About this Event
BGH x London Wildlife Trust: Crystal Palace to Nunhead
Sunday 22nd March 2026
Meeting time: 11am
Meeting point: Crystal Palace Station, Crystal Palace Station Road, London, SE19 2AZ
End point: Nunhead Station, Gibbon Road, London, SE15 3XE
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approx 9 km
Duration: Approx 5 hours
Join us for a hike through South London from Crystal Palace to Nunhead, as we explore local woods and green spaces. Together, we'll hike through the hidden green corridors of South London on this scenic segment of the "Green Chain". The Green Chain is made up of over 300 open spaces and woodland that form a great arc of undeveloped land between the River Thames and Crystal Palace Park and is a 52 mile route in its entirety that was established in 1977.
We'll be walking a segment of it that is just over 5 miles (approx 9 km) spanning from Crystal Palace to the historic grounds of Nunhead, taking us through a diverse string of parks, ancient woodlands, and quiet cemeteries - including Crystal Palace Park, Sydenham Hill Wood, and the Nunhead Cemetery.
While there are sections of road walking to connect these pockets of nature, you’ll discover unexpected urban green spaces and historic sites, and an opportunity to see some of the local nature in the area.
This walk is being offered as part of the 'Reuniting Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood' project, an initiative that brings together two ancient woodlands known locally as Dulwich Wood and Sydenham Wood, while delivering a host of physical improvements and community acitivities to this much-loved local resource and green space. The project is made possible by the support of a number of funders and community partners: The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Dulwich Estate, Southwark Council, The Kusuma Trust, The John Horseman Trust, Black Girls Hike and Wanderers of Colour. This funding and these partnerships help to secure the future of the woods by bringing together the management of Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood under London Wildlife Trust, and welcoming people from all backgrounds into the Woods.
Terrain: A mix of woodland trails and pavement paths, with some inclines and steps. Paths can be slippery and muddy in wet weather, so hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended.
What to bring: Water, lunch/snacks, weather appropriate clothing, and supportive footwear suitable for walking for several hours.
Lunch stop: We'll stop to eat lunch part way so bring some food to nibble on!
Facilities: Crystal Palace Station has toilet facilities, including a disabled toilet, located beyond the ticket gateline. Additional toilets are available on Platform 1. Otherwise, toilets are only available at the middle of the route - Horniman Museum.
Transport: Closest station is Crystal Palace Station which is where the walk starts. We will end at Nunhead Station.
Parking: There is limited parking available near the station and parking fees apply. The train station car park has 13 spaces, Crystal Palace Park has three car parks within the park accessible via the Thicket Road, Anerley Hill and Crystal Palace Park Road entrances, and some local streets are subject to time restrictions and permit-only requirements. If you plan to drive, please leave plenty of time when looking for local parking.
Photo Disclaimer
Please be aware that photos will be taken during the event. These may be used by Black Girls Hike, our event partners, and our funders for promotional purposes, including on websites and social media platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform a member of the team before the hike begins.
This event will be led by a BGH trained walk leader. Please note that the leader does not hold a Mountain Leader qualification, and participation is therefore at your own discretion and risk.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Crystal Palace Station, Crystal Palace Station Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
