Woolwich to Falconwood

After a summer recess, today we resumed our walks around London. We started where we had left off in May, at Woolwich Arsenal station. It is on the south side of the Thames. This is where we crossed the river on our last walk, through the pedestrian tunnel. There was lots going on in Woolwich today because events of the Paralympics are being held nearby.

Woolwich Market, but closed today

We walked along the river in the direction of the centre of London for perhaps a kilometer, up to the flood barrier. Then we headed more or less due south. I’d been warned that this would be pretty dull going, with little of cultural interest and nowhere interesting to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. 

How wrong that advice was! We walked for about 10 km, essentially through continuous parkland. It was gorgeous. There were a few dog walkers but little in the way of crowds. The scenery was varied, with beautiful trees and wildflowers, a few historic old buildings, and some delightful places to stop for coffee and a bite to eat.

Four dogs per walker

Visiting mother goose

From the Thames, the path goes into Maryon Park and then to Maryon Wilson Park. These parks were apparently formed from sandpits, which provided the floors for London kitchens a few centuries ago. There is a children’s zoo which is very charming.

Old Cottage Coffee Shop near Charlton House

The route proceeds to Charlton House, built in 1612 and said to be one of the best examples of Jacobean architecture left in London. We didn’t stop at the House, but in the park where it is located is a lovely café. They were serving salt beef sandwiches, and I was certainly tempted, but satisfied myself with an espresso and a glance at the Sunday papers. There was a cricket match going on in the park that we watched while we had our coffee.

Then the trail crosses the Woolwich Commons, where we saw a field full of wild sweet peas. Then it works its way to Shooters Hill. There is quite a climb. Shooters Hill is mentioned in Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, where he speaks of coaches lumbering up the road. It is also referred to in Pickwick Papers. Apparently it was a favorite lair of highwaymen. Pepys refers to gibbets of those who were caught.

Severndroog Castle

From there, the path goes to the Oxleas Woodlands, climbing again to a high point of land where Severndroog Castle is located. The castle is boarded shut, but it still makes an impressive site. It was built as a memorial to Commodore Sir William James, who captured a fortress in India on the Malabar coast in a campaign against piracy. I expect that the Indians have another version of this story.

Nadia and Penelope relaxing near the rose garden

From the castle, the path goes down some rugged steps to a rose garden, part of which is rather neglected and part maintained and very lovely. Then it leads to the Oxleas Meadows where there is a café atop the hill. It has a fabulous view to the south. The food was just good enough – omelets, beans and chips, that sort of thing – but the setting made up for this. I was reminded of the joy of these walks, which involve discovering places in London we would never know otherwise. I expect that few people from outside the immediate neighbourhood know of this place to have brunch on Sunday.

View from the cafe where we had lunch.

Then, it is a short walk through the Shepherdleas Woods and on to Falconwood Railway Station, from where we headed home.

A great day out in weather that was warm, cloudy and fairly humid, but with no rain. We’ll be back walking in a few weeks. Feel free to join us.