4.4
(446)
44,554
runners
911
runs
Jogging around Oxleas Wood offers a varied landscape of ancient woodlands and open meadows, providing diverse terrain for runners. The area encompasses 130 hectares, with paths ranging from wide, well-trodden routes to narrower trails through dense woodlands. Gentle ascents are present, offering opportunities for elevated heart rates and views, including parts of the London skyline. The natural features include oak, silver birch, and hornbeam trees, alongside several streams.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
12
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8
runners
5.22km
00:33
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
14.7km
01:42
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A little way along ‘the big ditch’ in Oxleas Wood are a number of jumps dug into the earth which build toward a final larger jump on the far end of the ditch providing decent air if you approach fast enough into the ditch. There is a circular track with mud ‘walls’ to run off the speed which takes you directly back into the ditch slope. The turning into this track is marked by a painted tree to the edge and near the end of the fasted down hill track from the field at the top of woods; careful at crossroads if you bomb the hill from the top as there are often walkers using the trails.
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Lovely hilly woods adjacent to Abbey Wood. Bostal Heath is at the top.
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Large field on a hill with a cafe at the top. Oxleas wood to the left of the field, Jack Wood to the right.
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Part of Oxleas Woods, Jack Wood is a triangular area of woodland containing the ruins of a Manor House. It’s boundary’s are Stoney Lane, Castle Wood and the road leading to Oxleas Woods car park. Lots of trails, tracks and hills branch out from the ruins area, some fast and technical, all often have dog walkers.
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Linking Eltham Park South to Shepard Lease Wood and Eltham Park South. Can be found at far left of the back field of Eltham Park South.
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I’ve heard rumours of this place but despite living in the area for many years had yet to find it - until today - by accident. Known to locals as the ‘secret garden’ this small area is hidden at the very bottom of Oxleas Wood, at the end of The Big Ditch near the Welling entrance. The rectangular field has a lovely tree in the centre with a track around the edge and not much else. There aren’t any no cycling sign so knock yourself out. The trail along which the entrance is positioned is a nice tree rooted path with ditch crossings that runs the whole width of the bottom of the wood - but it can get muddy.
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There are over 900 running routes available in and around Oxleas Wood on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for all fitness levels. These include 117 easy routes, 714 moderate routes, and 107 difficult routes.
Oxleas Wood offers a diverse running experience with varied terrain. You'll find a mix of wide, well-trodden paths and narrower, more secluded trails winding through dense ancient woodlands. The area also features open meadows, and routes often include gentle ascents that provide a good workout and offer rewarding views, including parts of the London skyline.
Yes, Oxleas Wood has many routes suitable for families. With over 100 easy routes, you can find paths that are less challenging and perfect for a family outing. For example, the Oxleas Wood – The Big Ditch, Oxleas Wood loop from Royal Borough of Greenwich is an easy 2.8-mile trail that leads through the heart of the wood.
While running in Oxleas Wood, you can discover several interesting features. The area is home to ancient woodlands with oak, silver birch, and hornbeam trees, and in spring, you'll see vibrant bluebells and wood anemones. You might also spot diverse wildlife. Don't miss Oxleas Meadows for open spaces and views, and the historic Severndroog Castle, an 18th-century folly offering striking views from its viewing platform. There's also a Rose Garden and Terrace Garden in Jack Wood with spectacular views across London.
Yes, Oxleas Wood benefits from ample free parking, making it easily accessible for visitors who drive to the area for their runs.
Many of the running routes in Oxleas Wood are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Off-Road Mountain Bike Trail – Pippenhall Meadow loop from Welling, a moderate 3.3-mile path that offers an off-road experience.
The running routes in Oxleas Wood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the natural beauty of the ancient woodlands, and the opportunities for both challenging and relaxed runs. Over 41,000 runners have used komoot to explore the area.
Yes, Oxleas Wood is home to Oxleas Cafe, located in Oxleas Meadow. It serves as a popular meeting point and a convenient place to refuel before or after your run.
Absolutely. For those looking for a more challenging or longer run, Oxleas Wood is part of the extensive London Green Chain Walk and the Capital Ring. These networks offer well-defined footpaths that allow you to extend your activities beyond Oxleas Wood itself. An example of a longer route is the difficult Queen's House – Blackheath Common loop from Falconwood, which is 10.3 miles (16.6 km).
While beautiful year-round, spring is particularly vibrant in Oxleas Wood. This is when ancient woodland indicators like bluebells, wood anemone, and wood sorrel are especially rich and colorful, enhancing the natural experience of your run.
Yes, several routes connect Oxleas Wood to other notable areas. For instance, the Oxleas Woods Trails – Bostall Woods loop from Falconwood is a moderate 14.7 km route that links these two woodland areas, offering an extended running experience.
The trails in Oxleas Wood feature varied elevation. While there are flatter sections, many routes include gentle ascents that can elevate your heart rate and provide a good workout. These higher points often come with rewarding panoramic views over the surrounding area and parts of the London skyline.

