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Pockets of Green in Peckham

route.editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:07:59 +0000

Starts at Peckham Library

1 hours 10 minutes | 3.5miles 5.6km | Easy

ID: 58.1 | Developed by: Maria Quesada | Checked by: Nicky Johnson | www.walkingroutes.org

This walk makes the most of Peckham’s Green spaces and visits Burgess Park, Lucas Gardens and Warwick Gardens.

Starts at

Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, City of London, Greater London SE15 5JR

Route instructions

Route Developer: Linda Wrights

Route Checker: Ashley Cruce & Joseph Heathcott

[1] Starting between Peckham Library and Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre take the wide path that marks the start of the Surrey Canal Walk.

(A) This is at the head of the former Surrey Canal, completed in 1826. A notice board on your left as you start gives you further information about the history and ecology of the area, which is also a cycle route (London Network 22).

[2] The broad tarmac path wends its way through a residential landscape, along with allotments on the right side of the path. Ignore all side turnings, keeping ahead, and follow the blue cycle route signs to Burgess Park, passing under two road bridges – the first under Commercial Way and the second one under Willowbrook Road. Watch out for cyclists as this is a shared path.

[3] Eventually you will reach a path junction – turn left at the blue cycle sign for Burgess Park, to join Trafalgar Avenue. Cross Trafalgar Avenue at the light-controlled pedestrian crossing on your left and go through the gates into Burgess Park.

(B) At 46 hectares (113 acres), Burgess Park is one of the largest parks in South London. Unlike most other parks in London, Burgess Park was carved out of a highly built-up area of the city. Virtually all the land now occupied by the park was previously housing, industry and transport infrastructure.

[4] Follow the broad straight path to pass under a derelict footbridge, and soon afterwards turn right between the signpost and notice board towards Chumleigh Gardens. At the path junction turn left along a slightly worn path and then right at the next junction towards the car park in front of you.

[5] As you reach the buildings of Chumleigh Gardens on your left, go through the gate on your left and along a paved path, soon to turn left again through another gate into a hidden garden with a pond.

Once inside, on your left, note the ornate iron gates commissioned by the Metropolitan Police Service, and the Chumleigh Gardens Community Allotments area beyond. The listed buildings here are former almshouses.

Turn right between the hedge and the pond, then right again through a gap in the hedge to a mosaic tiled pond with a date palm as a centrepiece.
Chumleigh Gardens is a “World Garden” reflecting the styles and plants from different parts of the world, and includes Asian, African and Caribbean, Mediterranean and Islamic gardens.Take time to explore these unique gardens.

Then retrace your steps back through the gap in the hedge, left and left again through a gate to the paved path. Continue straight ahead with buildings on your left, pass the toilets and go through another gate to emerge onto a newly constructed, wide paved area, with Chumleigh Gardens Play Area in front of you.You will see Burgess Park Café on your immediate right (light meals and disabled toilet).

[6] Continue round the side of the building to return on the path by which you accessed the buildings, keeping the buildings on your right. Turn right at the path junction and straight ahead along the path, through the gate to Wells Way. Turn right and cross Wells Way at the light-controlled pedestrian crossing. Turn left and immediately right through the gate into Burgess Park (west side). Follow the path round to the left until you reach a broad path running parallel to the park access on New Church Road. The historic Burgess Park lime kiln is on your right. Join New Church Road (no road sign nearby), turning right to reach a road barrier. Go around the barrier and continue ahead to the zebra crossing.

[7] Go left over the crossing into Edmund Street ahead, passing Draycott Close on your right. Continue along Edmund Street, which turns into then Benhill Road, crossing Durfrey Place and Owgan Close. Then, turn left onto Elmington Road. Take your first onto St Giles Road (careful, no official crossing) walking on the right hand side of the road. Continue along to turn right through the gate of Brunswick Park. Turn left before the playground and follow the path parallel to the road. Turn left at the path junction (before the tennis courts) and exit the park onto St Giles Road. Cross St Giles Road (careful, busy road with no official crossing) and turn right to reach Peckham Road.

[8] Turn left at Peckham Road and cross it at the traffic lights. Turn left and cross Vestry Road at the traffic lights. At the corner of Peckham Road and Vestry Road, enter a large gateway with the sign ‘Lucas Gardens’. Enter the park and follow the main path that runs parallel with Vestry Road to the top of the park. The children’s adventure playground is at the far end of the park. Exit the park, turning right and then turn left through the gate. Continue walking down Vestry Road crossing over Linnel Road, Oswyth Road and Gairloch Road to reach Lyndhurst Grove. Turn left to cross Shenley Road and Crofton Road. At the corner of Bushey Hill Road cross over Lyndhurst Grove (careful, no official crossing), continuing in the same direction.

[9] Turn right into Azenby Road and carry on to the end to enter Warwick Gardens via a gate. Turn left at the children’s playground, bearing left at the path junction, towards the road. Exit the park via gates to a zebra crossing on Lyndhurst Way. Cross to the centre island then take the left hand crossing to Holly Grove, continuing ahead.

[10] Take the first left onto Bellenden Road and walk to a mini roundabout. There is a camber on the footpath in places but no kerbs to negotiate. Continue ahead, crossing Highshore Road to bear right, passing Bellenden Road Nature Garden on your left. On reaching Peckham Road cross Bellenden Road at the traffic lights, then left across Peckham Road to Melon Road opposite. Pass between the huge pots of olive trees to a wide paved path leading to a large yellow brick building, which is Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre. Continue along this path to Peckham Square, with the library in front of you to finish the walk.

Acknowledgements

Developed by: Maria Quesada
Checked by: Nicky Johnson

Leafy Dulwich

route.editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Starts at West Dulwich railway station

1 hours 40 minutes | 3.9miles 6.2km | Easy Access

ID: 53.1 | Developed by: Elizabeth Mansbridge | www.walkingroutes.org

A longish, green walk through Belair Park and Dulwich Park via the Dulwich Gallery and Dulwich College.The route passes playgrounds, a cafe, a boardwalk and various styles of gardens. There is the option to shorten the walk by approximately 20 minutes.

Starts at

West Dulwich railway station

Route instructions

Route Developer: RC
Route Checker: MT

[1] From the front of West Dulwich railway station, walk along the right-hand side of Thurlow Park Road and pass under the railway bridge. Turn left to cross over the road at the pedestrian lights. At the far side turn left on the pavement and immediately right through a narrow gate into Belair Park.

Belair Park is the only Grade II listed parkland in Southwark, meaning it is of nationally importance and special interest.

Following the path, turn right round the end of the tennis courts, then turn left and left again to reach the children’s playground.

Ahead of you, behind the railings, is the only substantial section of the River Effra remaining above ground. When the London sewerage system was constructed during the mid-19th century, the main course of the River Effra was diverted into a sewer and culverts, running from Herne Hill eastwards under Peckham and New Cross to Deptford.

Turn right on the path and then left, keeping a wall and public toilets on your right, to reach a large white building, Beauberry House.

(A) Formerly Belair House, Beauberry House was built in 1785 in the style of, or possibly by, the architect Robert Adam. It is now an upmarket restaurant.

Bear right around the front of Beauberry House and follow the path around to exit the park through wooden gates.

[2] Turn left onto Gallery Road (narrow and uneven pavement in some parts) and follow the left side of the road past Old College Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and Dulwich Picture Gallery on your right. Cross over the road at a zebra crossing and turn right at the far side and immediately left through a gap in a low wall. Ahead of you is a war memorial in the grounds of Christ’s Chapel .

Christ’s Chapel was consecrated in 1616 by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, as part of the Dulwich College Foundation.

In 1619, the Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn founded his “College of God’s Gift” (comprising chapel, school and almshouses) on Dulwich Green as an act of thanksgiving to God for his talents as an actor and his ability in business. The purpose of the college was to educate12 poor scholars. It currently has about 1,600 boys, of whom 120 are boarders. The College moved to the current buildings, designed by Charles Barry Jr, in 1869.

On your left is a sculpture by Louise Simson commemorating the 400th anniversary of the purchase of the Manor of Dulwich by Edward Alleyn, depicting the actor with a poor scholar.

Continue in the same direction and come out at College Road. Turn right and cross College Road at the zebra crossing. At the other side turn left and pass the entrance to Dulwich Park on your right. Keep along the right-hand side of the road, passing a roundabout to reach Dulwich Village (watch out for uneven pavement at some areas), with the Crown and Greyhound pub on your right. There are interesting shops as well as cafes and restaurants in Dulwich Village. Continue to the crossroads.

[3] Turn sharp right around a graveyard into Court Lane, keeping to the right side up hill. Pass Court Lane Gardens on the right, and turn right through a large gateway into Dulwich Park (opposite Eynella Road on the left). Inside the park, immediately cross the road to an information board.

Created in 1890, Dulwich Park started its life as farmland and a group of meadows known as “five fields” and many of the ancient boundary oaks survive today. Queen Mary was a regular visitor to the park and loved to view the rhododendrons, which are spectacular when they are in bloom in May. The roads in the park are car-free and there are many seats for resting and admiring the view.

Continue into the park and turn left with open parkland on your right. Ignore the first footpath on your right where bushes start and follow the road as it bends slightly to the left and then around to the right. At a crosstrack turn right on a footpath through rhododendron bushes. Keep to the left of a wooden shelter and soon bear right. Ignore a sharp left to pass an information board, “The American Garden”. Turn left to pass a children’s playground on your left and a bowling green on your right. Go straight over cross paths (note: toilets are signposted to the left) to reach a café.

[4] Past the café, turn left around “The Dry Garden” and turn right through a gate onto a boardwalk over a lake (caution, open water). At the far end go through a gate and turn right, keeping the lake on your right to pass a sculpture on your left “Two Forms (Divided Circle)” by Barbara Hepworth.

Cross over a bridge and ignore a left turn to reach an information board on your right “The History of Dulwich Park”. Turn left opposite the board. At the road, cross straight over to the left-hand side of the road ahead and continue on through some low, black gates to join a pavement on the left side of the road ahead. Note that cars use this road. Continue, to exit the park through a large gateway and turn left.

Turn right over the road at a zebra crossing and at the far side turn left to reach Dulwich Picture Gallerywhere there is a café.

(B) Dulwich Picture Gallery was England’s first public art gallery and was built by Sir John Soane in 1811. It houses a small but select collection of high quality European old master paintings mostly of the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as small but often significant temporary exhibitions.

Continue on the right side of the College Road past College Gardens on the right to reach the crossroads. Turn right and then turn left over Dulwich Common at the pedestrian lights.

Optional short-cut (reduces total walk time to approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, 3.3 miles, 5.3km): After crossing the road, you can shorten the walk by turning right and walk along Dulwich Common to return to West Dulwich station, on your left.

[5] The longer walk continues along College Road so after crossing the road, turn left and then turn right into College Road. Dulwich College is on your right

Dulwich College is an independent school for boys founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn – see above for more information about Edward Alleyn, whose name appears on road names and a local pub later).

Continue on the right side of the road past Blew House and Ivyholme and turn right into Hunts Slip Road.The path here is uneven. For a better path cross the road and walk on the left hand side, but do not cross back until the very end of the road. Continue over a rail bridge

[6] After crossing the railway, turn right along Alleyn Park. Walk past a Royal Mail office on your right and the Alleyns Head pub on your left. At the end of the road just past the pub, turn right along Alleyn Park and then turn left to cross the road at a bollarded refuge under the railway bridge. At the far side turn left. Looking back there is a good view of Dulwich College. Turn right into Acacia Grove and where the road turns left go straight on along a footpath with a wire fence guarding the railway line on your right and flats on your left. Continue past a flight of stairs (to the platform) to reach West Dulwich Station. Follow “Way Out” signs to arrive at the front of the station.

Acknowledgements

Developed by: Elizabeth Mansbridge

Bermondsey, Thames Path and Southwark Park

route.editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:58:03 +0000

Starts at Bermondsey Tube Station

55 minutes | 1.9miles 3.0km | Easy Access

ID: 50.1 | Developed by: Elizabeth Mansbridge | Checked by: jennifer sage | www.walkingroutes.org

Starting from Bermondsey station, the walk heads for the river to explore part of the Thames Path and links with The Mayflower, Dr Salter, King Edward III and the engineer Brunel. It then passes through leafy Southwark Park before returning to the start.

Starts at
Bermondsey Tube Station

Route instructions
Route Developer: Lorna Ely
Route Checker: Jenny Sage

[1] The walk starts at Bermondsey Tube Station. Turn left out of the station and walk along Jamaica Road to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road at the pedestrian lights and turn right to continue along Jamaica Road.

Turn first left along Wilson Grove and follow this until you reach the River Thames. The pavement is narrow in places due to attractive but large trees. Their roots cause the pavment to be uneven. Single file is advised.

Turn right along Bermondsey Wall East and walk beside the river with fine views of Tower Bridge upstream. Keep following the Jubilee Greenway – Thames Path.

(A) Just before the Angel pub, on the left, is a statue of a man sitting on a bench waving at a small girl and a large cat on the river wall.This is Dr. Salter’s Daydream, a sculpture to commemorate local doctor, politician, reformer and peace campaigner, Dr. Alfred Salter. Among his achievements was the setting up of a community health centre 20 years before the National Health Service was founded. The plaque next to the statue gives more details of his extraordinary life.

Across the road is a large patch of uneven grass.Here are the ruins of a massive fortified manor house, built in 1361, which was owned by King Edward III. Excavations in 1985 revealed two courtyards surrounded by a moat but these have now been reburied to conserve them.

The pub, The Angel, is the oldest public house in Rotherhithe.The current building dates back to the early 19th century but there has been an inn on this spot since the fifteenth century. The captain of the Mayflower is said to have hired his crew here, and Captain Cook prepared for his voyage to Australia at the old inn. Samuel Pepys and Judge Jeffries were also visitors, along with pirates and smugglers (part of the pub is built over the water and there are trap doors in the floor which may have been used by local smugglers).

[2] Continue past the Angel pub, along Bermondsey Wall East, following the Thames Path as it goes along Rotherhithe Street, passing under building balconies. On the right you will pass the church of St Mary’s Rotherhithe.

(B) The church has a memorial to the captain of the Mayflower which took the Pilgrim Fathers to North America in 1620 and one to Prince Lee Boo of Palau, a Pacific Island prince. The communion table in the Lady Chapel and two bishop’s chairs are made from salvaged timber from the warship HMS Temeraire (subject of painting by Turner).

Shortly after passing the Mayflower Pub on your left, turn right along Tunnel Road, past the Brunel Museum. There is a cafe here for light refreshments.

(C) The Museum is located on the site of the only engineering project that both Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel (father and son) worked on together, the Thames Tunnel, which is now used by the London Overground.

[3] Past the museum, follow Tunnel Road round to the right and then continue straight on along St Marychurch Street, passing the church on your right and St Mary’s Free School opposite it, on your left.

(D)Note the two statues of schoolchildren wearing uniform from the 18th century, on first-floor on the left. This school was originally founded in 1613 in a building next to the church in the 1600s by Peter Hills and Robert Bell, two Elizabethan seafarers, to teach the sons of local seafarers. They provided the school with the sum of £3 per annum.

Follow the road left round St Mary’s Churchyard Gardens and cross the road by the Ship pub and then continue across Elephant Lane into Cottle Way. Continue along here to reach Kingstairs Gardens (E), a wooded and open space. Turn along the first left hand path to come out of the gardens on Rotherhithe Tunnel Roundabout.

Cross over the road, using the zebra crossing, and enter Southwark Park (F) through the main ‘Paradise’ gates. Follow the left hand path along the side of the park, following directions to the café and Gallery. (The Cafe Gallery Projects London exhibit contemporary are and has a reputation for launching new talent.) You will briefly leave the park before reaching the cafe (toilets here) and walk along a paved road.

[4] From the Café, walk back along the park road and then turn right and follow the signs to the Bandstand. At the bandstand, take the left path to the Moreton Terrace exit.
Walk to end of the road, cross over Southwark Park Road and continue ahead, following the pedestrian walk through the flats. Cross Drummond Road and walk along Tranton Road.

Turn right into Keetons Road to return to Jamaica Road with Bermondsey tube station on your left.

Notes
Southwark Park

• Cafe: Information point, toilets, baby changing facilities and disabled access. Tel: 020 7064 8115
• Children’s play room: Open to children aged 0-5 (0-8 during school holidays) and their parents and carers. Tel: 020 7231 3755
• Bandstand: Hosts a number of events and concerts during summer.
• Art gallery: Cafe Gallery Projects London exhibits contemporary art and has a reputation for launching new talent.
• Wheelchair access: There is wheelchair access to the entire park and cafe.

Acknowledgements
Developed by: Elizabeth Mansbridge
Checked by: Jennifer Sage

Hilly Fields and Cemeteries

route.editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:23:15 +0000

Starts at Lewisham Library

55 minutes | 2.8miles 4.5km | Easy

ID: 49.2 | Developed by: Maria Quesada | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk from Lewisham Library to Hilly Fields and Cemeteries.

Starts at

Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6LG

Route instructions

Route Developer: Elizabeth Heverin

Route Checker: Kate Roome

Starting from Lewisham Library, Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6LG

[1] From Lewisham Library turn left and immediately cross over Lewisham High Street (busy roads) using the pedestrian crossing. Having crossed, follow the pavement as it curves around (passing the pleasant white house on your left) into Molesworth Street (beware of cyclists). Cross over Engate Street and continue ahead past a small green space, some office blocks and a car park. Turn left to go under a railway bridge. You are now approaching Cornmill Gardens.

(A) Cornmill Gardens is a new open space for Lewisham Town Centre, providing access to the River Ravensborne. A play area, seating, modern lighting and three timber sculptures (carved from reclaimed trees) in a small garden by the river, provide a pleasant area for local people.

[2] Cross the bridge over the river, then turn left along the river into Waterway Avenue. At the end turn right into Smead Way. Turn left into Elmira Street, continue ahead under the railway bridge and along the whole length of Ellerdale Street. Continue across the junction into Vicar’s Hill and follow this road around as it climbs quite steeply. At the top of the hill, cross over at the entrance to Hilly Fields Park on the right(cross carefully).

(B) The summit of Hilly Fields is 53 metres above sea level and has good views of the surrounding area. This open space was threatened by housing development in the 1880s but was saved as a park by a group of influential people including Octavia Hill, who was one of the founders of the National Trust. In the early 1900s the park was used as a meeting place for the Suffragettes.

[3] Take the left path. As you walk along, there are views over Lewisham and beyond to the left (beware of cyclists). Go straight ahead over two sections where paths meet. Look over to the Millennium Stone Circle on the left. There is a toilet on the right. Continue towards Prendergast School on the left, with views towards Canary Wharf on right. Take the path to the left between the school and the play area. Turn right at the corner of the play area to continue on the path downhill with views towards Crystal Palace. Near the top of this path is a circle of London plane tree (recognisable by the distinctive camouflage-like patterned bark) and also another impressive specimen at the bottom of this path on the right.

[4] Turn right into Adelaide Avenue, first crossing over Montague Avenue. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left, crossing at the pedestrian lights into Brockley Road. Walk a short distance to go through the gates into Brockley Cemetery. The Cemetery opening times are 10am – 4.30pm March to October, 10am – 3.30pm November to February.

If the gates are closed, go along Ivy Road just before the entrance and pick up the walk from point [7].

(C) Both Ladywell and Brockley Cemeteries opened in 1858 under different names. Ladywell was formerly known as Lewisham; Brockley was known as Deptford! Until 1948 they were two separate spaces, split by a brick wall. Now they form part of the Brockley Conservation Area and are also nature conservation sites, home to many species of plants, animals and insects.

The next section of the walk goes through the cemeteries from the entrance on Brockley Road to the entrance on Ladywell Road. Follow the route as directed or explore the cemeteries as you wish, making your way towards the Ladywell Road entrance.

[5] Take the second fork on the left from the main tarmac path (ignoring the grass paths). Further along there is a war memorial on the right. At the next fork in the path, go right. Continue straight over a path junction until you reach a huge tree covered in ivy at the next path junction. Go left here, past an open area with a low stone wall on the right. At the next path junction go right to reach a single monument surrounded by trees. This is a poignant memorial to Jane Marie Clouson, erected by public donations. She was a 17 year old girl who was murdered in Kidbrooke Lane in 1871.

[6] At the next junction go left, but pause to look back along a line of trees and a grassy bank which mark the position of the original boundary wall between the two cemeteries. Both are distinctly Victorian but the tombs are more densely packed in Ladywell Cemetery than in Brockley Cemetery. Continue along this path towards the chapel, bearing left at the fork then taking the next path to the left, before turning right in front of the chapel. At the war memorial with a cross, go right toward the exit, to leave the cemetery.

[7] From the exit, cross over Ivy Road (at the pedestrianised area, slightly to the right), then walk ahead along Ladywell Road (careful as there a narrow path and some low overhanging vegetation). Look out for the red plaque on 148 Ladywell Road. This marks the site of the Ladywell Spring. Continue straight ahead at the roundabout, past the railway station to the end of Ladywell Road. Turn left into Lewisham High Street. Continue along until the pedestrian crossing near Lewisham Library. Cross here to return to the library.

(D) The St Mary’s conservation area is the area between Ladywell railway station and Lewisham High Street. As you walk along you will see several Grade II listed buildings on the right, including the former Ladywell Baths (also known as the Playtower, built in 1884) – a listed building in dire need of restoration. This was one of the earliest public swimming pools in London. Next is the Coroner’s Court built in Gothic style and further down, the old Police station now used for housing. On the left hand side just before the High Street is Ladywell House, formerly St Mary’s Vicarage. An imposing double-span formal house built in 1693 by Rev.George Stanhope, vicar of Lewisham.

Acknowledgements

Developed by: Maria Quesada

Lewisham Park and Ladywell Fields

route.editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:08:27 +0000

Starts at Lewisham Library

48 minutes | 2.4miles 3.9km | Easy

ID: 49.1 | Developed by: Maria Quesada | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk from Lewisham Library, taking in the local green spaces of Lewisham Park and Ladywell Fields.

Starts at Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6LG

Route instructions

Route Developer: Elizabeth Heverin

Route Checker: Kate Roome

Starting from Lewisham Library, Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6LG

[1] From Lewisham Library turn left into Lewisham High Street (busy road) and continue towards the railway bridge. Cross Courthill Road at the traffic lights (careful as there is no pedestrian lights) and continue past Ladywell Leisure Centre. Continue ahead to cross Romborough Way on the left.

(A) Opposite here is St Mary’s Church where Lewisham people have worshipped for at least a thousand years. The present church, built in the 1770s, is one of the oldest buildings in the borough.

If you wish to do a shorter version of the walk (1.8 miles, 2.9Km), cross here at the pedestrian lights towards St Mary’s Church. Follow the path around the church building. Bear left to cross the footbridge over the river, then follow the path through to Ladywell Fields. Turn left and follow the path to the fork, and here take the right fork to join the main walk description from point [5].

[2] Continue ahead to the next junction and turn left into Lewisham Park (a road). Cross over, continue past some large blocks of flats then turn right through a small gate into Lewisham Park. Turn left along the path and continue. Go straight ahead where paths cross, and pass the large gates and the park notice board on the left, to reach the next path crossing. Turn right here to walk across the middle of the park along a tree-lined path.

(B) Lewisham Park is a small park, not much used. It has been a park since 1840 and has some spectacular mature trees, like the semi-circle of London plane trees (recognisable by the distinctive camouflage-like patterned bark). Large numbers of plane trees were planted in the 19th century as an ‘antidote’ to industrial pollution. The sunken area inside these trees was probably a small lake that has been drained or dried up.

[3] Turn right just before an exit gate. Continue to a path junction. Go through the gate on the left. Turn right onto Lewisham Park (the road) and then turn right into Lewisham High Street. Cross Lewisham High Street almost immediately at pedestrian lights. Continue past the railings to reach the wide section of the footpath. Turn left in front of Lewisham University Hospital.

(C) The current hospital stands on the site of a former workhouse, built in 1612. This housed some of Lewisham’s poor parishioners. A larger premises was built in 1817, including a wing to treat cholera. Subsequently more and more of the buildings were devoted to treating the ill, with a separate infirmary finally built in 1892. Throughout the twentieth century, the hospital continued to expand and was awarded university status in 1997. A large modern building called Riverside was opened in 2007. As it is very close to the river in Ladywell Fields, you will be able to see this building clearly on the next section of the walk.

[4] Turn right into Albacore Crescent. Turn right after the hospital into Ladywell Fields by a signboard(caution, path shared with cyclists). Go straight ahead, crossing a footbridge, then turn immediately right by an iron signpost. Continue ahead between the River Ravensbourne on the right and tennis courts on the left.

(D) Ladywell Fields is a valuable green space following the course of the Ravensbourne river, as it flows from Catford to Ladywell. It includes a small nature reserve in the northern part of the park. The river banks, including a new meandering channel, have recently been landscaped to prevent flooding and to encourage wildlife.

Ladywell Fields is part of the Waterlink Way, a shared route for cyclists and pedestrians that runs south from the River Thames at Deptford Creek to the Green Chain Walk in Lower Sydenham. The Waterlink Way is also part of the National Cycle network, Sustrans Route 21, as it passes through London on its way to the south coast at Eastbourne.

[5] Turn left where the path forks, then right at the path junction. There is a café and toilets just off to the left. Continue along the path as it goes up a slope to the exit. Turn left out of the park into Ladywell Road. Go past Ladywell Station.

[6] Cross Ladywell Road at the pedestrian lights. Turn right. Cross Algernon Road (careful, busy road)and then turn left into it. Cross Mercy Terrace. When the road forks, take the right fork and then turn next right into Marsala Road, following the road as it bends to the left. At the end of this road turn right into Ellerdale Street, continue ahead under the railway bridge into Elmira Street then take the second turning right into Smead Way. Turn left just before the bridge into Waterway Avenue and follow the river Ravensbourne to Cornmill Gardens marked by a tall grey column.

(E) The Ravensbourne river is just over 11 miles long and flows through the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich, before flowing into the River Thames. The Doomsday Book of 1086 records eleven corn mills along the river – can you imagine them in the city now?

[7] Turn right to cross a footbridge over the river. On the left is a small garden, worth a short diversion to look at the wooden sculptures. Go under a railway bridge. Turn right into Molesworth Street (look out for cyclists). Continue past some tall office blocks and a green space on the right beside another short stretch of the river. Cross Engate Street, continue to the pedestrian lights on Lewisham High Street (busy road). Cross here and turn left to return to Lewisham Library.

Notes

Information about St Mary’s Church (including history) can be found on their website:www.lewishamparish.org/page5.html

Acknowledgements

Developed by: Maria Quesada

Get Walking in 2012

rachel.jenkins — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:21:26 +0000

Take to your feet for the new year and burn off those Christmas calories. Walking is a fantastic way to improve your health and fitness and can help you lose weight and even banish those winter blues.

The beauty of walking is that it is free, almost anyone can do it and it’s easy to get started. You don’t need to spend lots of money on joining the gym or expensive equipment; all you need to do to get started is pull on your trainers and step outside.

You don’t need to travel far to get walking. In fact, walking is a great way to explore your local area and there are plenty of attractive places to walk in towns and cities as well as in the countryside. Check out our advice for finding great places to get walking.

Another great thing about walking is that it is a social exercise, you can walk in a group, with your friends or family.

So, start your new year’s resolution today and get walking!

Get Walking Keep Walking Swindon

rachel.jenkins — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:41:33 +0000

We’re pleased to announce the launch of a brand new Get Walking Keep Walking project in Swindon.

Get Walking Keep Walking Swindon is an online resource which provides walking routes across the town which have been developed by 13 local Ramblers volunteers. There are already plenty of routes available for you to download for free. As well as routes there will be information about walking in Swindon and details of upcoming walks and events in the area.

The new website is a partnership initiative between Swindon Borough Council’s Leisure Services and the Ramblers and is part of the NHS-funded Walk Swindon project.

Cllr Brian Mattock, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I am delighted the council has teamed up with the Ramblers and NHS Swindon to develop this website as I think it will be of great benefit to many residents in the borough.

“Not only does walking keep you healthy in body and mind, but the routes will give many people the chance to explore their local area.”

Fiona Dickens, Public Health Physical Activity Lead for NHS Swindon, said: “The Get Walking in Swindon website is an excellent resource to support people in Swindon to be more active, more often.

“Regular activity, including walking, can reduce your risk of developing a number of conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke. It is also helps reduce stress and low levels of depression.

“We recommend people to aim to be active for at least 30 minutes at least five days a week. The activity should be at a level where you feel your heart beating a bit faster and you feel a bit sweaty.”

Get Walking Poems

rachel.jenkins — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:23:55 +0000

If you’re looking for some inspiration to brave the cold weather and step outside for a wintry walk then look no further…participants from our 12 week walking plan recently sent us their poems about why they love walking as part of our newsletter competition. Thanks to everyone who entered, and for sharing your poems with us.

You can check out some of our favourite poems from the winner and runners up below.

Untitled Poem. By Tony Noon (winning poem)
Take a map and find a route,
Try starting your walk in heather,
Watch your step as you place your boot,
Especially in inclement weather

A tor is good, a gorge is fine,
Though for me a forest beats these,
Or striding by a railway line,
Watching birds, and cattle, and bees

Lunchtime nears and my stomach calls,
An old inn appears by the path,
Steak and ale lie inside those walls,
Whilst my boots steam dry on the hearth

Then back outside, alongside a stream,
And over a Pooh Sticks bridge,
Past fishers of trout and freshwater bream,
Ignoring the bite from a midge

Reaching the peak is when my heart soars,
With a view of our kingdom of walks,
Dappled mountain lakes, far misty shores,
And perfect rows of corn stalks

So when you roam, however you feel,
Set out with your boots laced tight,
Waterproofs, compass, map and meal,
And you’ll finish feeling delight.

Untitled Poem. By Mike Barraclough
I like to go out walking
It’s lots and lots of fun
It helps me lose the kilos
Off tum and legs and bum

Walking makes me feel good
Near trees and grass and streams
It’s the antidote to concrete
And gives me pleasant dreams

It releases serotonin
And other feel-good drugs
All the artificial chemicals
Are only good for mugs

I walk through all the seasons
Through rain and snow and sun
It’s great to see a newby
So come and join the fun

The Importance of Walking. By Christine Couch
Hey, its a freezing autum morning
The winter sun is splitting the trees
My boots are on and sarnies made
To meet the leader is the next stage

Off through the woods we go
Crunching the leaves as we march
Chattering with fellow ramblers
We are having such a laugh

The Scenery is beuitfull the peacefullness is best
It clears are minds and souls of everything
Holistically recharging us with every step
Thank God its Sunday – its how us ramblers rest.

The Outdoor Life. By Ann Griffins
An aeroplane’s white trail across the sky
Tearing the heavens apart, and on high
The silver birches graceful in the breeze
Fluttering their branches; the seas
Of corn make rippling patterns at their will.
Dark shadows of the clouds across the hill.
The sound of gentle rain upon my tent
Pattering softly, and the scent
Of road dust on a drizzly summer’s day
Wafts up to me while I go on my way
To climb the next peak, and then at last to reach
The well-built summit cairn. An empty beach
Where I can sit and watch the porpoises at play
The fragrance of a summer’s morn, the scent of hay.
Peaty waters running brown and deep and cool
While I plunge my body in a mountain pool
In sweltering summer time. The autumn chill
My heart with all its scents and sounds will fill.
The russet coloured leaves that strew a dusky lane
The feel of wind and the strong gusts of rain
Across my face, while I stride on the moor
Twinkling lights down in the vale, an open door
Of a snug village inn at close of day…
All these mean much to me, long may they stay….

Free. By Mrs M Lloyd
Stride out and feel the wind on your face
Free from care in a wooded place

Up on a hill and over a stream
Time to think and time to dream

Walk on a track or on a footpath
Sing or be quiet, even laugh

Looking at nature all around
Up in the air and on the ground

This is the time to calm the mind
No more worries with peace to find

The air is fresh and the sun is bright
The views are beautiful from any height

Down the moor and through the heather

I feel like I could walk forever

Untitled Poem. By Beverley Morris
I love to roam and gaze at the wonder around me
The solitude and peace that this brings
The artful way that the sun shimmers and shines
and the tricks the light can play

I love the ever changing scenes
as seasons come and go
The swaying trees and dancing flowers
Birds soaring way up high

It breaks my heart to leave
But a smile is upon my face
For I know that this is not the end
But the start of many journeys along the way

Untitled Poem. By Ruth Ockendon
I’ve walked in snow and rain and sun
And never before had so much fun.
I’ve walked in the country and by the sea
My walking companion along with me.

We’ve seen wonderful views many a day
As we passed them by along the way.
Trees and flowers, animals and birds
And sights I can’t describe in words.

How much nicer could anything be
Than fresh air and exercise all for free.
Walking brings us so much wealth
As it really does improve our health.

Untitled Poem. By Roy Pepworth
There is no greater activity than walking
even better when you can be talking
to a friend old or new
at the same time appreciating the view

It is so beneficial to your heath
and you can see the wealth
of the beautiful countryside before your eyes
which you can only just realise

You can appreciate every plant and tree
but most importantly it is free
and as we look around and stare
also breathing in the fresh air.

we can alll appreciate this wonderful treat
and thank God for our legs and feet
I feel honoured to be able to talk
of the wonders that you see on a walk

Beauty is there before your very eyes
which is better than you realise
take my advice put on your walking shoes
Its an experience you cannot lose.

Start walking from tomorrow
it will bring pleasure not sorrow
and there is an even better bit
as a result you will become fit.

You may think that this is fine
and through walking I have reduced my waistline
by eight inches believe me
I am not a youngster just seventy three.

To end this little note
brings me a lump in my throat
Please join a walking group I plea
As it has brought a new life to me.

Nature’s Pace. By Sue Sutton
Red, orange, russet and brown,
With myriad hues of these,
Rustling past on their way to the ground,
Leave skeletal, gaunt, dark trees

White, virginal, silent backdrop,
Quilted hills and valleys, hidden earth,
Snow, cold, crunch then slop,
Leave footprints, traced in sodden turf

Green, buds, bursting, burgeoning,
Growing, emerging bright from the dark,
Hints of colour, flowers surfacing,
Leave bright colours, rising lark

Golden days, soft, yellow and warm,
Animals feasting, plants growing root,
Form flourishing, verdant growth
Leave blossom, transforms in fruit

Walking through seasons, constant, changes,
Thinking through problems or talking with friends,
Solving life’s problems or enjoying exchanges,
Brings essence to being and feelings ascends

To Walk But to Chill. By Karen Whalen
The wind in your hair
The sun on your back.
Suddenly it doesn’t matter anymore.
Why worry, why fret
It’ll sort it’s self out.
Enjoy, relax, chat.
Then stop for a snack.
Sit back against a wall eyes closed
Listening to the chatter of your mates,
The laugh at a joke.
The hum of a bee, the twitter of birds, a bubbling brook.
And when you get home, a bath and the world looks good again

Festival of Winter Walks

rachel.jenkins — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:32:11 +0000

Get walking over the festive period by taking part in the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks!

There are currently over 700 led walks taking part throughout England, Scotland and Wales between 24 December and the 2nd January. To find a walk near you visit the Ramblers group walks finder.

Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to step outside and enjoy the wintry scenery near you. Ramblers led walks are sociable and fun and are a great way to explore new areas and meet new people.

The Festival of Winter Walks led walks vary in distance and difficulty so whatever type of walk you’re looking for there should be something perfect for your ability.

You don’t need to be a member of the Ramblers to try some of the walks out over Christmas and New Year and all the walks are free.

For more information on the Festival of Winter Walks, visit the Ramblers website.

Coming soon …

rothwela — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:57:25 +0000

Swindon walking routes will be available to download in the next few days …