Best walks to or from Catford

Crystal Palace Station to Catford Station

Around 60% off-road and very green, using Crystal Palace Park and a chain of riverside parks along the River Pool (part of the Waterlink Way). Flat with good surfaces along the river; some steep paths (up to 13%) near Crystal Palace and a few muddy in places. A 700m stretch through a small industrial estate. Follows the Waterlink Way (National Cycle Network route 21) along the River Pool, plus the Green Chain Walk and Capital Ring through Crystal Palace Park past the Victorian dinosaurs. Eight train stations on five lines lie along the 6.5km route. Crystal Palace Park is locked at night.

Easy: 6km, gentle ascents.

A stepped footbridge over the railway at Penge East is not step-free (use CryBec 1 to avoid). A short section on Kangley Bridge Road passes heavy vehicles and machinery in an industrial estate.

Lunch: A cafe and toilets in Crystal Palace Park; community toilets, a cafe and a drive-through in the Sainsbury's at Riverview Park.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Eltham Station

A mostly quiet, hilly walk along residential roads and through two large parks (Mountsfield and Sutcliffe) and with some good views and re-naturalised river habitat. Well-paved throughout but with steps exiting Mountsfield Park and 100–200m slopes of around 5%; no nasty road crossings. Sutcliffe Park has the re-naturalised River Quaggy with wildflower meadows and boardwalks through reeds and wet woodland. Hither Green and Lee stations are on the route, intersecting 10+ bus routes; Sutcliffe Park isn't locked at night but Mountsfield Park is.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Steps exiting Mountsfield Park, which is dark, unoverlooked and should be locked at night (Davenport/Laleham Roads are a simple alternative). Quite hilly.

Lunch: Cafés in both Mountsfield and Sutcliffe parks; cafés, a pub and food shops near Hither Green station, and more where the route crosses bigger roads (Tesco at Catford Shopping Centre).

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Beckenham Junction Station

A largely off-road suburban walk through two contrasting parks and following the River Ravensbourne and Pool River along the Waterlink Way through a chain of linear parks. A fairly steep climb up Overbrae and some steps over the railway at Lower Sydenham; mostly well-surfaced paths. Follows the Waterlink Way through Beckenham Place Park, the largest park in this part of SE London, where you can picnic, wild swim or stop at the mansion courtyard cafe. Six bus routes converge at Bell Green just off the route.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

A footbridge with steps and no ramps crosses the railway at Lower Sydenham.

Lunch: A cafe in the Beckenham Place Park mansion courtyard, plus a shop and cafe near Lower Sydenham Station.

End-of-walk reward: the Catford Bridge Tavern.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Blackheath Station

A short, sweet and direct suburban walk almost entirely on quiet residential streets and through two parks and making the most of the available green space. Mostly paved with some moderately steep bits at Blackheath Village and Mountsfield Park. Passes Manor House Gardens and Mountsfield Park. Hither Green station midway has frequent trains to London, Tonbridge and Dartford.

Easy: 4km, moderate ascents.

The crossings of Lee High Road both require a slight detour; crossing without a crossing is possible on quiet mornings but not advisable at busier times. The parks are technically closed after dark.

Lunch: Cafes and small shops along the way, including good rest and eat options on Staplehurst Road and Hither Green Lane, plus cafes inside both parks.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Lewisham Station

A very quiet, mostly traffic-free route following the River Ravensbourne along the Waterlink Way, largely through Ladywell Fields parkland where the river has been rewilded, with quiet residential streets and a small park. Good for wheels and though there are gradients over a spiral footbridge. Follows Sustrans cycle route 21 and the Waterlink Way, so very well signposted. Look out for parakeets, kingfishers and herons; in Ladywell Fields there is street art and a huge mulberry tree.

Easy: 3km, gentle ascents.

There is one unavoidable busy road about 100m from the end point.

Lunch: In Ladywell Fields there is a nice café and public toilets with limited opening.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

North Dulwich Station to Catford Station

Mostly road walking on quiet residential streets, cutting across two large parks for greenery and entirely paved. The whole area is on high land with gentle slopes and brief views of London's skyline. Crofton Park and Honor Oak stations are close to the route; public toilets at Dulwich Library, Peckham Rye and Honor Oak.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: Many places to shop or eat along the way, including The Ivy House on Stuart Road, Nunhead, in the middle; a cafe with toilets in Peckham Rye Park.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Peckham [Rye Station](/train-stations/south-east-england/surrey/peckham-rye) to Catford Station

great views from Blyth Hill Fields. A well-designed, direct walk making good use of quieter streets and footpaths, generally suburban pavement but with little cut-throughs, pocket parks and great hilltop views. It has a couple of steep hills, including a steep, gravelly and isolated path past Nunhead Cemetery, a busy and narrow stretch of Peckham high street. Public and community toilets along the way, including at Honor Oak Crematorium (check council websites).

Tough: steep ascents. 4km.

The steep gravelly Brockley Footpath beside Nunhead Cemetery is isolated, can be slippy and may not feel comfortable after dark; there is no crossing at Nunhead Lane, so stay on Consort Road and use the lights.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Bromley South Station

An urban route with a lot of off-road walking through parks and along a riverside walk and mixed with suburban streets. Includes long steep hills (up to 17%) in places and some busy roads without controlled crossings. Follows the Capital Ring through Beckenham Place Park, where the route mapping is poor and the orange Capital Ring signs are more reliable.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Some busy roads are encountered without regulated pedestrian crossings.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route