Re the roadworks at Sidcup station this is my specialist subject!

They have no effect when travelling from Eltham towards Orpington, but you get a two mile diversion on the return journey to travel the 250 yards past Sidcup station.

The 286 connects with 3 different buses that go to The Seven Stars. It shares the same bus stop (L) as the 321 and 233 outside Dorothy Perkins in Eltham High Street, or if you stay on to Sidcup Station it connects with the 51. You get the same choice coming back

The published timetable (not the same as reality!) shows the following return services from Foots Cray

321 - 2254, 2306, 2318, 2330
233 - 2247, 2317, 2347
51 - 2248, 2303, 2318, 2333

the 286 is half hourly at that time of night, the last one leaving Sidcup at 2349

What a sad person I am ....

If however a kind soul offers you a lift, jump at it and save yourself the bovver!!