Best walks to or from West Dulwich

West Dulwich Station to Crystal Palace Station

as lovely, rangy and interesting as it's possible to be. A leafy walk linking two large hilltop parks via tree-lined paths, with a short stretch on the South Circular. Some steep climbs and descents and park paths can be muddy. Both parks are locked at night. The Green Chain Walk runs through the route and its signs help where the GPS line is imprecise. Dulwich Upper Wood is a nature reserve worth a short detour.

Easy: 4km, moderate ascents.

Several very steep paths in the parks have no handrail; take care, especially in the wet.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

West Dulwich Station to North Dulwich Station

A short, largely flat urban link, mostly on roadside pavements with one stretch through a tree-lined park. Paved the whole way and with only kerbs at road crossings. Belair Park has set closing times (check the Southwark council website).

Easy: 1km, flat terrain.

Lunch: Plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants in Dulwich Village, though it tends to be pricey.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Streatham Station to West Dulwich Station

A walk that is mostly on quiet suburban streets and alleyways, with some main road walking and a high street crossing. It is quite hilly in places and the final stretch is a footpath running between the backs of houses and beside a railway line. There are steps at Streatham station (avoidable).

Easy: 3km, moderate ascents.

There is a flight of steps opposite Streatham station (avoidable via Hopton and Madeira Roads); the final footpath between houses is lit but isolated.

Lunch: Good shops at Norwood and a high street with plenty of shops; limited facilities at West Dulwich.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Brixton Station to West Dulwich Station

lovely views of the Shard on a clear day. A direct and pleasant walk across Brockwell Park (with a small hill and good path) and along leafy residential roads. Paved the whole way with gentle slopes; the last stretch into Brixton is busy. Brockwell Park is closed after dusk.

Easy: 3km, moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route