A 6 mile circular walk from Maze Hill Station around the Greenwich Peninsula. Route is also accessable from North Greenwich Station (Jubilee line). Take a map to identify sites on the north side as you walk the Thames Path.

Exit the station at the east end of the north (from London) platform. Walk ahead into Tuskar Street and follow this to the left.
Maze Hill Station opened in 1873. The Hatcliffe Almshouses (pictured in header) were built in 1857 and extended in the 1880s & 1930s. William Hatcliffe who died in 1620, was manager of the King's stables. He left 5 cottages and 16 acres of land worth £800.

At the end of the street go right along Trafalgar Road. Right into Tyler Street crossing Tyler Green. At the end left into Woodlands Park Road then left along Colomb Street.
The Victorian houses and pubs were built 1843-51 but there are modern infills.

Right along Woolwich Road
The former Granada Cinema (seating 1924) was opened by Gracie Fields in 1937. Greenwich District Hospital (1972-2001) has been cleared for mixed use redevelopment. The site was previously occupied by the Union Workhouse (1840-1929) and St Alfege's Infirmary (1870-1960s). On the corner of Chevening Road is the former entrance to East Greenwich Pleasaunce (opened in 1857).

Right at Chevening Road. Enter the Pleasaunce on the right just beyond the nursery
A plaque on the wall on the right marks the reburial of 3000 Greenwich Pensioners in 1875 [pix]. The bodies were dug up when work was undertaken at the former burial ground at the hospital. In 1925 a further 1247 skulls and 58 boxes of bones were moved for the construction of Devonport House. The burial plots are in 5 main areas: the mass reinterment, officers, ratings & other ranks, Greenwich Hospital & Royal Hospital School and others. There are graves to a midshipman and captain who served at Trafalgar plus veterans of the Crimea and both world wars. It was last used in 1981.

Explore the area then exit at the far corner. Left along Halstow Road. At the end continue along Woolwich Road to the right.
The East Greenwich (Carnegie) Library was built in 1905. The former fire station of 1902 is now a hotel. Opposite is Angerstein Hotel

Option 1: Left along Tunnel Avenue between the library and the 'fire station'. Use the footbridge to cross the Blackwall Tunnel Approach to the cinema..

Option 2: Use the crossings to go under the Blackwall Tunnel Approach (signposted Thames Path) then cross to the Sainsbury Store. Walk past Comet and B&Q to the cinema.

This development occupies the site of ammunition works which began in the 1880s manufacturing fireworks, flares and rockets.

Go alongside the cinema, across Bugsby's Way and continue ahead. Walk across Southern Park bearing left to steps. These go up to a path - take this to the left. Go through the gate along the Outer Boardwalk to the Gatehouse. Option to explore the Ecology Park (generally open Wed - Sun 10-5).
The Ecology Park has seven main habitats: lakes, marsh, shingle beach, shallow pools, wildflower meadow, willow beds and alder carr. There are bird hides, wildlife displays and children's activities.

From the Gatehouse take Thames Path northwards
The Polar Sundial was constructed for the millennium by the Royal Engineers using 2000 bricks. It was a gift of the Tylers & Bricklayers Company. The riverside site was formerly occupied by Redpath Brown (1900-29) then Dorman Long (1929-77) who manufactured steel girders for Wembley Stadium and the Royal Festival Hall. During WWII they produced Morrison Shelters and Mulberry Harbour components.

Go left at John Harrison Way then right through Central Park between West and East Parkside.
There is a memorial to staff of the Peninsula gasworks killed in the war.

Take the steps down alongside the water feature.
To the left is The Pilot Inn of 1801 and a terrace of mid 19th century houses (Ceylon Place). Eight remain from the original 31.

Return to and continue through the park.

Option 1: Take the next path to the right (signposted Thames Path) and rejoin this going northwards (to the left).
The jetty served the Blackwall Point Power Station, built in 1900. Further along were Frank Hills Chemical Works, using gas waste products. In the 1840s they had taken over the Trevithick Tide Mill of the 1800s which operated on the site. Beyond this was the South Metropolitan Gasworks. They purchased 100 acres of marshland in 1884 for £12,300 and later expanded onto the Frank Hills site.

Option 2: Continue to the water feature at the end of the park. Go right at Peninsula Square. Rejoin the Thames Path going northwards (to the left).
The QEII Pier, from which riverboat services operate, replaced the gasworks coaling jetty. Quantum Cloud is an artwork by Anthony Gormley.

Continue around the Dome and through Meridian Gardens.
There are views of Trinity Buoy Wharf and the entrance to the River Lea, Blackwall Yard and Reuters. The Meridian Line is marked.

Continue along the Thames Path following any signposted diversions
This is an area of industrial sites including Victoria Deep Water Terminal, Primrose Wharf, Amylum, Alcatel (formerly STC), Enderby Wharf, Piper's Yard and Lovells. At Ballast Quay is the former Harbour Master's Office (1855-1890s), Georgian houses and the Cutty Sark Tavern, originally the Union Tavern of 1804.

Return to and go right along Pelton Road then right at Christchurch Way
Houses and pubs in this area were designed by George Smith in the 1840s - 1860s for Morden College. Their property badge is a black horse and 1695 (the date of their foundation). The old church of 1848 now houses the Forum Community Centre. A new church was built alongside in 1989.

Right along Trafalgar Road
The Trafalgar Cinema first opened in 1912 and was remodelled in the 1930s to seat 1400. It became an Odeon in 1945 and closed in 1960. The Arches Leisure Centre was the former baths of 1928.

Between these go up Maze Hill to access the station.

© london-footprints.co.uk 2011

Resources
Discover Greenwich and Charlton by Darrell Spurgeon
East Greenwich & Penisula Map [webpage]
Greenwich Workhouse [webpage]

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