Transport for LondonRoute details
Capital Ring Section 15: Beckton District Park to Woolwich Foot Tunnel
| Walk facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.1 miles (6.6 km) |
| Location: | Newham, Greenwich |
| Start: | Beckton District Park (Stansfeld Road, GR 422-811) Get there with Journey Planner |
| Finish: | Woolwich Foot Tunnel (south side, GR 432-793) |
| Factor: | Capital Ring Section 15: Beckton District Park to Woolwich Foot Tunnel |
| Recommended direction: | Northwest to southeast |
| Terrain and surface: | Almost entirely level on tarmac paths or pavements. No stiles. 1.6km (1.0ml) beside roads |
| Points of Interest: | Beckton District Park, New Beckton Park, UEL London Docklands Campus, Royal Albert and King George V Docks, London City Airport, Royal Victoria Gardens, River Thames, Woolwich Foot Tunnel |
| Signage: | Not signed at time of writing |
| Temporary Diversions: | |
| Refreshments and toilets: | Pubs and cafes at Cyprus and North Woolwich. Public toilets at North Woolwich |
| Public transport and breakpoints: | DLR: Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach. NR: North Woolwich, Woolwich Arsenal. Woolwich Free Ferry. Buses at all these points |
| Links with other walks: | Thames Path Southeast Extension |
| How to get the map: | Download it from www.walklondon.org.uk or call 0870 240 6094 |
| Principal promoters: | London Walking Forum, LB Newham, LB Greenwich |
Walk details:
- The easiest section of the Capital Ring, but full of surprises at every turn, and a complete contrast to everything that has gone before.
- Beckton District Park leads on through New Beckton Park to the Dockland Light Railway's ultramodern station at Cyprus.
- Ideally, the route would then continue through the remarkable London Docklands Campus of the University of East London.
- That is not yet possible, but is 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.
- 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.
- 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 (for operating times phone 020 8921 5493 or visit www.greenwich.gov.uk/council/strategicplanning/foottun2.htm), 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!
