Route Section Thames Path Walk

Section 4 (Thames Barrier to River Darent / Island Gardens to East India Dock)

Description:

Proud history – icons of industry – modern architecture – ancient wildlife habitats and ever-changing river views: this section of the Thames Path weaves all these strands together as it follows the south bank of the river for 9.75 miles from the Thames Barrier near Woolwich downstream to Crayford Ness, in the shadow of Dartford’s Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.

The Thames Path presents old stories alongside new changes, demonstrating that the dynamics of this hard-working river are still on the move. Firepower! and the Greenwich Heritage Centre blow the lid off the Royal Arsenal’s most closely-guarded secrets while Thamesmead’s riverside apartments continue to widen their foothold on its adjoining land.

At Crossness, the last word in Victorian sewage disposal sits side-by-side with a sleek incinerator in futuristic style; just west of Erith, an industrial landscape of jetties, cranes and mills gives way to a domestic waterfront, set against the slender arch of Dartford’s bridge.

Contrast comes full circle at Crayford’s salt marshes, which mark the end of the Thames Path. The simple, sturdy structure of the barrier at Darent Creek is a very low-key affair compared with the hi-tech triumph of the Thames Barrier.

Distance:

NE extension 2.5 miles / SE extension 11 miles ( NE extension 4.5 km / SE extension 17.5 km)

Start:

Thames Barrier

Finish:

Crayford Ness / River Darent (Kent boundary)

Terrain and surface:

Easy and level walking surface.

Signage:

This section of the route is clearly waymarked with the white logo of the Thames Sailing Barge which makes it easy to follow in either direction, in part or as a whole. There are also key location signposts which give the distance to the next key location in either direction and (where relevant) to nearby stations. They also show links with other waymarked walks.

Refreshments and toilets:

Walkers thinking of visiting the Thames Barrier visitor centre at the start of the south bank section should first of all check the opening times on the Environment Agency’s website (link below).
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38353.aspx

Public transport and breakpoints:

The route can be easily reached by public transport. There are many rail, underground and bus stations and stops just a short walking distance from the river. Call London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234 (24 hours), Textphone 020 7918 3015 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more information.

Links with other walks:

Capital Ring, Green Chain Walk, LOOP, Ridgeway Walk, Cray River Way

Map required:

Explorer 162 Greenwich and Gravesend

 

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