Dulcat one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Dulcat here.

A short but fairly strenuous walk with two hills and great views of London - but Dulcat Two is far better.

Beginning in Catford, the first half of this route is mostly uphill - gently at first, then more steeply once you reach Blythe Hill Fields. The reward is an excellent view of the City and Canary Wharf.

Leaving Blythe Hill the route goes through Honor Oak Park, which has plenty of shops and cafes, and passes the overground station. Then it's uphill again. The path up and over One Tree Hill is tarmacked but steep and eventually turns into steps. There are three reasons why it is essential to stop at the summit:
1) to catch your breath
2) another great view of London
3) to see the historic WWI gun emplacement.

The rest of the route to Dulwich is mostly downhill or on level paths. One Tree Hill is a haven for wildlife, so listen out for woodpeckers, chiffchaffs and other birds as you descend the hill. Crossing the road you enter Brenchley Gardens, a linear park which follows the route of a former railway line.

After leaving the park, use the pedestrian crossing to cross Forest Hill Road. At this point the route takes you downhill past the entrance to Camberwell Old Cemetery, then onto Ryedale, before joining Underhill Road. However, a better route exists: Dulcat Two, which takes you through the cemetery, then along Overhill Road, and finally through the magnificent Dulwich Park. (If the cemetery is closed, simply walk algonside it down Wood Vale to reach Langton Rise). Not only is this route greener and more interesting, but it also avoids Underhill Road, which has no fewer than 11 road crossings (only two of which are pedestrian friendly). There are public toilets in Dulwich Park, otherwise there are no other facilites on this route. For these reasons I have awarded Dulcat One 2 stars - but really I would suggest that it is removed entirely in favour of Dulcat Two.

I ran this on a grey Sunday afternoon as part of a longer route involving 3 other Slow Ways (Peclew one, Dulpec one and Catlew one). I ran from Dulwich to Catford. This is a nice route though it does take in some large hills and would not be suitable for cyclists or wheelchair users. The first part of the route is largely on pavements going through residential areas, with small shops and cafes available en route. Camberwell Old Cemetery would make a nice detour during opening hours. From Forest Hill Road, then route turns onto the Green Chain Walk through Brenchley Gardens; the path here is uneven. The route continues to follow the Green Chain Walk up through One Tree Hill nature reserve, which is a lovely peaceful wood, but with very steep paths and several sets of stairs. There is then a very steep descent down into Honor Oak, past the station and the high street which has lots of options for shops and food. There is another steep climb (though on pavements this time) up to Blythe Hill Park, which has great panoramic views over London. The route currently bypasses Ravensbourne Park Gardens but if you wanted to add some extra greenery this is a nice little park with a small play area.

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