🍂 The Ultimate Cross-River Odyssey: Barkingside to Woolwich via 6 Buses & A Secret Tunnel Walk

🍂 The Ultimate Cross-River Odyssey: Barkingside to Woolwich via 6 Buses & A Secret Tunnel Walk

⏱️ Duration: 2 Hours 25 Minutes | 🌫️ Weather: Gloomy Autumn Day | 🗺️ Route: Essex Borders to Royal Arsenal via the Thames**

Embark on an epic transport adventure that combines buses, a secret pedestrian tunnel under the Thames, and a grand tour of Southeast London's overlooked landscapes. This six-bus marathon takes you from the suburban streets of Barkingside to the historic riverside town of Woolwich, revealing hidden corners, industrial heritage, and autumn's moody beauty along the way.

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📍 Route Breakdown & Autumn Atmosphere

00:00 🚌 Bus 128: Barkingside → Ilford

· Begin in this classic Essex-border suburb
· Through Ilford's bustling multicultural centre
· Grey skies enhancing the urban landscape

07:00 🚌 Bus SL2: Ilford → North Woolwich

· Through Barking's regenerating town centre
· Past Gallions Reach with views of the Royal Docks
· Arrival at the remote North Woolwich terminus

33:35 🚶 The Secret Tunnel: North Woolwich → Woolwich

· The highlight: Walk through the historic Woolwich Foot Tunnel under the River Thames
· Echoing footsteps in the tiled passageway
· Emerge into Woolwich's majestic Royal Arsenal

34:49 🚌 Bus 180: Woolwich → Erith

· Across Woolwich Ferry approach with misty Thames views
· Through Plumstead's dramatic hills and Abbey Wood's forests
· Into Thamesmead's brutalist landscape and Erith's industrial riverside

01:05:26 🚌 Bus B12: Erith → Bexleyheath

· Climb from the river through Bexleyheath's shopping streets
· Past Bexley's charming village centre
· Through Joyden's Wood - surprisingly rural in the autumn gloom

01:50:17 🚌 Bus 229: Bexleyheath → Erith

· Return journey through Barnehurst's suburbs
· Back to Erith's riverside industrial zone

02:04:40 🚌 Bus 99: Erith → Woolwich Arsenal

· Final leg through Lessness Heath and Upper Belvedere
· Past Plumstead's military heritage
· Arrival at Woolwich Arsenal - a fitting historic endpoint

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🌫️ Why This Gloomy Autumn Journey is Unforgettable

✅ The tunnel experience - walking under the Thames like a local secret
✅ Industrial beauty - cranes, docks and brutalist architecture in soft grey light
✅ Maximum variety - six buses showing completely different aspects of London
✅ Perfect autumn atmosphere - misty riverside views and golden leaves in suburban parks

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🎥 Must-See Moments

· The descent into the Woolwich Foot Tunnel - a time capsule under the river
· Thamesmead's lakeside towers emerging from autumn mist
· The surprising rural stretch through Joyden's Wood
· Woolwich Arsenal's historic buildings as the grand finale

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📌 Journey Statistics

· Total Buses: 6
· River Crossings: 1 (by foot, under water!)
· London Boroughs: 5+
· Best For: Adventurous explorers and transport enthusiasts

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#LondonBus #Bus128 #SL2 #Bus180 #B12 #Bus229 #Bus99 #WoolwichFootTunnel #AutumnJourney #LondonAdventure

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👇 Could you handle this 2h25m autumnal marathon?
1️⃣ Yes - especially for that tunnel walk! 🚇
2️⃣ Only with a flask of tea and good podcast! ☕
3️⃣ I'd need to build up to this one! 🏃

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