Thamesmead to Greenwich
Go to online mappingFrom - to: Thamesmead riverside to Cutty Sark, Greenwich
Type: Traffic-free paths some on street sections
Access: Abbey Wood Station (if you are getting to the start by train, from Abbey Wood you can follow the Green Chain Walk trail from Lesnes Abbey north to meet the River Thames), Greenwich Station, Plumstead Station, Woolwich Arsenal Station
Surface: Tarmac and some gravel tracks
| National Cycle Network route number: |  |
This section of National Route 1 is largely traffic free along the Thames riverside and passes some of east London's key landmarks including the Thames Barrier and the O2 Centre (formerly known as the Millennium Dome).
Unlike other sections of the Thames Cycle Route further west, much of this route is off the tourist beat, but is still very interesting. You'll go along quiet riverside paths and past working docks shifting tonnes of aggregates and other materials.
From Thamesmead the route follows a long gravel path west, with views over the river. At Woolwich there are desirable new housing developments and The Royal Artillery Museum. Take care crossing the Woolwich Ferry approach road as there are often HGV's coming and going.
You need to leave the riverside briefly east of the Thames Barrier, but you rejoin the river where there are spectacular views of this impressive (and increasingly important) landmark in the eastern Thames.
A lovely new route takes you past the O2 Centre. Then on the western side of Greenwich Peninsular the route is less formal. Take particular care at the Victoria Deep Water Terminal, where you may need to wait briefly if a ship is loading or unloading. There is a short (and not very pleasant) section alongside the A102 before you cut back onto quiet streets and lanes on route to Greenwich town centre.
Local attractions:
Bike hire:
- Greenwich Cycle Hire
- Go Pedal delivers and collects in most areas of London