Go Explore
SE London’s Hidden Gem
WALKING IS A NO-BRAINER
We all know by now that walking is a simple, free and easy way to get more active. Walking has been shown to improve everything from heart and lung health to brain power and memory. Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina and not to mention that getting out in nature helps to connect you more deeply to the world around you (the benefits of Forest Bathing are real, and we encourage you to look it up!). Did you know the NHS recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise? And walking 100% counts.
With getting out on a walk being one of the only things we can safely do with someone from another household right now (despite whatever tier we find ourselves in), many of us have taken to exploring our local area’s a little more thoroughly than before.
We’ve connected with SE local Catriona Ross who has taken it one step further and started Waterlink Way Of Life to connect with - and celebrate - what’s right on our doorstep; The Waterlink Way!
Catriona has written us a detailed walk, exploring this little-known oasis in Lewisham. Escape from the south circular to enjoy sounds of the river and birdsong. Expect to see Willow trees dominating the concrete riverbanks, mallard ducks, wild meadows, green spaces and a play park along the way.
The Waterlink Way (WW) is a walking route in South East London and part of the National Cycle Network route 21. It joins the London Borough of Lewisham along the River Pool in Lower Sydenham.
The route is accessible to wheelchair users and is clearly marked using Park Totum and Finger Signs and the WW waymarker discs on the tarmac.
In 30 minutes, you’ll get to explore the peaceful Riverview Walk from Bell Green onto the River Pool Linear Park in Catford…
River View Walk and River Pool Linear Walk
– Waterlink Way, Lewisham
Starting point: Bellingham Tunnel Mural by Jasmine Parker - Moremead Road off Southend Lane (behind Bell Green Sainsbury’s opposite The Railway Tavern)
Finishing point: The Bridge, Ravensbourne Confluence, Catford - Accessed by Catford Hill or the Halfords/Wickes carpark
Length: 0.9mile one way
LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON?
POST YOUR PICS AND TAG @HONOROAKWELLNESSROOMS & @WATERLINK_WAY_OF_LIFE
Connecting with others is great for our mental health and so very needed in this time of social distancing, if you’re a parent looking to connect with other local parents - AND get your walk on - let us signpost you to The Village Lewisham who have twice weekly Walk & Talk’s along sections of the Waterlink Way.
“I stumbled across the Waterlink Way in the summer of 2018. Seven months pregnant I waddled up the River Pool Linear Park from Catford Station to view our now home. And that was the start of my love and respect for this peaceful green and blue space.
I love meeting people along the WW but understand it doesn’t come easy to everyone even if people are seeking new friendships.
I felt an online presence would be a good start to bring WW communities together, albeit at a safe distance at the moment. We celebrate nature, locals, community heroes, local businesses and importantly do our bit to protect and nurture the environment through litter picks and supporting Friends of the River Pool.
A simple pleasure for me is the sense of a strong community along the pathways. I’ve met some friends (and dogs) for life. The WW connects many areas in the Borough of Lewisham so if you don’t have a physical community space in your immediate area, you’re only a short walk away from finding one and you can enjoy being surrounded by nature and people along the way.”
