Paul Hampton

From Woolwich to Grove Park

The day started at 8:15 as we drove out to pick up Chris and head to Twyford rail station. We had planned how to get to Woolwich using the National Rail – Plan Your Journey site; which suggested a the 8:58am from Twyford direct to Woolwich, arriving by 10:14am.

But Chris had a brain wave, it happens sometimes! We could catch the fast train from Twyford (only stops at 2 stations before Paddington) and then get the Elizabeth line at Paddington.

This we did, resulted in us getting to Woolwich at 9:53am ready to start the walk.

Capital Ring – Walk 1

It was a lovely day to be walking. We headed down to the river Thames and started the walk along the Thames path. There were fantastic views of Canary Warf and the Thames Barrier as we walk upstream.

The first part of the walk follows the river. We watched the two Woolwich ferries swap sides, and spotted a perfect boat as part of a project.

Soon the route leaves the river. We walked through some back roads and then heads through Maryon Park. Here the route heads up some steps, 115 to be exact.

The route now took us across a couple of roads and through Maryon Wilson Park (which had a small children’s zoo).

We entered Charlton Park and decided it was time to stop for a coffee. We found a small cafe, the Old Cottage café, and stopped for coffee. Watching people play in the park. One lady was setting up a agility course for her dog.

Coffee break over we walked around Charlton Park (although I am sure you could save time by going straight across the park). At the end of the park was a well used skateboard park.

We followed a few roads, walked past a BMX track and then onto Woolwich Common. Which have some great views – apparently of the fields of Essex.

We wondered up hill (it always seemed that we were walking up hill!) through a nice wood. It was a hot day and the dappled shade was very welcome.

We exit the wood to find Severndroog Castle.

The route descends down some steps and through a small rose garden. After all the climbing we were rewarded with some great views.

We walked passed a neglected fountain.

And then passed to the top of Oxleas Meadow. Which has a cafe. They claim it is the best kept secret. But I think they might be wrong about it being a secret based on the number of people enjoying the views and a cup of tea/coffee/ice cream.

The walk meanders though some rather nice woods and ends at the start of walk 2.

Capital Ring – Walk 2

We continued to walk 2, which starts off crossing the rather noisy Rochester Way Relief Road. But we were soon away from the noise and walk in Eltham Park South.

But the route soon leads you out into residential streets. Not as picturesque as some of the park and woodlands of Walk 1.

We did pass Conduit Head, part of the old water supply system for Eltahm Palace. But then more walking along pavements until you get to King John;s Walk. This is a much narrower lane and leads to Eltahm Palace.

The route now follows this lane. Past some historic monuments and back into the countryside. We walked past a number of stables, with people looking after the horses. The lane had great views looking back at London (did I mention we seemed to be always walking up…)

We followed the route over some roads and over a rail line. Both walks were really well sign-posted. Chris used a printed copy of the instructions and I used the Go Jauntly app to track our progress and make sure Chris had not made a mistake.

We finished walk 2 and made our way to the train station, looking for an open pub on the way. We were most disappointed to find that we had seleceted the only station in London that did not appear to have a pub near by.

We caught the train into London and headed off in search of a couple of beers to help rehydrate us. But that is a story for another time…

Final Thoughts

It was a great day walking. We had fantastic views of London and saw sights along the way. The route is really well sign posted, with lots of places to stop and get refreshments along the way.

We are already planning the next leg of the Capital Ring, 2 down only 13 to go.