Route Section

Green Chain Walk

Section 8 (Mottingham to Beckenham Place Park)

Description:

Although there are few large open spaces along this section, it manages to follow a reasonably green route through the suburbs in partnership with Section 2 of the Capital Ring.

Leaving the junction with GCW 6 and 9 at Mottingham Lane, it shortly passes the home of ace cricketer W G Grace, then follows a long path between former hospital grounds and playing fields.

At Marvels Lane a spur of GCW 8 heads south beside the Chin Brook through Chinbrook Meadows, then with a steep climb meets GCW 9 again beside Grove Park Cemetery. Meanwhile, the main line of GCW 8 turns west past Grove Park.

A path leads across a footbridge over the busy railway line at Hither Green, passing a nature reserve, then you follow residential roads for a while to join the Downham Woodland Walk, which angles pleasantly through a narrow band of trees to Downham.

Soon you enter Beckenham Place Park, where the route crosses the River Ravensbourne then follows a long, bucking and snaking route through the park, passing the west end of GCW 9.

Eventually you reach Beckenham Place Mansion, now used as a clubhouse for the popular golf course, and with a cafe, bar and toilets open to the public. The section finishes on the far side of the park on Southend Road, where GCW 10 starts.

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Bromley
Lewisham

Distance:

4.4 miles ( 7.1 km)

Start:

Mottingham Lane (GR 418-731)

Finish:

Beckenham (Southend Road GR 375-707) or Grove Park Cemetery (GR 416-713)

Recommended direction:

Northeast to southwest

Terrain and surface:

Mostly level but with some gentle and some steep slopes and a stepped footbridge. Evenly split between tarmac paths or pavements and rough paths or tracks. No stiles. 2.6km (1.6ml) beside roads

Signage:

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

Temporary Diversions:

None

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Mottingham, Grove Park and Beckenham Place Park. Cafes at Grove Park, Downham and Beckenham Place Park. Public toilets at Mottingham, Grove Park, Downham and Beckenham Place Park

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Mottingham, Grove Park, Beckenham Hill
Tram: Beckenham Junction
Buses: at stations above plus Downham and Southend Road

Links with other walks:

Capital Ring Sections 2 and 3, Green Chain Walk Sections 6, 9 and 10

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

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