail: Woolwich Arsenal, Woolwich Dockyard, Falconwood
Buses: at rail stations and at Thorntree Road, Charlton Village and Shooters Hill

Links with other walks:

Thames Path Southeast Extension, Thames Path National Trail, Green Chain Walk

Map required:

Explorer 162

Principal promoters:

Walk London, LB Greenwich

Completed a route ? Why not celebrate your achievement by ordering a completion certificate from info@walklondon.org.uk