15 April 2012 Greenwich-Woolwich Inspire Short Walk:


This page shows details of the 15 April 2012 free public taster walk from Greenwich, Cutty Sark. Other walks are listed here.

15 April 2012, Sunday. Greenwich to Woolwich - 2012 Games sites. 9 miles.  Start 10am Greenwich, Cutty Sark station (TQ382778), linear to Woolwich Arsenal station (TQ437788), linking three 2012 Games venues at Greenwich Park, The 02 (North Greenwich Arena) and the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich. Includes Thames Flood Barrier and Maryon Wilson Park. Leader: Paul Lawrence, 07768 585657.

Walk description: From Cutty Sark station, the route passes the newly renovated Cutty Sark, then (passing toilets) into Greenwich Park, a 2012 Games venue for equestrian events, up to the Observatory for views of the London skyline, returning down to the Thames Path passing Nelson's statue, the old Trinity Hospital and old power station, and historic pubs along the riverside, to cross the Greenwich peninsula to The O2 (to become an Olympic venue re-named the North Greenwich Arena). Continuing on the Thames Path National Trail the route passes the new cable car crossing the Thames, then Greenwich Ecology Park, the Yatch Club, and some of London's working river jetties, to reach the Thames Flood Barrier. Turning south from the river on the Capital Ring and Green Chain walking routes (that run in common here), Maryon and Maryon Wilson Parks are crossed, green oases with a animal enclosure, to reach Charlton Park, with views of Charlton House. Walking across to Woolwich Common, the Olympic shooting and Paralympic archery venue is passed. Crossing the Common, a past British military heritage area, Woolwich Academy and the Royal Artillery Barracks themselves are visible. There are very few busy road crossings, these with pedestrian lights. Surfaces are mostly hard tracks in parks, but some steps (steep long flight in Maryon Park, avoidable but needs leader) and grass/earth tracks, some avoidable.

London 2012 Games sites/Olympic links: Three Olympic venues - Greenwich Park, The 02 (in Games mode renamed North Greenwich Arena), Royal Artillery Barracks. Some of the route uses designated Olympic spectator walkways.

Use of Games 100 event route: Almost all of this route is in common with the event route apart from the circuit in Greenwich Park and the final section from Woolwich Common to Woolwich Arsenal station.

Promoted walking routes used (LDPs): Jubilee Greenway, Thames Path, Capital Ring, Green Chain Walk.

Distance and elevation: 8.7 miles, 500 ft ascent/descent, average gradient 2%

Duration (approximate): about 5-6 hours based on 2mph plus stops and commentary.

Assembly area: Area east of Cutty Sark DLR station near Cutty Sark is open and paved (though well used) and close to here is Greenwich TIC (Discover Greenwich) with toilets and indoor waiting areas.

Facilities: Toilets near start (Discover Greenwich), and at Greenwich Observatory cafe, at North Greenwich station (next to The 02), Thames Barrier, Maryon Park, Charlton House (off route but also has a cafe), and Woolwich town centre, Cafes at Greenwich Observatory, Thames Barrier, Woolwich town centre. Lunch stop at cafe, or byo, shops passed.

Public transport: Cutty Sark DLR station, Greenwich rail station, local buses at start and en route - Maryon Park at A206 crossing for shorter option with frequent buses to both Greenwich and Woolwich. North Greenwich station (Jubilee Line) is passed en route and also has local bus services to Greenwich, Charlton and Woolwich. At Woolwich, Woolwich Arsenal has national rail and DLR stations and local buses.

On Sunday 15 April, the DLR is suspended between Bank/Tower Gateway to Island Gardens/Stratford/Canning Town. Services will operate Island Gardens to Lewisham, Stratford International to Beckton and Canning Town to Woolwich Arsenal. An alternative from north of the River is to go to Canary Wharf station by Jubilee LIne, then walk south and east (3 mins) to Bank St bus stop:  L and take the Route Bus D7 (direction Poplar, All Saints) to Island Gardens DLR and take the DLR one stop to Cutty Sark DLR (or walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel).


Route Gallery:


Page version information: Updated for Public Transport DLR and Facilities lunch stop - 12 April 2012.