This section starts at sea level, beside the Thames. The walk then leads you uphill to over 55m (180ft). You can get to the start from Erith station with a pleasant stroll along Erith Riverside for about one kilometre (half a mile), passing the start of London Loop.
There is a fine view of 12th century St John the Baptist Church from a ramped footbridge, as you cross the busy road (Bronze Age Way). Then you pass through Frank’s Park. A short walk beside roads takes you into Lesnes Abbey Woods. Here the path goes uphill quite steeply, then bends down a sunken track to Lesnes Abbey ruins where you meet Section 1 of the Green Chain Walk.
The path then leads you up more hills in the woods and to a couple of small ponds, and then to Bostall Heath. Cross over the road (Knee Hill) and walk on to Longleigh Lane next to Bostall Woods, where you meet Green Chain Walk Sections 3 and 4.
Where can I find something to eat and drink?
There are pubs and cafes at Erith and Belvedere
Where can I find toilets? Lesnes Abbey and Longleigh Lane
How do I get there?
By railway: Erith, Belvedere, Abbey Wood
By bus: Erith, Belvedere, Abbey Wood, Knee Hill, Longleigh Lane and Bostall Hill
What’s the path like for pushchairs and wheelchairs? Fairly level at first, but some quite steep hills later on. Mostly on tarmac paths and pavements, but some rough paths and tracks
Are there any roadworks or building sites blocking the path? None reported
What’s good to visit along the way? Lesnes Abbey and Fossil Beds
Where does the walk pass through? Bexley and Greenwich
Where do I start the walk? Erith, Corinthian Manorway, (Grid
Reference 510-788)
Where do I finish the walk? Bostall Woods (Longleigh Lane, Grid Reference 471-779)
What’s the pathway like? Fairly level at first, but some quite steep hills later on. Mostly on tarmac paths and pavements, but some rough paths and tracks. No stiles. 1.9km (1.2miles) beside roads
What signs are there to show me the way? There are pointing finger posts with a ‘G-C’ symbol and the words ‘Green Chain Walk’
What other paths join with this walk? Thames Path Southeast Extension, London Loop Section 1, Green Chain Walk Sections 1, 3 and 4
What map do I need? Explorer 162, Or a Green Chain route guide which costs £3.50 and can be ordered from the South East London Green Chain on 020 8921 5876 or email the Green Chain
Who looks after this walk? London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark.
