Woolwich to Falconwood: 6.2 miles (10km)
Setting straight off onto this first section of the Ring, following section 15, together bring a fabulous contrast to the days walking and fine views of both East and South East Greater London, highly recommended!
Emerging from the tunnel and heading west alongside the Woolwich dockyard, steeped in Naval maritime history, a fabulous vista awaits on the horizon which includes The Thames Barrier, the O2 and Canary Wharf. The promenade itself holds much to digest: the Rathbone zodiac mosaic, remnants of the Gun Drill Battery, Clockhouse and imaginative staircases and ramps, which eventually the walker turns off, as the Barrier approaches. It’s worth noting that signage of the route is shared, as is the route itself at times , with the Jubilee Greenway, Thames Path and the Green Chain Walk and can be a little confusing (map therefore-recommended!)
A short urban hop leads into Maryon Park and Maryon Wilson Park, formerly Hanging Wood, location of the 60’s movie ’Blow-Up’. The gentle climb to eventually reach Shooters Hill, now begins to take shape. Crossing Charlton Park home to Charlton House (1612) and a large area of playing fields and on through Hornfair Park, with neighbouring BMX track, brings the walker out onto Woolwich Common. A short walk ahead to Shooters Hill leads onto Eltham Common part of Shooters Hill Woods which includes Castlewood, Jackwood and Oxleas Wood. The route follows winding uphill paths through these woods each in turn, passing Severndroog Castle, the high point at 128 m of the entire Ring, and bringing with it breathtaking views over Sidcup and Kent. Leaving Jackwood, the pavilion high up at the top of the meadow, affords the opportunity for a respite and again more stunning panoramic views of the North Downs. Descending through Oxleas Wood via a meandering path and across into Eltham Park and onto a short woodland rolled track, this section comes to a finish at Falconwood station.
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