Eight hardy SE London GoodGymmers Kit, Marta, Darryl, Clare, Julian, Lynne, Laura led by Sarah, gathered on the steps of Charlton House on a muggy Sunday morning for a leisurely stroll across to Lesnes Abbey Woods. Water bottles filled up? Sun cream slapped on? Hats and sunglasses donned? Good. Let us begin.

Our walk took in the grave of a greyhound stadium magnate in Charlton Cemetery and the wilderness of Woolwich Common before we reached the cool of the woods on Shooters Hill. A stroke of luck - Severndroog Castle, with its views across the capital, was open to visitors.

A brave few climbed to the top to take in distant views of the London Eye, Alexandra Palace, Wembley Stadium and Biggin Hill Airport as the sunshine got ever more hazy. The clouds came as we paused at a nearby cafe, but we pressed on regardless, exploring the precious Oxleas Woods.

Crossing through the open spaces of Welling and Plumstead, we reached Bostall Woods before finally reaching the ancient Lesnes Abbey Woods with its ruined abbey. It says “party” on the page, and that was what was going on inside the cafe - albeit for five-to-seven year olds.

Perhaps that wasn’t our scene, so we retired to a nearby hostelry to toast our achievement and Sarah's walk-leading skills. As soon as we were safely inside the pub, the heavens opened. We’d had a lucky walk.

Of course, you can take in Lesnes Abbey Woods any day you choose by heading to the end of the Elizabeth Line. But this spot is best appreciated at the end of a good walk - and our 13km stroll was one of the best.

Party report written by: Darryl Chamberlain