Transport for LondonRoute details
Green Chain Walk: Section 1 Thamesmead to Lesnes Abbey
| Walk facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.2 miles (3.5 km) |
| Location: | Bexley |
| Start: | Thamesmead (Thameside Walk, off Crossway, GR 472-814) Get there with Journey Planner |
| Finish: | Lesnes Abbey Woods (GR 480-787) |
| Factor: | Green Chain Walk: Section 1 Thamesmead to Lesnes Abbey |
| Recommended direction: | North to south |
| Terrain and surface: | Almost completely level with some gentle slopes and a few steps. Entirely on tarmac paths or pavements. No stiles. 0.2km (0.1ml) beside roads |
| Points of Interest: | River Thames, Royal Arsenal Tumps, Southern Outfall Sewer, Southmere Lake, Lesnes Abbey, Lesnes Abbey Woods |
| Signage: | Complete. Logo: 'a linked G-C' and text 'Green Chain Walk' |
| Temporary Diversions: | |
| Refreshments and toilets: | Cafe/bar at Southmere Lake. Toilets at Southmere Lake and Lesnes Abbey |
| Public transport and breakpoints: | NR: Abbey Wood. Buses: Thamesmead, Abbey Wood |
| Links with other walks: | Thames Path Southeast Extension, Ridgeway Walk, Green Chain Walk Section 2 |
| How to get the map: | Download it from www.walklondon.org.uk or call 0870 240 6094 |
| Principal promoters: | LB Bexley, LB Bromley, LB Greenwich, LB Lewisham |
Walk details:
- Anyone who pictures Thamesmead as a bleak and windswept new town beside the Thames is in for a surprise, at least as far as the GCW route is concerned.
- And hardly any of this section follows roads.
- Starting on the Thames promenade (buses nearby), it immediately dives 'inland' to follow a narrow green band through pleasant residential areas, often accompanied by artificial water channels.
- Soon there is a choice of routes to pass under busy Eastern Way, both of which link with the Ridgeway Walk, crossing the grassy bank of the covered Southern Outfall Sewer.
- Then comes Southmere, a large lake where on a fine day you can watch watersports and waterbirds as you refresh yourself in the Lakeside Centre.
- A further narrow green swathe leads to a level footbridge across Abbey Road (buses), from which you burst out into a broad park surrounding the well-kept ruins and gardens of Lesnes Abbey.
- Immediately beyond this, in woodland, you join GCW 2.
