Route Section

London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP)

Section 23 (Upminster Bridge to Rainham)

Description:

This section generally follows the River Ingrebourne, but at the south end this is currently inaccessible. The current diversion, however, does provide a view of the delightful Albyns Farmhouse, now a private house.

Some of the route is shared with the Upminster Circular Walk, and when riverside access is complete this section will also, like Section 22, form part of the proposed Ingrebourne Valley Greenway, which here incorporates the Hacton and Sutton Parkways.

You walk through Hornchurch Country Park, which has gone through several phases as a farm, military airfield, gravel quarry and rubbish tip, until its acquisition in 1980 by the local authority enabled the provision of a haven for wildlife and quiet outdoor activities.

The section ends at the unexpectedly attractive village of Rainham, now a fairly peaceful place following the opening of by-passes. In very wet weather, the subway under the very busy New Road may be flooded, then crossing it could be difficult.

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Barking and Dagenham
Havering

Distance:

4 miles ( 6.4 km)

Start:

Upminster Bridge station (GR 551-868)

Finish:

Rainham station (GR 521-820)

Recommended direction:

North to south

Terrain and surface:

Almost completely level with tarmac or firm gravel paths. No stiles. 3.3km (2.1ml) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways

Temporary Diversions:

None

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Upminster Bridge, Hacton Lane, Rainham Road, Rainham village. Cafes and toilets at Rainham

Public transport and breakpoints:

Tube: Upminster Bridge
Rail: Rainham
Buses: as above and also at Newmarket Way and South End Road

Links with other walks:

Upminster Circular Walk

Map required:

Explorer 175 (route marked)

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Havering

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