Route Section

Green Chain Walk

Section 2 (Erith to Bostall Woods)

Description:

This section climbs steadily from sea level beside the Thames to over 55m (180ft). The start can be reached from Erith station with a pleasant stroll along Erith Riverside (Thames Path Southeast Extension) of about one kilometre (half a mile), passing the start of London Loop Section 1.

Crossing busy Bronze Age Way on a ramped footbridge gives a fine view of 12th century St John the Baptist Church below, then you pass through Frank's Park. A short stretch beside roads leads to Lesnes Abbey Woods, where the route climbs quite steeply then twists down a sunken track to meet Section 1 of the Green Chain Walk beside the abbey ruins.

More climbing in the woods takes you past a couple of small ponds to Bostall Heath, across Knee Hill and on to meet Green Chain Walk Sections 3 and 4 on Longleigh Lane beside Bostall Woods.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

Lesnes Abbey and Fossil Beds

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Bexley
Greenwich

Distance:

3.2 miles ( 5.2 km)

Start:

Erith (Corinthian Manorway, GR 510-788)

Finish:

Bostall Woods (Longleigh Lane, GR 471-779)

Recommended direction:

East to west

Terrain and surface:

Generally fairly level at first, but some quite steep slopes later on. Mostly on tarmac paths and pavements, but some rough paths and tracks. No stiles. 1.9km (1.2ml) beside roads

Signage:

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

Temporary Diversions:

None

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafes at Erith and Belvedere. Toilets at Lesnes Abbey and Longleigh Lane

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Erith, Belvedere, Abbey Wood
Buses: at stations above plus Knee Hill, Longleigh Lane and Bostall Hill

Links with other walks:

Thames Path Southeast Extension, London Loop Section 1, Green Chain Walk Sections 1, 3 and 4

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)