Route Section

Green Chain Walk

Section 1 (Thamesmead to Lesnes Abbey)

Description:

Anyone who pictures Thamesmead as a bleak and windswept new town beside the Thames is in for a surprise, at least as far as the Green Chain Walk is concerned. And hardly any of this section follows roads.

Starting on the Thames promenade (buses nearby), it immediately dives 'inland' to follow a narrow green band through pleasant residential areas, often accompanied by artificial water channels. Soon there is a choice of routes to pass under busy Eastern Way, both of which link with the Ridgeway Walk, crossing the grassy bank of the covered Southern Outfall Sewer.

Then comes Southmere, a large lake where on a fine day you can watch watersports and waterbirds as you refresh yourself in the Lakeside Centre. A further narrow green swathe leads to a level footbridge across Abbey Road (buses), from which you burst out into a broad park surrounding the well-kept ruins and gardens of Lesnes Abbey. Immediately beyond this, in woodland, you join Section 2.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

The Marshes

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Bexley

Distance:

2.2 miles ( 3.5 km)

Start:

Thamesmead (Thameside Walk, off Crossway, GR 472-814)

Finish:

Lesnes Abbey Woods (GR 480-787)

Recommended direction:

North to south

Terrain and surface:

Almost completely level with some gentle slopes and a few steps. Entirely on tarmac paths or pavements. No stiles. 0.2km (0.1ml) beside roads

Signage:

Complete. Logo: 'a linked G-C' and text 'Green Chain Walk'

Temporary Diversions:

None

Refreshments and toilets:

Cafe/bar at Southmere Lake. Toilets at Southmere Lake and Lesnes Abbey

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Abbey Wood
Buses: Thamesmead, Abbey Wood

Links with other walks:

Thames Path Southeast Extension, Ridgeway Walk, Green Chain Walk Section 2

Map required:

Explorer 162 (route marked) Green Chain route guide (£3.50) (This can be ordered from the South East London Green Chain on 020 8921 5876 or www.greenchain.com)

Principal promoters:

LB Bexley, LB Bromley, LB Greenwich, LB Lewisham

Access information:

Almost the whole of this section uses tarmac paths or pavements with dropped kerbs. However at time of writing a small stepped footbridge near the start requires a short diversion through residential roads - you will need a street atlas for this. A steep ramp to cross the Ridgeway Walk also involves a short stretch of uneven path. A short diversion is necessary to avoid steps at Southmere Lake.

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