Source to Sea: Walking the Ravensbourne (Part 2) - Saturday 30th May 2026

Saturday 30th May | 10:30 - 13:30 

🎟️ Free – booking required

To mark London Rivers Week, join us on this special three-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.

📍 Ravensbourne Rail Station, Beckenham

What to expect

• Across three 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 (Ravensbourne Station) to Lewisham Train Station

Following the river north from Beckenham, we'll discover an often-overlooked stretch of the Ravensbourne - from quiet green corridors to busy urban centres - revealing how nature and city life meet along the water's edge.

For anyone who would like to continue all the way to Deptford Creek this Saturday, our conservationist will carry on walking the final stretch informally after the official end time of the event. 

Part 3 – Lewisham Train Station to the Thames (Deptford Creek (Cutty Sark DLR)

Starting in Lewisham, we’ll follow the river north through 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

🎟️ Booking:

This is a free event, but pre-booking is essential to secure your place.

If you need to cancel, please let us know at info@creeksidecentre.org.uk so your place can be offered to someone else.