Ian Bull

Thank-you, hpsaucy, for replying. You and others on ED might wonder why there’s been so little mention from me about the Green Chain Walk in recent years. I used to post quite often! In 2016 the lead Borough in the local authority consortium that managed the footpath, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, dropped out. There’s been no maintenance, management or promotion since. TfL’s Walk London project offered guided walks on the network until May 2018 which I led. TfL had financed most of the waymarking and together with the Ramblers they are attempting to revivify the network. The directions I’ve sent links to are a first stage. Walk London’s closure was met with dismay and I was asked to continue with offering guided walks by hundreds of participants. The walk’s span London although they do still visit the Green Chain several times each year.

The Green Chain Walk, South East London’s 52 mile footpath is within ED’s sphere. New guidance to the network has just been published by the Ramblers jointly with TfL and a general overview showing its 15 sections is here… https://www.innerlondonramblers.org.uk/images/GreenChainWalk/guides/GCW00-Overview-Mar23.pdf The whole network’s directions are here… https://www.innerlondonramblers.org.uk/ideasforwalks/green-chain-walk-guides.html And here... https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/green-chain-walk It’s truly worth exploring this path. There’s splendid landscape and woodland as one goes further east and the further you go the better it gets! Ian Bull

My thanks to A321 and hpsaucey for the kind comments, I'm truly pleased that you've enjoyed previous editions. All remain welcome - 9.15 at Crystal Palace railway station this morning. You must able to walk for 13 miles at 3mph and if you think you could, you probably can. I offer many dozens of shorter, slower, and heavily narrated walks all over London. They're never advertised but if anyone's interested, there is a mailing list... Just ask! All the best Ian

Hullo! Do you like walking? Have you seen those 'Green Chain Walk' signposts? Ever wondered where the Green Chain Walk goes to? If so, there's a rather special 21 mile guided walk this Saturday 28th September and members of ED and the other local forums helped to initiate the event in 2007. As always, the route is Crystal Palace to Erith via Shooters Hill. This is the 14th annual 'Green Chain Megawalk' which I devised for the South East London Boroughs. It was adopted by TfL's 'Walk London' project in 2008. As Walk London are in abeyance until possibly next year and the walk is too enjoyable to miss I'm offering it off-my-own-bat this year. The walk requires average walking pace for the first 13 miles and cannot be slower, it slows-up a bit after that so that we can appreciate the superb scenery. Many who've joined with only the first few miles in-mind have found themselves finishing. Very few haven't made it to the end as the camaraderie and unfolding landscape keeps enthusiasm raised. A map is attached, the details are below and you and friends are most welcome. ========== * No need to register, just turn up. BUT... I'd be very happy to hear that you're attending in advance. Just reply to this topic and say so. * Meet outside Crystal Palace railway station at 09.15, Saturday 28th September. * Finish by the Thames at Erith at 18.30 (6.30pm). * A packed lunch is essential. * You must be able to maintain average walking pace for 13 miles, that's 3mph. There are breaks! * The walk is steep in parts after lunch. * The weather forecast is currently very good, no rain. * You may join or leave at any point and there is excellent public transport throughout. * We will not finish late! * You participate at your own risk and are expected to be mindful of your own well-being. Plenty of trains will be running from Erith for our return home. This is not a TfL/Walk London event. I am offering my services voluntarily although I will accept contributions towards my expenses and time should you wish to make any. ========== This is London's longest established long-distance guided walk and over the years many people, certainly dozens, from East Dulwich have attended. As above, it was through the local forums that this really got off the ground. The walk retains its popularity by passing through the Capital's finest landscape, unquestionably its finest woodland, and offers wonderful views over London and Kent later stretching right out into the Thames Estuary and over Essex. In the walk's 21 miles no less than 63% is off-road, increasing to 72% for the section after lunch. Remarkable and unsurpassed figures for a London walk of that length. The Green Chain footpath links together 4,500 acres of undeveloped land in South East London and this walk carefully balances distance and gradient to allow an excellent introduction to that outstanding resource. I look forward to seeing you on the 28th and please do contact me if you'd like any further details. All the best Ian IAN BULL 020 7223 3572

Many thanks to all who wrote via 'PM'. You all have replies and I look forward to seeing you on the walks that I guide. Later Autumn may see a walk from Nunhead to Crystal Palace on the Green Chain Walk to enjoy the verdant colours. I helped to devise that footpath in 2009 so we won't get lost! All the best Ian

Hullo Evea Thank-you for writing. I won't be offering another walk of this length in 2018 and probably not this one again until September 2019. I will be offering several shorter walks. These aren't generally advertised, the 21 mile 'Megawalk' is the exception. The participants come from a list of just over 400 people who have asked to join-in either whilst taking part in walks I've led for TfL or London Boroughs. The next two walks in October will both have a historical narration and be besides the Thames between Walton-upon-Thames and Windsor. In November there will be a shorter yet heavily narrated historical tour of the former Royal Naval Dockyard and Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Also in November there will be one or possibly two walks to London's best woodland to make the most of the Autumn colours. If you or anyone reading would be interested in receiving invitations to these walks just send me a PM, so as to avoid making e-mail addresses public. All the best Ian

Hullo Evea Dogs are most welcome and in 2009 a Border Collie completed the entire 21 miles with energy to spare! Incidentally, for all those who wish to take part, my No. tomorrow will be... 077 998 101 78 This cannot reply to texts. All the best Ian

Hullo everyone Apologies for the short notice. On Saturday, 13th October, there's a chance to walk right to the Easternmost end of the Green Chain Walk at Erith - 21 miles. Average walking pace of 3mph and a packed lunch are vital. The views and woodland are outstanding. Start outside Crystal Palace railway station at 9am. Finish by the Thames at Erith - 6pm. Plenty of trains back home. If you look back in ED?you'll see that this annual walk has been offered since 2007. Hundreds have taken part and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. Alas, I do expect a small donation for leading this but it's a thoroughly good day out. It's turn-up-and-go and if you want more details just e-mail me... [email protected] All the best Ian 020 7223 3572

Hullo! Do you like walking? If so, there's a rather special guided walk from Crystal Palace this Saturday, 30th September. It's long at 21 miles but will be led by experts who know how to get people through it - or to transport home if they can't. It does require average walking pace for three 4.5 mile sections and cannot be slower. That said, many who've only joined with the first few miles in mind have found themselves finishing. Very few haven't made it to the end as the camaraderie and unfolding landscape keeps enthusiasm raised. The details are set-out below and you and friends are most welcome to attend. ========== THE BEST WALK IN LONDON! The 'Green Chain Megawalk' is London's longest established long-distance guided walk, very many hundreds have taken part, all have thoroughly enjoyed the day and this Saturday, 30th, is the 10th anniversary. The walk retains its popularity by passing through the Capital's finest landscape, unquestionably its finest woodland, and offers wonderful views over London and Kent later stretching right out into the Thames Estuary and over Essex. In the walk's 21 miles no less than 63% is off-road, increasing to 72% for the section after lunch. Remarkable and unsurpassed figures for a London walk of that length. The Green Chain footpath links together 4,500 acres of undeveloped land in South East London and this walk carefully balances distance and gradient to allow an excellent introduction to that outstanding resource. The details... * No need to register, just turn up. * Meet outside Crystal Palace railway station at 09.15, Saturday 30th September. * Finish by the Thames at Erith at 18.30 (6.30pm). * A packed lunch is essential. * You must be able to maintain average walking pace, that's 3mph. * The walk is steep in parts. * The weather forecast is good, no rain. * You may join or leave at any point and there is excellent public transport throughout. * We will not finish late! * You participate at your own risk and are expected to be mindful of your own well-being. Trains will be running from Erith for our return to central London. The walk will be conducted by South East London's TfL/Walk London team of Allen Conley, Jim Kernick, and myself. This is not a TfL/Walk London event as after promoting the Megawalk for nine years they have now ceased support for longer walks. As this is too good to lose we are offering our services voluntarily. We will accept contributions towards our expenses and time should you wish to make any but that is entirely your choice. I look forward to seeing you on the 30th and please do contact me if you'd like any further details. All the best Ian IAN BULL 020 7223 3572

Hullo everyone Have you ever wondered where the Green Chain Walk goes to as it marches off into the East? All those signposts through ED do point somewhere! At 11.00am on Sunday 7th there's a chance to find out. A free guided walk from from Mottingham station to Severndroog Castle on Shooters Hill, six miles. I devised this walk for TfL's Walk London project, their description is below and no participant has ever come away disappointed. ============ South East London enjoys the Capital's finest landscape thanks to local initiative. Beginning in 1870 and through to the early 1970s huge swathes of countryside were saved from suburban house-building. The result is a great 4,500 acre chain of greenery sweeping through the South Eastern quadrant of the city. This walk showcases some of the most attractive features of that marvellous asset through its footpath network, the Green Chain Walk, and despite being within London almost 80% of our route is off-road. Indeed, for much of this walk you'd not know that you're in a city, let alone the Metropolis. We begin in suburban Mottingham and then turn towards London, but instead of meeting High Streets we find ourselves in high fields with splendid and little seen views. This sets the tone for the rest of the walk as we climb towards the densely-wooded Shooters Hill. This is equestrian country, we'll meet many horses and we'll also meet two magnificent houses, Eltham Palace, and Avery Hill. The latter boasts London's largest sub-tropical greenhouses outside of Kew Gardens and we shall pay a visit within. Soon we enter the extensive ancient woodland that crowns our ascent to what is, bar six feet, the highest point in London. Climbing more steeply, our two miles in these woods is punctuated by open meadowland with an enormous vista over Kent and Surrey. This dramatic view impresses all, yet better is to come for nestling within further primordial woodland we find the remarkable Severndroog Castle which will be open for us. From here you can see seven Counties, a breathtaking view matched only by the Shard and a spectacular finish to an enlightening walk. It?s now a conveniently short stroll to buses for home and memories of a day you won?t forget. You'll never think of South East London the same way again! Please note that our route includes some steep sections and may be muddy in places if it's been raining heavily. A packed lunch is essential and Severndroog Castle charges ?2.50 admission. Participants are strongly advised to bring some large carrots! ============ ? The walk is free and there's no need to book. ? There won't be any trains to Mottingham on Sunday but a good way to get there is a train to Eltham and then the 161, just four stops. ? I'll be arriving at Eltham by rail at 10.40, spot the chap with the fluorescent yellow Green Chain vest. The walk starts from Mottingham Station at 11.00. ? The walk doesn't include access to Eltham Palace. (?15.90 and worth it.) ? We'll be finished by 5pm. ? Getting back is easy. Trains into London Bridge / Waterloo or Underground at North Greenwich via a short bus journey. ? We won't be overwhelmed so feel free to bring friends. The walk isn't widely publicised. ? Views are good to spectacular so bring binoculars if you have them. ? A few large carrots will add to the fun! The walk is part of the Get Greenwich walking programme and enjoys the support of the Royal Borough. In the past I've posted to ED about the free guided walks offered by TfL's Walk London project in SE London which I've led for almost 10 years. The popularity of these walks grew to such an extent that I haven't dared mention them here for a few years. My thanks to those of you who've made them such a success. Now it's time for a less burgeoning and more sociable walk! All the best Ian Bull

Hullo everyone Do you enjoy walking? Would you like a free, guided walk through superb scenery on Saturday 26th? Ever wondered where all those Green signposts around Dulwich Park and Crystal Palace point to? How about 21 miles from Crystal Palace on the 'Green Chain Walk'? Don't worry, the camaraderie and the scenery melt those miles away, you can do this! Over the past nine years I've led dozens walks on the 'Green Chain' footpath network for the GCW itself and TfL's 'Walk London' project. I've had the pleasure of the company of thousands, including many from ED. (By the way, you may have noticed that these walks haven't appeared on ED for a while. We were concentrating on the Eastern part of the GCW a little too much so switched to the Western end. Next year we hope to offer walks at the Eastern end again, Nunhead or Dulwich to Crystal Palace comes to mind.) The very best of these walks is this one, the annual 'Green Chain Megawalk', London's longest established long-distance guided walk and always a very friendly event. Hundreds have taken part, all have thoroughly enjoyed the day, and many return every year. The walk retains its popularity by passing through some of the Capital's finest landscape, unquestionably its finest woodland, and offers wonderful views over London and Kent stretching right out into the Thames Estuary and over Essex. In our routes's 21 miles no less than 63% is off the highway, increasing to 72% after lunch. Remarkable and unsurpassed figures for a London walk of that length. No one who's finished this walk has come away disappointed. Here are the details... * Meet outside Crystal Palace railway station at 09.15, Saturday 26th September. * There's no need to book. * Finish by the Thames at Erith at 18.30 (6.30pm). * Join or leave at any point, public transport is excellent throughout. * A packed lunch is essential. * You must be able to maintain average walking pace for most of the day, that's 3mph. * If you must walk faster than 3mph this isn't for you. * The walk is steep in parts after lunch. * You'll need waterproof footwear if it's been raining heavily. * There's a short bus journey from Erith to Plumstead for trains back to central London. * If you have them, bring binoculars! The walk will be conducted by TfL/Walk London's highly experienced SE London team of Allen Conley, Jim Kernick, and myself. I'm the Green Chain's maintenance surveyor so we're not going to get lost - I hope! You more information about the Green Chain here by searching for 'TfL Walking'. Note that this is not a TfL/Walk London event. Their walks have been put-back to 17th & 18th October, too late to offer the 'Megawalk' in its full glory as we wouldn't finish in daylight. Yet it's too good to miss, so we're offering this complete version on the usual date at our own expense. The walk is free but exceptionally, donations towards those expenses will not be refused should you truly wish to make any. Please feel free to ask for any further details. I do hope you can take part, you certainly won't regret doing so! All the best Ian Bull

Hullo everyone, Firstly, well done to the Ladies from ED who did the Green Chain 'Midnight Megawalk' a few weeks ago, You may know that South East London's 'Green Chain Walk' branches out into Dulwich. You might have wondered where it goes and why so many regard it as by far the best of London's long distance footpaths. On Saturday 'Walk London' is offering a free guided walk on the Green Chain that will demonstrate just how attractive the network is. ** Saturday 27th - The ninth Green Chain 'Megawalk'. As I say here every year, at 21.5 miles this is London's ultimate walk. It's both the longest and longest established and passes through the finest landscape. Many people from ED will agree as having taken part before they've thoroughly enjoyed it. Gently climbing to some of the highest points in the city, suburbia gives way to outstanding views and London's best woodland. If you have binoculars bring them, weather permitting you might see the North Sea! For much of the walk you won't know you are in any city, let alone the Metropolis. The course is steep in its latter parts, a packed lunch is essential and, you must be reasonably fit. If you can sustain three miles per hour this is the one walk that you should do. There's no need to book but do feel free to contact me for further information. We'll start from Crystal Palace railway station at 09.15 and finish at by the Thames at Erith by 18.30. Don't be put off by the length as almost everyone who starts does finish, the camaraderie keeps everyone going! The walk is promoted by 'Walk London' which is a Transport for London project. There is more information on WL's home page which is... www.walklondon.org.uk and here... walk4life.info/events/londons-ultimate-walk-green-chain-megawalk I look forward to seeing you! All the best Ian IAN BULL

Hullo everyone Each year I invite all those who live at the Eastern end of the Green Chain Walk to see where it goes, and why it is justifiably regarded London's finest footpath network. The daytime walk is on Saturday 27th but the night version is tonight and I apologise for the extremely short notice. The full description is below and many people from ED have attended in the past. They all thoroughly enjoyed it! All the best Ian Bull ================ MIDNIGHT MEGAWALK - FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2014. CRYSTAL PALACE RAILWAY STATION at 23.30. At last... There's finally a chance of some clear skies on Friday/Saturday 5th/6th September. No rain is forecast and it's going to be nice and warm as well. There hasn't been a clear Friday/Saturday since late May - not one! This is your chance to experience a very pleasant walk in remarkable conditions. There are miles of dense woodland on our route and in them it will be jet-black. Barely a photon will disturb us when we stand still for a moment and listen to the nocturnal wildlife quietly scurrying through the undergrowth. As first light begins to show at about 04.00 the sky will gently become turquoise from the North leaving black to the South and from our best vantage points, London's streetlights gleaming gold beneath us. The views are glorious, the darkness delicious, and the landscape is London's best. There's no need to book and no charge, just turn up, but feel very free to ask me in advance for further information. It's a remarkable, indeed unique, walk and a very enjoyable one. If you're still interested, read below! ============= 1) What we're going to do... * We meet outside Crystal Palace railway station at 23.30 on Friday 5th September. * The pace will be leisurely, we don't even have to make average walking speed. * The aim is to see the Sun rising over East Anglia and the Lower Thames from Shooters Hill, very nearly London's highest point, at 06.21 and we will achieve this. * The overall distance is 21.5 miles but a 1.5 mile diversion through excellent woodland will be offered to see the Gothicky (spooky?) Severndroog Castle. There are benches for a nap for those who don't want to do this. * After sunrise we'll traverse Bostall Woods and Lesnes Abbey Woods. About four miles of these, and the latter has been there for 8,000 years, London's finest ancient woodland. * Finish at Erith about 08.30 for a train home. No engineering works - 33 minutes to London Bridge. * Some participants traditionally have a breakfast together in a Caf? near London Bridge after the event. ============= 2) What you've got to do. * DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL BEFORE THE WALK! Seriously everyone, booze before the walk will ruin it for you. Rest assured, it will! * DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL DURING THE WALK! It's dangerous to do so on this route and your companions won't appreciate the company of loud-mouths or P***heads. Neither will I ! * THIS ISN'T A DATING EVENT!? Keep your hands off! If you find someone you like and you think they like you then suggest seeing them again at another time. If their not interested, leave them alone. * Try to bring a torch. If you get separated and lost in the woods you'll need one. * Wear resilient or stout shoes. Half the route is off-road and you won't see that tree root across the path. * Bring food and non-alcohlic drink. The only opportunity to stock-up is a Garage at 7.5 miles and it charges Garage prices. We'll pass an open shop at about 08.00. and a shop at Crystal Palace might be open before we start. * If you have a serious allergy to Stinging Nettles do the daytime version instead. * Bring a mobile phone that's charged and has credit. * Tell others what you're going to do before you leave. * All welcome, tell your friends! ============= 3) General information. * You can see the route online at these two addresses... for?Crystal Palace to Shooters Hill. for?Shooters Hill to Erith. * We'll cross several night bus routes along the way - just ask on the night if you've had enough of walking. * After sunrise public transport will be fully functional. * After sunrise the walk will get steeper, and the woodland will reveal itself as London's finest. * My number on the night will be 077 998 101 78. It doesn't accept voicemail or texts. ============= 4) Disclaimers. * If you take part in this walk you do so at your own risk. * There will be a procedure at the start to ensure that all potential participants are aware that they take part in the event at their own risk. * The walk is not operated by any publicly funded body or their contractors. * Participants will not hold Ian Bull responsible for any misfortune that might befall them. ============= And if you've read the above you must be interested! And I wouldn't blame you, it's a glorious walk and everyone who has taken part over the years has had a lovely time and taken home great memories. You'll love it! The daytime version, promoted by TfL's Walk London project is here... I look forward to seeing you on Friday 5th September, 23.30, at Crystal Palace for London's best night walk. All the best Ian IAN BULL 020 7223 3572

Yes! Hullo!! The January Green Chain 'Midnight Megawalk' didn't happen because I didn't have time to guide it. Never mind, it's nearly time for the Summer version which was very successful last year. The idea is to start from Crystal Palace station at 22.30 on a Friday or Saturday in about two or three weeks time. Sunrise is observed from Shooters Hill and very pleasant it is too. The finish will be at Erith in time for early trains home. Walking through all those woods in the dark is a experience worth having and the views over London just prior to sunrise are most impressive. Any day/time/date preferences anyone? As every year, there will be a daytime version on the last Saturday of September (29th). It's not yet known whether this seventh Green Chain Megawalk will be promoted by the Green Chain itself or Walk London. Walk London's events are suspended as TfL are not presently able to offer funding, but don't write them off yet. All the best Ian Bull

Hullo everyone, Not in ED but very strong SE London connections! Is there anyone out there interested in Industrial Archaeology, Architecture, Engineering or, Railways? Would you play a part in one of two important projects? (Or maybe both!) Hoping that you click on some of the links within for videos etc., please see this url... Then do an image search for Crossness pumping station... Now I'll explain. Since 1865 almost all of South London's sewerage has gone to Crossness treatment works. Those works were equipped with the largest steam pumping engines in the World. The utterly exuberant interior of their 'House' is also World class, literally a Cathedral of iron. It closed in 1930 and since 1985 volunteers have devoted hundreds of thousands of hours to its restoration. It is now probably the finest Victorian industrial building on the planet. The pumping station was adjacent to another World class example of industry, the Royal Arsenal. This was the UKs largest factory, once with over 100,000 employees. Within it's two square there were 130 miles of railway, 70 of which had rails just 18 inches apart. The UK depended on those narrowly spaced rails for its defence and earlier this year the chance came to preserve and restore the last locomotives and rolling stock to have run on them. Where to restore them? Crossness of course! The facilities are superb and the people are very friendly. Would you like to play a part in these two splendidly important projects? If so, we're having an open day for new volunteers on Sunday 31st July. Our very approachable and friendly group offers a truly warm welcome irrespective of your experience or abilities. If you do volunteer you'll be genuinely amazed at what you see and what's already been accomplished. It is essential though that you let us/me know in advance if you'd like to visit. These are worthwhile tasks and, I assure you, the satisfaction of playing a part is considerable. If you can't make the 31st, don't worry. You'll still get a job! All the best Ian Bull