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Eltwoo Survey

4XDecember 2023 by Strider

Route 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.

About the surveyor

Coming soon.

Survey Contents

Grading

Path surface grading

4 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.

Accessibility grading

X 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.

Photos

Photos from surveys are coming soon.

Facilities

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

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Challenges

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

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Obstacles

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

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Accessibility

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

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Measurements

The narrowest part of the path is 60.00cm

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 16.00%

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 16.00%

The steepest camber gradient across the path 4.00%

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places

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Successfully completed

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

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Expert recommendations

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

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Terrain

30.00% of the route is on roads

30.00% of the route is paved

30.00% of the route is lit at night

20.00% of the route is muddy

15.00% of the route is over rough ground

15.00% of the route is through long grass

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