Green Chain walk
Green Chain - route highlights
Take a break from the bustle of city life: walk the Green Chain.
Running through around 300 parks and open spaces as part of a 64 kilometre (40 mile) network of signposted footpaths, the Green Chain Walk offers some of the finest landscapes and views in south London.
The network
The Green Chain begins at three points along the Thames, climbing up from the river through Lesnes Abbey and Woolwich Common.
The three paths converge at Shooters Hill, and descend towards Eltham and over to Grove Park. Taking in Chislehurst and Beckenham Place Park, the Green Chain Walk finishes at Crystal Palace Park.
Highlights
Marvel at the Thames Barrier – the world's largest moving flood barrier – built to stop London flooding.
Enjoy stunning views across the River Thames from Maryon Park in Charlton. A short walk south takes you to Maryon Wilson Park, which has an animal park.
Wander around Eltham Common at the foot of Shooters Hill, imagining highwaymen like Dick Turpin who robbed travellers of their purses.
Spot squirrels, jays and chiffchaffs – a bird that calls its name to you – in Oxleas Wood, while enjoying its glades and colourful meadows. Or, get a cuppa at the café.
Wonder at Severndroog Castle, an 18th century folly built by Lady James to commemorate her husband's capture of the pirate fortress of Severndroog.
Explore the Art Deco Eltham Palace and its surroundings
These are just some of the features in our borough. The Green Chain Walk cuts across four boroughs, with many more interesting things – such as 'dinosaurs' and marine fossils – that you can discover.
You can find out more about the interesting features of the Green Chain, as well as colourful maps, with the detailed 'Explore' route guide.
You can buy the 'Explore' route guide in local libraries or at the Tourist Information Centre. Or, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to Greenwich Council, along with your name and address to:
SE London Green Chain (BS),PO Box 22119,
London SE18 6WY
More information
Pick up a free overview leaflet in local libraries, or visit the Green Chain website for more details.