Best walk in London for explorers and the curious - Thamesmead to Woolwich

A walk that feels not of London — but is actually in Zone 4 in south-east London, a part of the city most don’t get to experience.

Accomplish walking the Elizabeth line between two distant stops, Abbey Wood and Woolwich!

You wouldn’t guess it, but a fun fact: Abbey Wood is now more popular than Canary Wharf on this line.

A large lake with a housing estate, Thamesmead, with plans for a sailing club, serves as the backdrop for this guided walk — with wild horses, and a path that takes its name from the famous Ridgeway trail.

Also a 12th-century abbey and woods, urban sprawl, canals and regeneration, then along the Thames Path, there is a quiet beauty where you can see Canary Wharf in the distance as we approach our destination.

My name is Cian Allner, I love exploring London. I have walked the entire Thames Path, London Loop, and Capital Ring long-distance walks.

There isn’t anything like this walk, which is why I’m keen to share it — it gives a new perspective on London and is a thoroughly engaging experience if you like exploring and discovering new places off the beaten track, yet easily accessible from central London.

Never heard of Thamesmead, or know much about it? That’s exactly the point of this guided walk!

Now earmarked to be expanded with a potential new town called Thamesmead Waterfront and a new DLR station, this unique guided walk packs a lot in, over around three hours, where nature meets the city.

Meeting point: Abbey Wood, at the end of the Elizabeth line central branch — meet in the ticket hall (inside the barriers).

Then onto Lesnes Abbey Wood for a quick visit (lovely gardens and views), through parts of Thamesmead, and finally onto the Thames Path to Woolwich Elizabeth line station, where the walk finishes.

📩 Email me at hello @ cianwalks . com (no spaces) if you have questions, or would like to suggest alternative dates or times.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in London, Meetups in London.