ElthamWoolwich

Eltwoo three
Verified route

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

By Daisy C on 08 Feb 2023


Distance

8km/5mi

Ascent

128m

Descent

163m

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Description

This is a neater, easier to navigate version of EltWoo 1 for people who'd like to meander their way from Woolwich to Eltham via the top of Shooters Hill. And why not? It's one of the tallest points in London, and as it's a freestanding peak it has particularly amazing views across south London, Kent and Essex. The shady ancient woodlands are pretty special too, Shepherdleas has beautiful bluebells, but the best views are from the top of Oxleas Meadow looking S at least. To look E over Kent go to Eaglesfield Park or look NE from the top of Shrewsbury Park main meadow.

It's fairly easy to follow, uses the well signposted Green Chain Walk, without breaking away for multiple small diversions to save 10m here, or 15m there, or for no obvious reason (yes EltWoo 1 I AM looking at you!). Not having to pick your way along a overgrown back lane that's frequently blocked with flytipping is another improvement, along with more direct and quieter ways to get to the G C Walk from Eltham (to Eltham Pk North aka Shepherdleas Wood) and from Woolwich (up to Plumstead Common Rd).

There are several shops etc along the way but the cafe at the top of Oxleas Meadow is great rest spot, there's a public toilet too. No train stations to break this journey but a few buses on Rochester Way, Shooters Hill or Plumstead Common Rd.

These woods have muddy sections even sometimes into summer. There are multiple steep bits and wood/banked earth steps along the path from Upton Rd into Shrewsbury Pk (TQ 4450 7753). The footpath/alley connecting Shrewsbury Pk and Mereworth Dr (TQ 4429 7697) may be locked at night but the park isn't locked, just the gate for cars and that one entrance. None of the other greenspaces on the route are locked either.

There are many more paths through these green spaces than shown on any map, particularly Shepherdleas and Oxleas Woods, so the Green Chain signs are a great help, but not perfect. They do get misaligned (at the top of Oxleas Meadow and at Shooters Hill!) but also check the destinations carefully, the Green Chain Walk is not linear, and it's more a green web than a chain, this area is peak-GCW, this route borrows bits from 3 sections, but crosses 3 others. A sign for the wrong branch may be alluring as it shares a destination with yours, if it rejoins with yours along the way. https://par.tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/green-chain-walk

The middle section sticks to the Green Chain to save navigational effort, but EltWoo 2 is even easier guys, so use that if time or effort are a bother. Or, if you'd just love even more views in other directions then make up your own detour around the streets off Plum Lane, e.g. the top of Occupation Lane, Brent Rd, Brinklow Cres, or the other Shrewsbury Pk meadow next to Rowton Rd

This is a neater, easier to navigate version of EltWoo 1 for people who'd like to meander their way from Woolwich to Eltham via the top of Shooters Hill. And why not? It's one of the tallest points in London, and as it's a freestanding peak it has particularly amazing views across south London, Kent and Essex. The shady ancient woodlands are pretty special too, Shepherdleas has beautiful bluebells, but the best views are from the top of Oxleas Meadow looking S at least. To look E over Kent go to Eaglesfield Park or look NE from the top of Shrewsbury Park main meadow.

It's fairly easy to follow, uses the well signposted Green Chain Walk, without breaking away for multiple small diversions to save 10m here, or 15m there, or for no obvious reason (yes EltWoo 1 I AM looking at you!). Not having to pick your way along a overgrown back lane that's frequently blocked with flytipping is another improvement, along with more direct and quieter ways to get to the G C Walk from Eltham (to Eltham Pk North aka Shepherdleas Wood) and from Woolwich (up to Plumstead Common Rd).

There are several shops etc along the way but the cafe at the top of Oxleas Meadow is great rest spot, there's a public toilet too. No train stations to break this journey but a few buses on Rochester Way, Shooters Hill or Plumstead Common Rd.

These woods have muddy sections even sometimes into summer. There are multiple steep bits and wood/banked earth steps along the path from Upton Rd into Shrewsbury Pk (TQ 4450 7753). The footpath/alley connecting Shrewsbury Pk and Mereworth Dr (TQ 4429 7697) may be locked at night but the park isn't locked, just the gate for cars and that one entrance. None of the other greenspaces on the route are locked either.

There are many more paths through these green spaces than shown on any map, particularly Shepherdleas and Oxleas Woods, so the Green Chain signs are a great help, but not perfect. They do get misaligned (at the top of Oxleas Meadow and at Shooters Hill!) but also check the destinations carefully, the Green Chain Walk is not linear, and it's more a green web than a chain, this area is peak-GCW, this route borrows bits from 3 sections, but crosses 3 others. A sign for the wrong branch may be alluring as it shares a destination with yours, if it rejoins with yours along the way. https://par.tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/green-chain-walk

The middle section sticks to the Green Chain to save navigational effort, but EltWoo 2 is even easier guys, so use that if time or effort are a bother. Or, if you'd just love even more views in other directions then make up your own detour around the streets off Plum Lane, e.g. the top of Occupation Lane, Brent Rd, Brinklow Cres, or the other Shrewsbury Pk meadow next to Rowton Rd

Status

This route has been reviewed by 4 people.

There are no issues flagged.

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Information

Verified route

Route status - Live

Reviews - 4

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (4)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 9

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 4X based on 1 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 4: Route includes very rough surfaces including deep ruts, steep loose gravel, unmade paths and deep muddy sections. Wheelchairs may experience traction/wheel spin issues.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 1 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Present at time of survey Public toilet (1)
Present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet (1)
Not present at time of survey Supermarket (1)
Present at time of survey Restaurant (1)
Maybe present Vegan restaurant (1)
Not present at time of survey Accommodation (1)
Not present at time of survey Accommodation < £50 (1)
Not present at time of survey Campsite (1)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (1)
Not present at time of survey Free wifi (1)
Not present at time of survey Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (1)
Present at time of survey Train station (1)
Present at time of survey Bench (1)
Present at time of survey Picnic table (1)
Present at time of survey Bus stop (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (1)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (1)
Not present at time of survey Wading (1)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (1)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (1)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (1)
Maybe present Very slippery (1)
Very muddy (0)
Maybe present Very icy (1)
Not present at time of survey Likely to flood (1)
Present at time of survey Long grass sections (1)
Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path (1)
Not present at time of survey Diverted path (1)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Not present at time of survey Stiles (1)
Present at time of survey Step and kerbs (1)
Present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (1)
Present at time of survey Flights of steps (1)
Present at time of survey Gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Kissing gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Locked gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (1)
Present at time of survey Cycle barriers (1)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle grids (1)
Not present at time of survey Fords (1)
Not present at time of survey Narrow bridges (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (1)
Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (1)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey River crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Horses possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Tidal area (1)
Not present at time of survey Potential falls (1)
Not present at time of survey Exposed to elements (1)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (1)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (1)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (1)
Not present at time of survey No visible path (1)
Not present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds (1)
Not present at time of survey Other hazards (1)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Present at time of survey Free of stiles (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of flights of steps (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of other obstacles (1)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

The narrowest part of the path is 60.0cm (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 16.0% (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 16.0% (1)

The steepest camber gradient across the path 4.0% (1)

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places (1)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

30.0% of the route is on roads (1)

30.0% of the route is lit at night (1)

30.0% of the route is paved (1)

20.0% of the route is muddy (1)

15.0% of the route is over rough ground (1)

15.0% of the route is through long grass (1)

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1 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

4X December 2023 by Strider
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Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Eltham
Grid Ref TQ4271174900
Lat / Lon 51.45510° / 0.05263°
Easting / Northing 542,711E / 174,900N
What3Words grows.chef.survey
Woolwich
Grid Ref TQ4372878823
Lat / Lon 51.49009° / 0.06885°
Easting / Northing 543,728E / 178,823N
What3Words legend.tester.drives

Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.

reviews


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Overall ratings

4 reviews


3 reviews

1 reviews

0 reviews

0 reviews

0 reviews

Show all


Other Routes for Eltham—Woolwich See all Slow Ways

Eltham—Woolwich

Eltwoo one

Distance

9km/5mi

Ascent

146 m

Descent

106 m

Eltham—Woolwich

Eltwoo two

Distance

5km/3mi

Ascent

89 m

Descent

123 m

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