Length: 4.9 km (3.0 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 70/82m
Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ¼ hours
Toughness: 1 out of 10
Take the 18.46 Thameslink stopping
service from London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks (calls Elephant, Denmark
Hill, Peckham Rye 19.01, Nunhead, …, Catford 19.10, …, arrives Ravensbourne
19.17.
[From LBG: 18.46 Hayes (Kent) train (fast to Ladywell 18.55)
to Catford Bridge (18.57), walk across to Catford.
From Victoria:
18.42 Gillingham train, change at Denmark Hill (18.51/18.58).]
Return trains from Beckenham Hill: xx.00 and xx.30
(to Blackfriars), but not on 20.30. 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.
Please keep to the main paths in the woods unless where stated.
Tea: There are the Mansion Café in the Palladian Beckenham Place Mansion (which may still be open) and the Homestead Café (which may still be open).
For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.46
7 comments:
ALERT - The 18.16 Thameslink train from Blackfriars has been CANCELLED (shortage of train crew).
Alternatives, as far as I can see, are the earlier Thameslink trains from Blackfriars at 17.46 or 17.56 arriving Ravensbourne 18.17 or 18.27.
From Victoria, there's the 17.42, change at Denmark Hill to the Thameslink service (17.51/17.58) arriving Ravensbourne 18.17.
Also from Victoria there are the 17.55 or 18.12 fast trains to Bromley South where you change to the London bound Thameslink service (18.11/18.23 or 18.34/18.40) arriving Ravensbourne 18.28 or 18.47.
Note also that the 20.30 return train from Beckenham Hill has also been cancelled.
Perhaps Thomas will update the posting to give the recommended train.
Tea (or not): According to Google Maps, the Mansion Bar & Cafe closes at 4pm (updated by the business 3 weeks ago) and the Homestead Cafe at 6pm (updated by the business 6 days ago).
thanks, Paul, for the headsup.
train times amended
Was wanting to join this walk and see some bluebells. I’ll get to Ravensbourne for 18.17 or 18.27 then? Thanks.
Hi Bridget - no, NOT the earlier trains - Thomas has amended the posting (see above) - you should now get the later 18.46 from Blackfriars, arriving Ravensbourne 19.17 with the group.
Many thanks Paul.
The 18:16 seems to be running again
In the end 4 started from the earlier train and 3 from the later train who early on bumped into one who arrived by bus, making for n=8 on a w=lovely-mild-spring-evening. The bluebells were in abundance, some looking a bit dry others still fresh. The later starters were treated to a beautiful setting sun glowing orange through the trees. The two groups connected in the formal garden next to the grand house and enjoyed a rather fine bottle of sparkling wine, a pity the walk poster was not there to partake. We finished our drinks just in time for those taking the train to catch the 21:00. A lovely walk on a perfect evening.
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