Source to Sea: Walking the Ravensbourne (Part 1) - Saturday 23rd May 2026

Saturday 23rd May | 10:30 - 13:30

To mark London Rivers Week, join us on this special two-part walk following the Ravensbourne River from its source to where it meets the Thames - exploring the landscapes, wildlife and stories of the river along the way.

Often hidden, diverted or overlooked, the Ravensbourne flows through woods, parks and neighbourhoods, shaping the places it passes through in ways that are easy to miss. Walking the river in stages offers a chance to see it as a whole - from clear spring-fed beginnings to tidal estuary.

📍 Keston Ponds (main car park on the A233 Westerham Road)

What to expect

• Across two Saturdays, we’ll walk the length of the river in stages, stopping along the way to explore:

   

  • The ecology and wildlife of the Ravensbourne and its tributaries

  • How rivers change as they move through urban environments

  • The history of the river, including industry, flooding and restoration

  • Current work to improve habitats and water quality

   

  These walks are relaxed and conversational, with plenty of opportunities to stop, observe and discuss what we encounter.

Walk schedule

Part 1 – Source to Beckenham Place Park

Meet at Keston Ponds

We’ll follow the upper reaches of the Ravensbourne through woodland and parkland, finishing in Beckenham.

Part 2 – Beckenham to the Thames

Starting in Beckenham (Ravensbourne Station), we’ll follow the river north through Lewisham and Deptford, finishing where the Ravensbourne meets the River Thames.

(Participants are welcome to attend one or both walks, though attending both gives the fullest experience.)

Who this walk is for

• Anyone curious about urban rivers, wildlife and local history

• No specialist knowledge required

A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, as each walk will cover several miles at a steady pace.

Please bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Water and snacks

Tickets

🎟️ Paid tickets - booking required

• £5 standard

• £3 concession

• £10 Creek Champion (helps subsidise concession places and supports our education and conservation work)

If you’re able to choose the supporter ticket, thank you - it directly helps us run accessible events like this.