Bluebells in the Evening - the Ravensbourne River, some wet woodland, a wild swimming lake, ornamental gardens and a Palladian mansion (Ravensbourne to Beckenham Hill)

Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi) 

Ascent/Descent: 70/82m 

Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours 

 

Take the 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (train originates from Welwyn Garden City; calls Elephant 18.20, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye 18.31, Nunhead, …, Catford 18.40, …, arrives Ravensbourne 18.47. 

From London Bridge: 18.18 Hayes train to Catford Bridge, walk across to Catford to catch above train (18.30/18.40). 

From Victoria: 18.12 Gillingham train, change at Denmark Hill (18.21/18.28).

Return Trains: xx.00 and xx.30. Both stations are in Zone 4.

This partly undulating route winds its way through an attractive park in South East London, partly on grounds formerly used for a public golf course. The park is bounded to the east by the Ravensbourne River and the route initially follows parts of the well-waymarked Waterlink Way along it through open meadows. You then cross the railway line into the more undulating westerly part of the park, famous for its bluebell displays in season. Recent major investments in the landscaping of the park have spawned some interesting new features: A Mounded Garden, a Wet Woodland, a Wild Swimming Lake and the replanted Ornamental Garden with its beautiful café in the former homestead of the mansion.

Tea: The Mansion Bar and Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion will be closed but the Homestead Café may still be open, but in any case: options are available down the train line to London, for example when changing at Catford Stations or at Peckham Rye or the Elephant. The Catford Bridge Tavern proved to be a good option several times already…

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here .t=short.46