Route Section Capital Ring Walk

Section 15 (Beckton District Park to Woolwich Foot Tunnel)

Description:

Capital Ring section 15 is now fully open round the riverside to North Woolwich: it crosses two locks with a steep drop, not for the faint hearted or those with small children perhaps. The temporary diversion along the Sir Steve Redgrave bridge remains available as an alternative. Beware the signage has not yet been fully amended as at June 09.

Beckton District Park leads on through New Beckton Park to the Dockland Light Railway’s ultramodern station at Cyprus.

It is well worth making a diversion to see the vast expanse of the Royal Albert Dock (now devoid of shipping but a well used watersports centre) and a row of colourful circular student apartments with butterfly wing roofs. There are also cafes here. To reach the Royal Albert Dock waterfront continue along the bridge link over the DLR and through the University of East London buildings.

Opposite is London City Airport whose flight path you will soon pass under – but do not fear as all aircraft that use it must have engines that are relatively quiet. After retracing your steps to Cyprus station, you cross the modern road bridge carrying Woolwich Manor Way over the Royal Albert Dock, then pass the King George V Dock (also no longer in commercial use) and its entrance lock.

Follow the dockside and take the path leading up to the bridge. Either turn right to take a shortcut along the Steve Redgrave Bridge, or cross over to carry on towards the River Thames, turning left on the other side of the road and first right on the Gallions roundabout along Atlantis Avenue. At the end you will find the river. Turn right along the river and then follow a quiet road for a short while before crossing two sets of locks before regaining the river again further along.

Another great expanse of water awaits around the corner, when you follow the river wall beside the Thames and past North Woolwich station to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel, which takes you under the Thames back to Capital Ring Section 1 at Woolwich. There are lifts (which normally operate Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5.30pm), but purists may prefer to use the spiral staircases, consisting of 126 steps on the north side and 101 on the south side.

The footsore can use the Woolwich Free Ferry, but they will not then be able to claim to have completed the Capital Ring on foot!

Distance:

3.5 miles ( 6 km)

Start:

Beckton District Park (Stansfeld Road, GR 422-811)

Finish:

Woolwich Foot Tunnel (south side, GR 432-793)

Recommended direction:

Northwest to southeast

Terrain and surface:

Almost entirely level on tarmac paths or pavements. No stiles. 1.6km (1 mile) beside roads

Temporary Diversions:

The plaza at UEL (by Cyprus DLR) is now locked down for the Olympics, as from 9th July 2012. Suggested route is to turn left into Cyprus Place and follow road and bear right down footpath. This should bring you out at Gallions Roundabout.

The stairs at both sides of Woolwich Foot Tunnel have now reopened. Access is available 24 hours daily, but by the stairs only. Work will continue on the lifts, and other works are also still taking place in the tunnel before the project is fully complete. To check the current status of the foot tunnel, you can call 020 8853 2988. More information on Greenwich’s website. The Woolwich Ferry boat service provides an alternative.

A walker has reported some giant hogweed on the path between the two lock gates along the riverside section. Walkers should be aware not to touch this weed. We have notified Newham Council.

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafés at Cyprus and North Woolwich. Public toilets at North Woolwich

Public transport and breakpoints:

DLR: Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach
Rail: North Woolwich, Woolwich Arsenal
Buses: at all stations above
Woolwich Free Ferry

For more information on public transport please see Transport for London’s Journey Planner.

Links with other walks:

Thames Path Southeast Extension

If you would like some short, easy walks in this area, download this map with 4 fun circular walks on it!

Map required:

Explorer 162

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Newham, LB Greenwich

Access information:

Most of the section is level with a hard surface, but some short stretches of the river wall have a rough surface and steps. This can be avoided by walking along the Woolwich Manor Way.