Abberi one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Abberi here.

I left my comment in reply to Daisy. Due to new housing need to follow Green Chain and Thames Path in Erith. Lesnes Abbey Park went to right , when could of gone straight on. Lots of green space.

A very enjoyable route with two large parks, quiet streets and walking along the Thames waterfront at Erith. That was a wonderful surprise, the combination of low tide mudflats, the light at dusk and clouds of wintering ducks and waders was enchanting.

I had a few niggles though. It uses a public footpath which is actually a muddy lane beside Lesnes Abbey Woods, but the woods are owned by the council and the easiest path through is less muddy and rather lovely. Overall the GPS routing is a bit rough which is a little frustrating in both woodland and park sections where there are branching paths. At one point I was trying to find an exit on the far side of a playground which only has one way in. Embarrassing. And once it's joined the well signposted Green Chain Walk it doesn't stick to it. But the problem I think is actually serious is right at the start outside Abbey Wood Station, it looks good on a map but in 3-D reality it's either impossible or off-putting. At the station exit there is a road in front of you so it's the obvious right turn to take, but if you do then you can't turn left onto Abbey Road as per the route unless you jump off the side of the flyover. Not recommended. If you start by going down the stairs/lift to the right of the station and follow the line below the flyover instead it appears to send you into a private yard full of cars, although actually you can go through. After that you will get onto Abbey Road and can turn right but it's fairly busy and you'll need to cross, but the good crossing (pelican) is behind you, so you'd need to double back. And you won't even have gone past the shops on the small high street close by. Using the flyover there's actually a very simple way that gets you into the woods very quickly (see AbbBex 2) and if you want to use the high street try AbbEri 2. Actually just use AbbEri 2 anyway.

I had a great time walking this route but think the problem at the start tips it from do-able into troublesome. I've added a tidied up version so that walkers can just relax and enjoy one of the best Slow Ways in South East London.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.