Panoramic Views and Gothic Follies
Oxleas wood to Severndroog Castle
(sections 3,5,6 and 7of Green Chain Route Pack route pack-see details below)

Nearest Rail Station (arrival and departure): Falconwood

Nearest Rail Station (arrival and departure): Falconwood station.

Falconwood station is approx. 25 minutes from central London (London Bridge station) or 10 minutes from Kent (Dartford station) on London and South Eastern Railways.

Follow Green Chain Walk (GCW) signs from the station towards Eltham Park North. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest (that means it’s a bit special!), the woods that you pass through are the remains of ancient woodland (they’ve been around for 8,000 years at the very least) and contain a variety of trees including oak, birch, hornbeam and alder. When you reach the GCW main sign at Eltham Park North, turn right following GCW signs towards Oxleas Wood.

These ancient woods have existed for over 8,000 years. As you walk through, savour their tranquillity and allow yourself to pause for a moments quiet reflection.

At the GCW main sign in Oxleas Wood, turn left following directions towards Shrewsbury Park and you will soon arrive at the wonderful café at the top of Oxleas Wood Meadows (open 7 days a week). Have a bite to eat here, and enjoy the panoramic views overlooking the Kent Downs-spectacular!

Suitably rested and refreshed, explore nearby Severndroog Castle

by following the GCW signs and wooden marker posts towards Woolwich Common. The folly is a hidden treasure that was built in 1784 as a memorial to Sir William James to commemorate his exploits in the West Indies.

It’s rather sinister gothic appearance makes it a popular location for movie directors of the horror genre: the highly-ratedfilm “Mr In-Between”

was recently shot here- a haunting tale set in London that “plays with the shadows and light of an underworld occupied by the fascinating and the terrible”. You may wish to carry a crucifix when approaching the castle…. .

To return, retrace your steps via the Green Chain Walk signs to the station at Falconwood, where your carriage home awaits.

Further details on the Green Chain Walk are provided in the official Green Chain Route Guide, which contains detailed colour maps of the network of footpaths and places of interest along the walk.

(Click here for details on how to purchase the Green Chain Route Guide)