Route CommentsCapital Ring Walk

Comments about the Route

We would love to hear from you about your experience of Walking London – what you enjoyed, what you noticed along the way, what would make the walk even better. Please share your observations and comments – whether they are factual, amusing or poignant, we would be interested to learn, and to share with others who may be considering walking the path. If you have general feedback about the website then please email info@walklondon.org.uk.

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Given that a number of the comments by walkers refer to missing directions, diversions, path closures, most of which are temporary, it would be helpful if all comments, but particularly Walk London's replies, are dated to allow us to make up to date decisions on route variations.
Jay Hurles We will ask the web developer if dates can automatically be added, thank you for the idea (27th Jan)
Walk London

We have just completed the Capital Ring over six days and received our completion certificates. As ex-Londoners we knew some of the route, but to link it all together in one long walk is a completely different experience. The signage is superb, with the book it is almost impossible to go wrong. It is helpful to be able to consult the Walk London website for up-to-date news of diversions. We have come away with a host of memories and will walk the London Loop next. Marie & Tony, N Yorks.
Marie & Tony Fantastic achievement! Good luck with the LOOP next!
Walk London

We are a group of families and friends who have just completed our final walk. It has taken over two years and has been lots of fun, giving us all a chance to get together and see previously unknown bits of London. We have numbered between 12 and 31 and ranged in age from 8 to 74. We all have our own highlights and memories whether we have completed the whole walk or just one section. We are all looking forward to our next challenge!
Janice Great! To get your certificate(s) simply email info@walklondon.org.uk - so pleased to hear you enjoyed the walks so much!
Walk London

I have just finished the Capital Ring with my adult son Paul. We did it in 7 chunks starting and finishing in Stoke Newington. It was a very enjoyable experience. We even managed to laugh on the several occassions when we got lost due to poor signage or lack of signage. Using Colin Saunders' guide book made it much easier. Thank you.
thedocb Great! Have you ordered a certificate? Simply email info@walklondon.org.uk and the certificate will come in the post to add to your sense of achievement!
Walk London

We have recently completed the Capital Ring doing a section each Monday and found it a very interesting and enjoyable experience. We would like to pass on our thanks and compliments on the excellent route and waymarking. We only had to cancel one walk - because it was too hot!
Linda, Val, Cecily and Wendy Thanks for the positive feedback. If you have walked the whole route, why not get a completion certificate! Simply email info@walklondon.org.uk
Walk London

Want to see more of the Capital Ring Walk? Have at look at the fabulous photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosak/collections/72157626900041283/
Walk London

Three of us have just finished this walk, completed over 5 Mondays in roughly 20 mile stretches. It was a complete revelation to us all as it includes areas we have all worked in and thought we knew well, which are greener and more beautiful than ever suspected. A really enjoyable exercise. The section near Woolwich needs resigning as the 'lock crossing' seems to be permanently closed and is potentially dangerous.
Gill Zettle Great! Have you asked for your certificate for completing the whole route? Simply email info@walklondon.org.uk Regarding the King George V Lock Gates in section 15, we have been advised by RoDMA that the gates have been undergoing emergency observations, checks and repairs, but that the outer dock gates should fixed by Friday 2nd September 2011. Meanwhile if walkers have downloaded their map from WalkLondon, they can take the alternative route over the Sir Stephen Redgrave Bridge.
Walk London

A friend and I today completed the Captial Ring walk which we started last March (almost a year ago). We found it easy to follow and enjoyed the fact that it took us to parts of London we had never visited before, or even known existed. Great fun to do (especially if you have the book to tell you about the things you see on the way). I would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore and discover quiet corners of our capital. Pen Turner
Pen Turner Great! Do you want a certificate for having completed the Capital Ring? If so email info@walklondon.org.uk Have you checked out the new sister website www.walk4life.info - you can keep a track of all your favourite walks as well as add your own routes and share them!
Walk London

1 (Woolwich to Falconwood)

Yesterday we completed walk 1 of the capital ring. What a fantastic walk, with breathtaking views across London. It was made easy by the excellent signposts along the way, we didn't lose our way once (unusual for us). We can't wait to start walk number 2. Thank you for this fabulous website.
The Lamberts

Started Ring on Sat 14/01/12. On entering Hornfair Pk we noticed an antique fair on our left the other side of a large fence in Park Lane somewhere. Went wrong here as sign post points right when it should be straight on past the play park. However, we did get to see Charlton open air Lido being renovated for the Olympics. Surprising views everywhere.
Mike & Andrea Thanks for the comment, the route manager is investigating your report of the sign on site.
Walk London

We did this walk today and were pleasantly surprised at the amount of green spaces we walked through. Sign posting was excellent throughout.
Sara Fantastic news! Thanks for the feedback
Walk London

2 (Falconwood to Grove Park)

Look out for the marvelous skyline view of the north bank - Canary Wharf - to the London Eye, with Wembley Stadium shining behind.
Sara

3 (Grove Park to Crystal Palace Park)

Again a lovely walk. Just a word of warning. At point B, the woodland walk, there is massive construction work going on during the school holidays and so the woodland is closed here. It's worth printing off the map to find your way round.
Sara Thanks for your useful report. The route manager is asking the borough for more information about the obstruction you found. We've found out that the route is closed until 2nd September 2011 so diversion information has now been listed on the relevant section pages for the Capital Ring and the Green Chain here on the Walk London website.
Walk London

4 (Crystal Palace to Streatham Common)

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5 (Streatham Common to Wimbledon Park)

This and the following section are well provided for, toiletwise, but, there are also decent bogs in Wandsworth Cemetery. A way marker would be handy at Earlsfield Stn at the junction of Penwith Way ( the text is a bit confusing here). Windmill Museum closed until March.
Mike & Andrea

6 (Wimbledon Park to Richmond Bridge)

Recently completed this section - beautiful! Good news for those unable or unwilling to 'do steps' - there is now a road level lights-controlled crossing at the A3, in addition to the stepped footbridge. Point of interest - there is one crossing for pedestrians and one alongside for equestrians with push buttons at rider level! Happy crossing!
W Hayward Yes, we love those "pegasus" crossings too!
Walk London

7 (Richmond Bridge to Osterley Lock)

A really nice, peaceful section. Syon Ho open Easter-Oct only. It is well worth leaving The GU Canal at the A4 and walking the "Golden Mile" ( google) as it is known to see some of our best, & luckily, preserved Art Deco architecture. Has been used in many films, TV series etc. Walkers may have noticed how, much of our architectural & industrial heritage in prime locations is being destroyed by developers in order to erect barrack blocks of expensive flats & often denying us views & access.
Mike & Andrea

9 (Greenford to South Kenton)

We walked this section today - Aug 17th. We had no problem with the signage across Harrow Playing Fields - we took the recommended and clearly signposted Capital Ring 'diversion' rather than the seemingly more direct route signposted to Watford Road. And the Ducker Path was accessible with no problematic overgrowth. This is an attractive and interesting section, and we didn't want anyone to be put off - as we could have been - by the problems reported earlier in the summer. Enjoy!
Good news, thanks for letting us know - really glad you enjoyed your walk too!
Walk London

I completed the section 9 from Greenford to South Kenton last Sunday 26th June. Whilst it was enjoyable and fascinating, two problems arose, the directions through Harrow School playing fields were not clear and the Ducker Path was difficult to negotiate as brambles were growing over the path. The latter will be impassable in a few weeks time. Otherwise it was a good experience.
Ron Lightning Thank you for the feedback. It has been passed on to the route manager for a site check, and they will also get in touch with the landowners of the Ducker Path about cutting back the vegetation.
Walk London

Watch out for lack of signs on Harrow School Sports Fields - ended up going totally the wrong way. I recommend the Dolls House Tea Rooms in Harrow on the Hill, excellent cream tea for £4.95.
Jess Thank you for your information about the signage, which has been passed to the route manager to look into. We'd like to contact you direct about your report, if you read this, please get in touch with your email address or phone number!
Walk London

11 (Hendon Park to Highgate)

We did the Hendon Park to Highgate section on Saturday 14th January 2012, and can confirm that the diversion is no longer in place. All the roadworks at Henlys Corner are complete.
Thank you - a really useful update!
Walk London

We recently walked this section. We looked out for the diversion sign but we think it had been 'unofficially' removed, as the first time we came upon a closure sign we were well along Brookside Walk. From there on, we saw barriers along the way but all had been pushed aside. So we continued on and fortunately were able to get safely right along the original Ring line to Finchley Road and beyond. Not sure if we should have done, we're not recommending this - but no harm done ...
W Hayward

Two things to watch out for on this section are: 1 no sign at the junction of Dollis and Mutton Brooks 2 the path is closed just after this point and it is necessary to detour around the junction of the A1 and A406. One of the crossings has no pedestrian lights and could be alarming to cross with children or animals. Perhaps Barnet council should be encouraged to sign a safe diversion. Nice walk apart from that!
Doug Thank you for your information. The footpath at Brookside walk is closed due to roadworks on the North Circular. More information will be posted when we receive it from Barnet Council.
Walk London

12 (Highgate to Stoke Newington)

We walked Manor House - Stoke Newington section 06.10.11. Very enjoyable but two hazards. At the entrance to the New River path, there was a notice: 'Path closed due to fallen tree, Thames Water informed'. The tree was a few yards along, with its trunk across the path and we were able to climb over it without difficulty. Further along, just before the East reservoir, is another fallen tree lying across a kissing gate. We were able to crawl underneath it but probably not recommended!
W Hayward We have reported this to Thames Water but not heard back. Have any other walkers found the same problem?
Walk London

13 (Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick)

We walked this section today (13/10/11). The towpath has been resurfaced throughout and now offers very easy walking. The Cow Bridge diversion is short and well signed. Information about the diversion around the Olympic site is still in place but the towpath is currently open all the way through to Hackney Wick. There are major works at Carpenters Rd Bridge but the link to Hackney Wick station is still accessible - though we couldn't find a functioning pub to celebrate a good day's walk!
W Hayward Thanks for all this useful information for fellow walkers!
Walk London

Having walked sections 13,14 and 15 today I would say the diversion signage is wanting in places. There was significant diversion sign that pushed me up on to East Way. The signs at the top had been bent and one pointed east which I followed until some time later backtracked. On the towpath - which wasn't closed - There was a map attached to a post. The two signs on Eastway need attention and I question the need for the confusing and apparently unnecessary diversion sign.
Godfrey Thank you for your information, which has been passed to the route manager to look into.
Walk London

14 (Hackney Wick to Beckton District Park)

Signage just after the Olympic Park, where we were diverted from the Greenway, is non-existent, and site security personnel did not know of the Capital Ring. Good road signage of the diversion would be helpful. The previous route signs have been excellent.
Phil Osborne We need to know exactly where you mean. Please email us info@walklondon.org.uk with more details and the route manager can sort it out on the ground for you.
Walk London

The River Lea towpath is now open, so there is now free access to Old Ford Lock and the Greenway from Hackney Wick station.
PH Thank you for posting this advice
Walk London

Both sides of the Lea towpath are closed at the moment (June 2011) and walkers may wish to use this route: From Hackney Wick station turn left along Hepscott Road, cross Rothbury Road at the zebra crossing then turn right along Trego Road. Turn left along Wansbeck Road then at a roundabout go straight ahead on Dace Road to either climb steps to the Greenway (signed, on the right) or continue to Old Ford Lock.
PH Thank you for posting this advice
Walk London

Access to/from the Greenway at West Ham is closed during reconstruction. I tried to join the Greenway at West Ham. One cycle route diversion sign pointed away from the Greenway by no more after that. Ended up at Stratford and got the train to Pudding Mill Lane. If a road is closed extensive diversions are put in place. If a footpath is closed a 'Footpath Closed' sign is erected. No wonder people don't walk.
Graham Thank you for your feedback. This diversion at West Ham is explained on the section page for the Capital Ring (section 14). We would recommend having a quick look at any section page before walking a route! We are sorry to hear that you had problems at West Ham Station. Access to the Greenway here is closed until early June. We have been in touch with London 2012, who are responsible for the works, and they have put up a diversion sign for walkers showing how to access the Greenway.
Walk London

15 (Beckton District Park to Woolwich Foot Tunnel)

We walked this section Saturday (28-Jan-12) and had no problems with the lock gates. The is building work at UEL which has blocked off most of the slope (and any signs) going down to Cyprus DLR station so we got slightly confused. This is only a problem if you are going Anti-clockwise.
Peter

Sunday 18-09-11 both lock gates were locked the King George V and smaller lock just before. Also the footpath is very overgrown on the enclosed pathway nearby making it feel secluded and unsafe to use if travelling alone. However the waterfront near Cyprus DLR was beautiful and tranquil.
Thank you. We are in touch (again!) with the managers of the lock gates, trying to get them reopened. We will let Newham know about the overgrown section too.
Walk London

The lock gates at the Royal Docks have unfortunately been closed for a while now, but the diversion via a grassy path and steps up to the road bridge will only add about 10 minutes to your walk. Once over the bridge either continue to Fishguard Way and turn left, or take the (unsigned) path immediately on the left, beside the lock.
PH We have been advised by RoDMA that the gates have been undergoing emergency observations, checks and repairs, but that the outer dock gates should fixed by Friday 2nd September 2011. Meanwhile if walkers have downloaded their map from WalkLondon, they can take the alternative route over the Sir Stephen Redgrave Bridge. UPDATE 13th SEPT 2011: RoDMA have opened the gates again!
Walk London

Hi. The walk across the giant lock gates at the King George V dock on the section from Gallions Reach DLR Station along the riverside to Woolwich Ferry is constantly being blocked off due to "mechanical problems" according to RODMA. Strange that vessels can navigate in and out of the lock but walkers cannot access the path over the gates! I've been emailing Hamish Stewart at RODMA but do not receive a reply and the gates remain blocked off for no apparent reason. Please protest to get'em open!
Mick Burpitt We have been advised by RoDMA that the gates have been undergoing emergency observations, checks and repairs, but that the outer dock gates should fixed by Friday 2nd September 2011. Meanwhile if walkers have downloaded their map from WalkLondon, they can take the alternative route over the Sir Stephen Redgrave Bridge.
Walk London

The Woolwich Foot tunnel is closed until spring 2012 for refurbishment. Also the route across King George lock gates is closed due to "mechanical problems". It is possible to continue on to rejoin the alternative route at Redgrave Bridge.
TonyB We have been advised by RoDMA that the gates have been undergoing emergency observations, checks and repairs, but that the outer dock gates should fixed by Friday 2nd September 2011. Meanwhile if walkers have downloaded their map from WalkLondon, they can take the alternative route over the Sir Stephen Redgrave Bridge. The Woolwich Foot Tunnel is closed until August 2011 and there is a note about this in the section information on this website. You can take the free ferry across the river at this point though. More information here: http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/Travel/foot-tunnels.htm
Walk London