Green Chain Walks: Routes, Nature & Places to Explore
Fancy a walk with something more interesting than simply walking? The South East London Green Chain joins woodland, parks, heritage and local places. Pick a manageable section or turn it into a proper day out.
Choose your Green Chain walk
These distances and access notes come from Walk London’s published route descriptions. Check its downloadable maps and any current diversions before travelling.
Section 3: Bostall Woods to Oxleas Meadows
2.7 miles / 4.3 km. Starts at Longleigh Lane, Bostall Woods, and finishes at Oxleas Meadows. Passes Woodlands Farm, East Wickham and Oxleas Wood. Undulating, with some steep climbs and mostly rough tracks, paths and grass. Falconwood is a rail option; bus stops are listed at Longleigh Lane, Wickham Lane and Shooters Hill. Oxleas Meadows has a café and toilets listed, but verify they are open.
Important: Walk London warns that farm gates can be locked; check the alternative route and contact Woodlands Farm in advance.
Section 5: Thames Barrier to Oxleas Meadows
4 miles / 6.5 km. Starts at the Thames Barrier and finishes at Oxleas Meadows, taking in Charlton Park, Woolwich Common, Castle Wood and Severndroog Castle. Includes steep slopes and a long staircase with an alternative. The first part has harder surfaces; later woodland paths are rougher. Charlton and Falconwood rail stations and buses along the route offer breakpoints. Check facilities at Charlton House and Oxleas Meadows before setting off.
Section 6: Oxleas Woods to Mottingham
3.9 miles / 6.2 km on Walk London’s section page. From Oxleas Wood towards Mottingham Lane via Eltham Park and near Eltham Palace. Mostly level with short slopes, rough paths and a stepped footbridge; not a guaranteed step-free route. Falconwood and Mottingham stations are listed, with buses around Eltham and Middle Park Avenue. Cafés and public toilets are listed in Eltham, but check availability.
Another Walk London page gives a slightly different distance, so follow the current downloadable map rather than relying on mileage alone.
For the wider 11-section network, use the Walk London Green Chain overview or TfL walking routes.
What about toilets, cafés and accessibility?
Facilities vary by section. Woodlands Farm, Severndroog, parks and nearby community venues each have different opening arrangements. Woodland paths can be muddy, sloping or uneven; never assume a route is wheelchair or buggy friendly because the entrance is accessible.
Plan your bus or rail journey at both ends, check public toilets before travelling and carry water if your route crosses quieter woodland.