Thames: Greenwich to Erith

A mostly off-road cycle route along the River Thames from Greenwich to Erith taking in the popular sights of London including the Cutty Sark, O2 Arena (formerly Millennium Dome) and the engineering marvel of the Thames Barrier.

The commercial waterway east of Southwark is an eye-opening departure from the sailboats on the west of the river giving you the opportunity to see contemporary London. With lots to see along the route including a number of sculptures, modern buildings and structures mixed with those of yesteryear.

This London cycle route follows the south side of the River Thames from the centre of Greenwich east to the train station at Erith.

Begin your cycling adventure in historic Greenwich. The route is not immediately alongside the river so follow the signs for Thames Cycle Route and National Cycle Network Route 1 to the O2 Arena.

Cycle around the O2 Arena and follow the course of the river until you come to the impressive Thames Barrier with its distinctive silver shell structures. Leave the river and cycle along the residential roads and cycle paths (particularly alongside the very busy Woolwich Road) signposted as NCN1 until you return to the river near Woolwich Ferry.

The latter six-mile section follows the river all the way to Erith.

Either reverse course, take the train back to Greenwich or continue south-east on the NCN1 to Dartford on the banks of the River Darent and River Cray, or on-road to Bluewater Shopping Centre.

You will find a number of refreshment stops available near the route at:

Greenwich, Woolwich and Erith

Please note, most refreshment stops are not on the cycle route. We recommend a street map to find your way to and from the river.

Toilets are located at:

Greenwich – Cutty Sark Gardens, King William Walk

Woolwich – Calderwood Street, River Side

Erith – Train Station

There are a number of toilets available for customers at various cafés and eateries particularly near the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome).

Cycle Hire available at:

Greenwich

Tourist information available at:

Greenwich, Woolwich, Erith

Greenwich is located on the south bank of the River Thames off the A2 from Camberwell and Peckham, and Bexley.

Erith is north of Dartford off the A282 and along the A206.

Pay and Display parking available near the cycle route at these locations:

The Thames: Greenwich to Erith cycle route begins at the junction of National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 1 from Canary Wharf or Dartford, and NCN Route 4 from Southwark.

Greenwich, Woolwich and Erith.