Route Section

London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP)

Section 1 (Erith Riverside to Old Bexley Village)

Description:

Easy walking, mainly on pleasant paths beside three rivers (Thames, Darent and Cray) and through parks and woodland, although there are some rather unattractive urban parts.

Most of the route follows the Cray Riverway (Bexley section), whose signs are mostly in place. If you wish to walk this section from south to north you will find the Cray Riverway leaflet helpful as it is written in that direction.

From Erith station you make your way to the Thames, then follow it through most of Erith's riverside, except where industrial premises currently prevent riverside access. There is almost a seaside feeling along the pleasant promenade as the river is nearly a kilometre (half a mile) wide at this point.

Beyond the town, you walk on a raised flood defence bank beside marshes, with good views of the Queen Elizabeth Bridge ahead. You turn inland to follow Dartford Creek (the River Darenth), passing its impressive flood protection barrier. There is a link here to Slade Green station.

Now you follow a third river, the Cray, for the rest of this section, occasionally diverting where the riverside is not yet accessible. There is a link with the Shuttle Riverway at Hall Place. The section finishes close to Bexley station in the historic village of Old Bexley.

Interesting Places on or near the route:

The Marshes

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Bexley

Distance:

8.4 miles ( 13.5 km)

Start:

Erith Riverside (GR 514-782)

Finish:

Old Bexley (High Street, close to Bexley station, GR 494-735)

Recommended direction:

North to south

Terrain and surface:

Entirely level. Mixture of pavements, tarmac paths and rough surfaces. Two stiles. 3.3km (2.1ml) beside roads

Signage:

Signage almost complete both ways

Temporary Diversions:

None

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafes at Erith, Crayford, Hall Place and Old Bexley. Public toilets at Crayford, Hall Place and Old Bexley

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Erith, Slade Green, Crayford, Bexley
Buses: at points above plus Barnes Cray

Links with other walks:

Cray Riverway (Bexley), Shuttle Riverway. Loop links to Slade Green and Crayford stations

Map required:

Explorer 162

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Bexley

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