Near its confluence with the Thames, north-east of Deptford town centre (and west of Greenwich), the tidal reach of the river is known as Deptford Creek.
The Ravensbourne rises just south of Bromley, flowing north-west to Catford, where it is joined by the River Pool. This rises in Beckenham. The Ravensbourne is also joined by the River Quaggy (known in places as Kyd Brook). This rises near Sundridge Park in Bromley and flows northwards through the Mottingham area to Kidbrooke where it then turns westwards through Manor Park in Lee, before joining the Ravensbourne in Lewisham.