The Green Chain Walk has several strands as it crosses outer S.E London and today 11 regular members did a total of about 9 miles through Avery Hill, Southwood Park and Fairy Hill Park (No fairies seen---or were there?!) to The Tarn Bird Sanctuary which has a delightful lake presently covered in green algae and some inquisitive Canada Geese. The smaller Egyptian variety wisely stayed in the lake.  We stopped for a warming Thermos coffee then proceeded along a few roads to Marvel and Alstead Woods with delightful Autumn colours and a sandwich lunch in a convenient park with scattered benches. Later entering Beckenham Place Park which was a surprise to many of us who had never even heard of it before. Over 260 acres with much ancient woodlands it is at present undergoing major improvements which include restoring the large lake in the grounds. Notices advise this will have a "wild" swimming area so who knows perhaps Beckenham will soon rival Hampstead Bathing Ponds!  Passing through Beckenham which still has some large business sporting clubs the rain looked very threatening so most opted to catch a train then.   Ned proceeded to Sydenham for an engagement whilst Mike and Matthew walked on through Cator Park and some roads observing some abandoned ventilation shafts of the Beckenham Gas Company and almost to Penge before the rain started so a train station beckoned. 

A most enjoyable walk and I think another part of The Greens Chains will be walked in 2019