Running local
Lewisham has many good routes for runners. Whether you are looking for a 5k, 10k or something slightly longer, here are a few options you might want to try.
WESTSIDE
Waterlink Way and River Pool Linear Park - an oasis of calm in the middle of Catford. This path follows the Pool and Ravensbourne Rivers which pass through Lewisham Borough. The Waterlink Way from Lower Sydenham passes Bellingham alongside the railway to Catford. If you are lucky you might catch sight of a Kingfisher here. Pass under the South Circular and pick up the trail in Ladywell Fields, crossing the railway over the footbridge and finishing in Ladywell. If you want to keep going you can divert through Ladywell and Cornmill Gardens, cross Loampit Hill and pick up the river's course again in Brookmill Park. Once in Deptford you can follow the Creek all the way to the Thames.
Nunhead Cemetery - Don't be put off by the fact that this is a cemetery. Think of it as a nature reserve with some er.. dead people in it. Seriously though, it's a beautiful place to explore. Manicured in places, wild in others, you can see lots of wildlife as well as the imposing Gothic Anglican Chapel and imposing monuments. It is one of the Magnificent Seven Victorian Cemeteries established in a ring of what was the once the outskirts of the City of London.
EASTSIDE
Mountsfield Park - The location of Catford parkrun and good for a gentle 5k. Three laps of the parkrun course or five of the inner loop (see new maps at each entrance where this is marked). A mixture of path and trail. Muddy at the bottom in wet weather, but plenty of space and good views of the high rises across London.
Manor Park and Manor House Gardens - These two parks are within easy reach of Hither Green and are linked by the River Quaggy. From Hither Green Station exit onto Staplehurst Road and take a left onto Leahurst Road. Follow it to the junction with Dermody Road where a small bridge takes you into the north end of Manor Park. Pass the cafe and butterfly murals and exit the far end. This brings you out onto Longhurst Road (not Leahurst). At the junction with Manor Lane turn left and the park will be 400m on your right. there is a circular path around the lake or a longer one passing the cafe, playground and library. look our for the Ice House at the top of the hill.
Sutcliffe Park - Now the location of a parkrun this park is flat with a full 1 mile loop around the edge. Alternatively wander down one of the narrow trails that wind around the lake over wooden boardwalks. Dodge the tame swans and Canada Geese and look longingly at the closed running track sadly not open to the public. You can get there by taking the A20 or A205 to Horn Park.
NORTHSIDE
Blackheath and Greenwich Park - A well known running location as it marks the start of the London Marathon. There is a steep climb to get there, but it is downhill all the way back. Run up Lewisham Hill and Eliot Hill to the heath and cross over to the far side. A long wall marks the edge of Greenwich Park. There are loads of routes to take in the park. Stay at the top and do some laps through the gardens and check out the view from the Royal Observatory, or descend to Greenwich to see the Cutty Sark before climbing back past the Roman Temple ruins. I would recommend looking closely at the tennis courts where a line marks the Prime Meridian crossing the courts.
Thames Path - You can run through Greenwich to the Thames or take the DLR there. From there you can head east past the National Maritime Museum, along the narrow confines of Crane Street and into the wide spaces around the Greenwich Peninsula. If you can get through the industrial blight you will be rewarded with more signs (literally) of the Prime Meridian, some art works and eventually a view of the Thames Barrier. Alternatively turn west from Greenwich and traverse Deptford to Surrey Quays. The Thames Path is clearly marked all along the route.
Canary Wharf - Three miles north of Greenwich is the financial hub of London. You can cross the Thames through the Greenwich foot tunnel and take the path north through Millwall Park and Mudchute Park and Farm. It is a paradox standing in a rural farm surrounded by goats and pigs and looking at the skyscrapers gleaming above you. The run around the streets beneath the towers is fascinating with many art works to see and, at Christmas, stunning light displays.
SOUTHSIDE
Beckenham Park - Accessed by taking the Bromley Road south to Homebase and then taking a right onto Beckenham Hill Road, or a more convoluted but scenic route along the Downham Woodland Walk which starts at Moorside Road and ends at Bromley Road. There are acres of trail both within the woodland and around the park. Keep heading south through Beckenham and try the stunning Kelsey Park with its huge lake, nesting herons and tame squirrels.
Penge street art - Penge is just three miles south of Catford and can be reached by taking the Waterlink Way to Lower Sydenham and continuing south following the river through Cator Park, under the railway at Kent House Station and turning right along the A234 High Street. Plenty of street art is on display along the High Street. Check out Southey Street on your right before St John's church and Maple Road on the other side which has pieces along its length. If you want to run further keep going along the High Street and you'll get to Crystal Palace Park where you can see giant dinosaurs and a tremendous view from the ruins of the palace at the top of the hill.
Elmstead Woods - Take Baring Road south off the South Circular and then turn left along Chinbrook Road. A little way along on the right you will see a sign for Chinbrook Meadows. You are now on the Green Chain Walk. Follow this all the way to Elmstead Woods where you have your choice of trails. If it's been wet wear suitable trail shoes but otherwise just enjoy forest bathing and the wildlife that lives there.
I hope you might be tempted to try one or more of these routes. I've had great fun finding them and they are all well worth a visit whether running or walking.
