Route CommentsLOOP Walk

Comments about the Route

We would love to hear from you about your experience of Walking London – what you enjoyed, what you noticed along the way, what would make the walk even better. Please share your observations and comments – whether they are factual, amusing or poignant, we would be interested to learn, and to share with others who may be considering walking the path. If you have general feedback about the website then please email [email protected].

Share your experiences

Recent Comments

Section 13: Harefield West to Moor Park. The Bishops Wood tracks are impossible to follow. After turning left at point C (see the Section 13 PDF) (there is a LOOP marker there), the tracks lead nowhere. We did not see any red arrows painted on trees,. We did not see the pylons. We returned to point C and tried again. We spent 1 hour walking in circles in the wood, before giving up, returning to point C, and bypassing the woods completely.
John Yugin 18/07/2014 9:24 am

Just completed the LOOP for the second time. The first time I did it within 6 months but this one has taken 3 years! I only had section 5 to do but I decided once I started that as it was such a nice day I’d carry on, so I did sections 6 & 7 as well. I didn’t take the maps with me for 6 & 7 so I had to follow the signs, but it helped having done both sections twice before. Sadly a few signs have been “removed”, I assume by idiots, but it doesn’t make the route difficult to follow.
Gill 21/04/2014 3:37 pm

We started looping last year from Enfield. Today we did petts wood to west Wickham common. Still really enjoying it. Lovely countryside. It’s a real treat. We always end up at a wetherspoons pub, either immediately at the end of the leg, or sometimes a few stops further along our train route home. Unbeatable value food and drink.
Lorraine 19/04/2014 8:50 pm

A lovely way to see unfamiliar parts of the capital – and to keep the legs stretched! Not too strenuous and some nice sights along the way. I found the free guides a little wanting sometimes, but overall – very enjoyable! Read more here: http://anicewalk.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/the-london-outer-orbital-pt1/ (contains spoilers!!)
Tim 19/04/2014 9:26 am

There are road bypass paths before & after crossing the A13 which are good. Also a new path across a hill (with even more spectacular views of the bridge) at the end of the waste disposal site as part of the reinstatnement of the landfill. Adds about 1/2 mile to route.
GeoffM 04/04/2014 10:39 am

Mr friend Helen and I have taken 22 walks throughout a year to finish the Loop and what a joy it was! Each section had its own magic and the amount of greenery was just amazing. We did have a book to help us though as in some places it was not always clear. Highly recommend it – you will not be disappointed.
JoyS 22/02/2014 5:31 pm

My husband and I have just finished this lovely walk,We enjoyed it immensely, so surprising and well worth doing. We want to say thanks for all the effort involved in planning and keeping this route open. We did encounter a few missing signs, or hidden ones, and in one place had to find a way round as the overgrowth was impassable. We also found a lot of signs turned to face the wrong way, students? late night revelers? You do need the map, and to keep your wits about you! We loved it!
Sue 10/12/2013 6:58 pm

My first walk on The Loop today. Section 21 Havering-atte Bower to Harold Wood. A bit muddy at the outset but well marked and achievable in 2 hours. As it was local I decided to leave the camera behind as nothing of interest was likely. Approaching Cummins Hall Lane I suddenly realised that 20 feet away a beautiful fallow deer stag was stood looking at me through the fence. What a picture it would have made! All in all a pleasant manageable walk of mixed country/suburban.
Mike 24/11/2013 5:00 pm

Started the Loop walk a few weeks ago with Sections 1 & 2 in a single day, starting at Erith & ending at Petts Wood. So far completed a further 2 sections, but I’m trying to space each section out, resisting the temptation to try and complete the LOOP as soon as possible. I plan to do it over the winter, finishing up next Spring. I always carry a camera with me when I’m out and I’ve got some photos of the LOOP walk at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallstreak_holes/sets/72157635973199473/
  17/10/2013 11:54 am

My friend and I have just completed the Capital Ring in 4 1/2 days. Enjoyable and very different from our normal long distant walks. Its very well signed except for one or two places. Pleanty of facilities (eating toilets some pubs) on the route. We stayed at the YHA off Oxford Street. which proved very central to travel every day, and only needed a day pack. I never realised their was so much greenery in London being used to walking over moors and hills. Thanks Country Walking and Walk London.
Cumbrians 10/10/2013 9:02 pm

I have just started this walk. I started at Erith and completed section 1 a couple of weeks ago. I have now completed section 2 and 3 in one walk. I must admit I am hooked. I will be attempting sections 4, 5, 6 over next week, feet and time permitting. I think walk this a great idea and have found places I didn’t know existed, and I thought I knew London well! Well done to Walk London.
Burstow 10/10/2013 1:11 pm

I managed to take the wrong path in Donkey Wood, section 9. Followed the Duke of Northumberland’s river (left fork) and ended up climbing over a bridge barrier onto the A312, much to amusement of those stuck in rush hour traffic.
tizzy 11/09/2013 3:06 pm

I finally completed all of the LOOP today. Has taken me since 1st October 2011 as my poor mum had two strokes and I now care for her part of the time. The LOOP is wonderful but I rarely saw other walkers – seems so sad that it doe not get better use. I would have loved to be able to download the walks in the opposite direction as sometimes I had to do them in reverse and although a map helps having the directions really helps particularly since signage is poor in some places
SueB 23/08/2013 3:50 pm

Completed the LOOP yesterday, 2nd August, having started on 7th March this year, so just under 6 months to complete. Great fun with many interesting places that I’d heard of but never been to or through. Fun to see the changes in the seasons, also seeing the new hatched birds grow up. Many nice pubs too, but also some iffy ones! Signing is pretty good with only a few places needing good search skills to find one! unexpected! Need to find a new challenge now to keep me going.
Dave W 03/08/2013 0:39 pm

Started the loop last month with leg 18. Today we finished leg 21. What a joy to be so close to urban life but out in the wilds. finding the signs is like a treasure hunt, mostly great fun.
Lorraine 28/07/2013 9:24 pm

Its taken us 4 years and 3 months to complete! Apart from sore feet and the occasional wet-through and muddy experience, what have we gained? A lot of pleasure, an improved understanding of the geography of London, a knowledge of the hidden rural treasures of even the most built-up parts of suburbia and the surprising range of local parks and open space available for Londoners to enjoy. Plus the sense of achievement at its completion which, because of ill health, was by no means certain.
Lin & Dot 03/07/2013 10:56 pm

We finished the LOOP at the weekend, taking a little under 10 months. Henry VIII was behind some of the best bits, especially round Queen Elizabeth’s hunting lodge and in Bushy Park, and also Pyrgo in a sea of sunflowers, and the site of Nonsuch Palace which we negotiated in hail and mud. Also some fantastic ‘blue’ sections, along the Thames towards Purfleet and the canalside stretch around Uxbridge and Harefield. And some real country walking on the edge of London. A great experience.
Martin 29/04/2013 11:34 pm

We finished the walk last summer – sorry, slow write-up! It has been a *superb* experience and I cannot praise Walk London highly enough. The David Sharp book has also been a very useful companion. Our next big project is the Coast To Coast later this year; I am hoping to fit in the Capital Ring sometime too. In the longer term we’re wondering about trying to do some kind of version of the London Countryway … wish we could persuade Des de Moor to finish hs project on it! Thanks again, WL!
nevilley 26/02/2013 9:07 am

Done it. This was the final section for us. Great challenge, great fun. If you are just starting out or even well into it, persevere. There are lots of interesting and frankly odd places to visit. I have written a commentary of the whole of our LOOP walking. Hopefully I’ll get it published. Anyone interested in a copy should contact walk london, who have our details.
David and Frances 16/02/2013 0:44 pm

We walked the first half of this walk today (8/2/13). It was beautiful but quite muddy.
LizB 08/02/2013 10:34 pm

Finished the LOOP on 27/10/12 by walking from Moor Park to Hatch End, with my husband and five friends. Ecstatic and really pleased with my achievement, adding this to my completion of the Capital Ring last year. Started the LOOP on 17/09/11 and I have really enjoyed the variety between the different sections, getting out into different places and having some “me” time. An excellent walk, thank you so much! Need to decide now what to do next…
Jess 28/10/2012 1:58 am

Fantastic walk. We completed it yesterday having broken it down into 10 sections. We felt the signage was very good and used this in conjunction with David Sharpe’s book. We also checked the website for diversions and any difficulties/problems others had encountered. Thanks for a superb walk.
Sarah 07/10/2012 11:30 am

Between 9th June & 23rd Sept, people went ‘Loopy for Peace’ by walking all 24 sections of the Loop, starting at Hatch End. Numbers walking varied from 1 (me) to 10. Aiming to encircle London with prayers for peace in this year of the Olympics, many commented how surprised they were to find such beautiful quiet countryside so close to built up areas. Well done for creating this mammoth and varied trail, from the heights of Addington Hills to the easy towpath of the Grand Union Canal. Great walk!
Oliasah Pilgrim 27/09/2012 10:11 am

Myself and a friend have finished the London Loop Walk. We completed it in 22 journeys, over 9 month’s due to committements and bad weather, we lost a few weeks. We were pleased when we finally reach Rainham leaving one more walk. The last walk was charming being on the Thames pathway and Discovering the ‘Barges that were used in the D-Day landings. On the whole journey there were a number of places that signage was poor, (can inform you of some)
  21/09/2012 5:26 pm

Just completed in 5 sections, generally well marked only a couple of areas which caused confusion / short loss of way, but section maps help. Some parts a little overgrown so if wearing shorts I suggest having ones you can attach the legs or find a good supply of dock leaves! Great connections so easy access, check www.tfl.gov.uk first though. Lovely views, wouldn’t think it was so near to the capital. Wells done all whom planned it & maintain the 154 miles – according to the section accumulation.
Dave AW 29/07/2012 8:53 pm Yes, it has been such a warm, wet year so far, the nettles are bound to grow fast!
Walk London 29/07/2012

Having done the Capital Ring, I am finding the signage on the LOOP poor in places. I’m grateful for the book otherwise I would have gone wrong. I have a list of the missing signs if anyone wants them.
John Myerson 29/06/2012 10:38 am Yes please, email your list to [email protected] and we can inform the relevant councils or landowners! Any photos to go with your report also help
Walk London 04/07/2012

Just to mention that the section by the Chigwell water works is very overgrown and needs to be dealt with please. A useful alternative is to walk from Chingford to Grange Hill, then Grange Hill to Noak Hill Road, a little further on from Havering-atte-Bower. That way, you avoid the issues with the infrequent bus service.
Jess 08/06/2012 11:49 am Thanks – we have reported the overgrowth to Essex rights of way team. Useful info about how to divide up the sections in this area to make good use of public transport
Walk London 08/06/2012

A superb walk which took just one year. However, it involved 4,000 miles of train travel from the West Midlands to do it, hence the time taken! Every stage was done in superb weather and a video of the whole route has been created. Signing for the most part is excellent, rendering a map unnecessary – though a brief guide or better is useful. Few walkers were encountered in the rural sections. Pity, as they should get out and see what London really has to offer!
John 01/06/2012 4:08 pm Great achievement! Would you like a certificate? What walk is next?!
Walk London 01/06/2012

My group is about to complete the LOOP – two sections to do in the next two weekends. It has been so varied. Is there a badge available for completion? We achieved one of these for the Thames Path and it was so nice to sew these onto our bags – and get comments from people we met on our walks.
Jackie 18/05/2012 7:49 pm Yes, there is a certificate! Email [email protected] with your details
Walk London 18/05/2012

Peter – I agree it’s nice to make this into a complete LOOP, esp when most people start at the point nearest to their homes. From Rainham we caught the train to Tilbury, and a little shuttle bus and got the Gravesend Ferry where we had dinner. We called it the ‘ceremonial crossing of the Thames’. We then started the next section in Erith, and it joined everything up. At a couple of pounds for the ferry, certainly cheaper than a new tunnel under the Thames!
Jackie 18/05/2012 7:42 pm

Is there any possibility that a tunnel can be built under the Thames linking sections 1 and 24 to make this a truly circular walk? I understand this would cost a lot of money but could not a fund be set up for people, companies, organisations and philanthropists to contribute, showing approximately how much the tunnel would cost, the ongoing total being donated and where the tunnel would emerge on both sides of the Thames.
Peter 11/04/2012 5:03 pm An interesting idea. We have a long list of road junctions we’d like to see improved for pedestrians too! Which would also cost millions and are unlikely to be programmed in the short term. A new tunnel under the Thames would cost an awful lot more than you’d think! You might be interested in this http://what-if.info/Pilgrim_Ferry.html
Walk London 11/04/2012

Thank you to everyone who set and maintain the LOOP. I completed my circuit back in November and enjoyed (almost) every step! My slightly tongue in cheek comments are here http://nowork2day.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/where-is-erith.html .
Alex 19/03/2012 1:45 pm Thanks for sharing! If you would like a certificate to celebrate completing the LOOP then email [email protected]
Walk London 19/03/2012

We’ve just finished the Loop this weekend with our children (aged 3 & 1). After discovering the Loop by accident we’ve had some great family days out. Although my wife says if she ever has to help lift a heavily laden double buggy over a four foot stile again, she’ll divorce me! Thanks to all involved in creating this great walk – only hope it’s popularity grows.
The Cooper Family 30/11/2011 9:09 pm Really glad you enjoyed it. If you email [email protected] you can all have a certificate! You might find fewer stiles on the Capital Ring, if you wanted to try that next!
Walk London 30/11/2011

We’ve just finished it on a grey foggy November day, doing it in bite sized chunks over 16 months. We couldn’t see the Dartford crossing and hardly across to Erith but it’s been a fascinating walk even when not conventionally scenic. Thanks to all who put it together.
Michael Dewey 13/11/2011 0:19 pm Good news! Don’t forget to email [email protected] and ask for your completion certificate!
Walk London 13/11/2011

Thank you for this walk which I completed today. I started in July after experiencing a significant loss and having the walk to focus on every week has been very helpfully therapeutic. I walked the Capital Ring in the months before the Loop also. It is a wonderful and glorious resource for the city and those of us living here. Would be good to promote it more. To those that make it happen – thank you! (Nov 2011)
MH 07/11/2011 7:59 pm Great! Email [email protected] to have a certificate for both routes you have completed. Really glad you enjoyed it!
Walk London 07/11/2011

I relate to the comments concerning a lack of Major destination signposts beyond Uxbridge. I was the Countryside Officer for the London Borough of Havering covering leaflet Numbers 20 to 24. I am now retired, but during my time with Havering I designed a scheme to install 5 major destination sign posts along the 19 mile length of LOOP passing through Havering. All the signs were to be installed on public own land. However, my proposals were ignored by the Parks & Open Spaces Officer – so…..
Alan Cooper 07/11/2011 9:27 am

Have just completed the entire walk. Walking by the river bank was an unexpected bonus at the last section. However, it is not at all clear where the Loop ends, and was therefore somewhat of an anti-climax. Overall a wonderful experience.
graham 18/10/2011 6:26 pm It actually ends at Purfleet station – you are right there is no big plaque at this point. Don’t forget to send off for your certificate if you have walked the whole thing by emailing us! Will you walk the Capital Ring next?
Walk London 18/10/2011

Would it be possible to log the date automatically when comments are added? It would help walkers to know how up to date the comments are. (Posted 11 October 2011)
The Lane family 11/10/2011 9:41 am Good idea! We’ll add it to our list of website development ideas to be considered later (they would likely be all done in a batch). From behind the website, we can actually see the date a comment was made. Is there a specific comment you are interested in and we will then check to see if the information in the comment is still relevant? The WalkLondon website gets checked for comments 3-4 times a week.
Walk London 11/10/2011

The Walk4Life web site is extremely difficult to navigate as you have to know EXACTLY where you want to go before the search will produce anything – ‘cart before horse’!! Please do not remove anything else from the Walk London site which is much more useful.
Judith and Philip 03/07/2011 9:59 am If you are viewing a section of the walks on the WalkLondon website, and you press on the right-hand side “show directions and leaflets” you have a choice of having a) traditional style leaflet made up of map and text b) a link through to the very section on the Walk4Life website. What is special about the Walk4Life website is that people can print their own maps to suit them. The “zoom” still works in print preview so you can print, for instance, one overview of the section you intend to do, as well as a couple of close-ups where you want to see street names perhaps as well. Also, Walk4Life uses Ordnance Survey mapping, which is incredibly popular with walkers, whereas the traditional style leaflets do not. This means that if people are walking along and they feel they have gone far enough that day, they can hopefully see on the OS print out some alternative ways to make a circular walk or back to public transport, rather than having to simply retrace their steps. The traditional style leaflet mapping doesn’t show you this level of detail. If you have been searching on Walk4Life.info website and have got confused with the different walks on offer, and you just want to see for instance sections of the LOOP, then go to the tab “search for a walk” and put something like “loop” in the keywords box. Switch the radius up to something like 50 miles from your point of interest, and voilà , only LOOP sections should come up in the search results. Hope this information helps!
Walk London 03/07/2011

Route marking south sections good, but agree comments about diversions on sections 13-14. Also, lot of the information about toilets and refreshments needs updating as many toilets are not open and some of the refreshment kiosks are closed. Otherwise, really interesting as you see parts of London you would not visit as a tourist.
Hayward family 13/06/2011 6:54 pm Thanks for this. The man who wrote the book for the Capital Ring – Colin Saunders – is about to start a circumambulation (!) of both the LOOP and the Capital Ring routes to check for this sort of detail.
Walk London 13/06/2011

Please, please bring back the pdf maps you had until a few weeks ago. The links just don’t do the job as well!
  28/04/2011 3:45 pm The downloadable maps for the LOOP have been restored. We didn’t realise how popular they were!
Walk London 28/04/2011

Why have the LOOP section maps disappeared to be replaced by links. The maps in the links are nowhere near as good. Please bring back the maps.
Gareth A. Williams 21/04/2011 11:54 pm The downloadable maps for the LOOP have been replaced and are available again. We didn’t realise how popular they were!
Walk London 21/04/2011

A couple of tips: Chambres ” London Gazetteer” gives interesting and in-depth information on almost every settlement on The Loop. We got our copy, much reduced from Postscript Books (google). The A-Z Master Atlas of Greater London has large, scale maps (3.5 inches to the mile) with almost every pond, path, track & alley on the Loop (and indeed on all other London walks), marked & named. Possibly the best maps to use.
Mike & Andrea 07/04/2011 8:24 pm Thanks for those tips. The www.walk4life.info website has maps of all the 7 London promoted routes on Ordnance Survey colour map bases that you can still adjust the zoom of before printing out at home : so you can get the maps looking exactly as you want them!
Walk London 07/04/2011

Why have you changed the website so that it is harder to find the sections of the Loop. The old web site had a simple clickable map to select the area required – graphic, visual and simple to use. This user comments section leaves much to be desired since it assumes we just want to comment on a given section, when we want to comment on the quality of the web site.
frankie and david 13/02/2011 9:09 pm

1 (Erith Riverside to Old Bexley Village)

Easily picked up the route markers and walked to the Thames. Great views across the river, wide at this point, the opposite bank into Rainham marshes and the waste site (nice). Empty desolate sites on Manor Road. Stepped through a gateway onto the start of Erith Marshes. Nice to see the path has been well defined and easy to follow. In the distance is the QE 2 Bridge, and the sight of Eurostar Trains on the opposite bank. The marshes still have pill boxes and bunkers still in situ.
Bob Burstow 05/05/2014 4:56 pm

We started the London Loop this weekend, and absolutely loved the first section from Erith to Bexley. We’d read various blog posts and had expected it to be gloomy and depressing, but actually we loved the feeling of open space. We went on a sunny day at just the right temperature for walking. Yes, we passed many industrial estates but there was so much open space across the marshes and looking out onto the water. If you want a dark, depressing walk, try the Grand Union Canal through Harlesden!
  09/08/2013 11:23 am

This was the bleakest, darkest most macabre walk I have ever taken in my life, but I loved it. It is good to see how industrial waste is recycled, to watch the diggers at the landfill and to see river walks that were never pretty but very functional and essential for transport in other times. The cold wind, the dark clouds and the big black crows just added to the sinister atmosphere. A great place to make a movie but not have a picnic.
jilla 05/12/2012 1:51 pm

We’re back on track after xmas break! Started in thick mist last Thursday 15th March, which turned out to be a glorious sunny day. Got to Bexley by 1.30pm so took a bold decision to carry on to Petts Wood and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the 17 mile walk. Signage mostly good, but couldn’t do it without the book! Well dome to volunteers from Thames21 who were making a heroic effort to clear rubbish from the river river Darent above Crayford creek, and thanks to them for their insights too.
Paul & Barry 22/03/2012 10:05 pm

Completed Section 1 of the Loop yesterday. We have previously done the Capital Ring and are looking forward to the days spent on this route. One comment – the path was blocked by gas works on the section by the A2. A sign has been put up saying “use other footpath” but there is no alternative here. We were able to squeeze past the side of the works but this is not safe by a busy A-road. There seems to be no reason why these works need to block all off the path – can you look into this please?
David 03/01/2012 1:35 pm Thank you for your report. We will contact Bexley Council about this report and post an update when we have news.
Walk London 03/01/2012

My wife and I walked this section on March 19, a beautiful day. In Erith we walked past the community theatre and noticed that they were performing “Pirates of Penzance” the next week; we ordered tickets and attended. We enjoyed the river-side walks and the variety of birds (33 species) & animals (fox) which we saw. It was great. We had an excellent lunch at a Turkish café in Bexley.
Wayne 05/04/2011 0:18 pm Thanks for the positive feedback, great!
Walk London 05/04/2011

I’ve just started walking the LOOP and have decided to blog it! Find me at http://blog-standard.blogspot.com/2011/03/london-loop.html I’m absolutely loving it so far. I’m walking with my 14 month old son and we aim to complete the whole yet by the end of 2012. Wish us luck!
Sally Symon 15/03/2011 0:22 pm Great news! Don’t forget to click off the sections as you walk them on www.walk4life.info and you will get a certificate at the end! You can add photos to the sections there too.
Walk London 15/03/2011

Hall Place is well worth spending time over. Visit its Orangery & ask about the giant Cacti and the tiny pots they thrive in.
Mike & Andrea 13/02/2011 6:56 pm

Have started the LOOP after finishing the Thames Path. The part by the Thames and Darent – beautiful. Enjoyed seeing the parakeets in Bexley.
JD56 08/10/2010 7:58 am

2 (Old Bexley Village to Jubilee Country Park)

This was a beautiful walk but VERY MUDDY. The section at the end of the walk through Petts Wood was quite difficult because of the mud
LizB 08/02/2013 10:32 pm

Hiya, I walked this route on Saturday and really enjoyed the riverside sections despite the rain. My GPS registers its length at 8 miles rather than the 6 miles listed on Walk London. The Walk4Life distance is 7.11 miles, which is probably a fair compromise.
  24/01/2012 3:46 pm We use an extremely detailed GIS system to calculate section lengths. Sometimes these are written without station links, as if you were walking the whole route without breaking at the end of the day. Many sections also have step-free alternatives, so there are a number of answers to the one question “how long is the section” !
Walk London 24/01/2012

Did section 2 yesterday and it was a beautiful stretch. In Park Wood where you should turn left, the signpost has been broken off, and is lying on its side next to the path, and could easily be overlooked.
The Lanes 23/09/2011 9:43 am Thank you for your information, we will investigate and let the borough council know.
Walk London 23/09/2011

A peach of a walk. Lovely spring day. The walk was probably the best to date (we’ve done Chingford to Bexley) . The walk along the Cray was really enchanting, as were the parakeets excavating an old wood pecker hole at goldsmith college sports ground. Add Scadbury Park for yet more countryside views and you have a fabulous day out.
frankie and david 13/02/2011 8:58 pm

3 (Jubilee Country Park, Bromley to West Wickham Common, Bromley)

I started the Loop with this section on 15/6 and I’m very much looking forward to rest of the route. This section has everything: woods, urban walking, streams, fields and country lanes. I had a wonderful day out. The route was very well maintained (except for one section close to Holwood that was overgrown), although I think it’s advisable to have either the book or the print outs as there are times when you’re unsure where to go.
Karen 17/06/2013 8:24 am

Myself and a friend completed day 3 on Weds 20 Feb and were delighted to have bright blue skies but very cold winds. Many paths through the woods were VERY muddy, but to be expected after the weather we’ve have been having. We were delighted to come across a delightful cafe in Farnborough which made a good half way stop for hot soup and drinks. Its called the Enchanted Gifts and Tearoom at 117 High Street, and gave us a very friendly welcome and sent us on our way. A great days walk.
Paul H 22/02/2013 3:52 pm

This is a beautiful walk! I have two comments about though: First, does the LOOP signage on Crofton Avenue direct you down a footpath onto Partridge Drive, like I thought it did? If so there is no signage at the end of that alley so you’re suddenly completely lost. If it’s just me being stupid then sorry! Secondly there is a tree falling across the path in the woods between Keston and the finish point – might be worth removing it as it’s balanced precariously! 17th Feb 2012
  17/01/2012 9:29 am The LOOP rectangular waymarker at Crofton Avenue directs you straight on, you shouldn’t turn down Partridge Drive. It is just designed to be a reassurance marker. Changes of direction markers have an arrow on them, this is just a continuation marker you have found. The section directions that can be printed from this website help you know not to turn down Partridge Drive. Thanks for reporting the tree, we have emailed Royal Parks about it.
Walk London 07/02/2012

Worth it for the view from Derrick Park and for High Elms
stevenagec 19/09/2011 3:42 pm

A great walk but it was constant drizzle most of the way. The tea break at High Elms was most welcome. However, it being mid February and not starting at Petts Wood till 2pm, we were asking for trouble on one of the longer sections of the loop. By the time we got to Kenley the light had gone and we were reliant upon the waymarks. made it eventually but this section is not recommended for nightwalking in the rain. Great experience, never to be repeated! Fair weather and daylight from now on.
david horne 13/02/2011 8:48 pm

We have done this section both ways now. Clockwise is easier than anti. However, signage on this section is confusing or lacking in vital places and even with the directions, progress can be frustrating. I always carry a small compass now (useful when no sun) together with the latest OS Explorer. Being a bird watcher, I usually carry a pair of lightweight bins. These have often been handy in finding ones way in spotting distant waymarkers.
Mike & Andrea 13/02/2011 7:29 pm

4 (West Wickham Common, Bromley to Hamsey Green, Croydon)

Did this leg yesterday. The seventh leg for us and the first time we got lost, in spring park wood. It needs a few more signs. Other than that, it was great. A bit tougher than some other legs.
Lorraine 04/08/2014 9:33 am

The leaflet on your website (and our 2008 guide book) says there are public toilets outside the restaurant/car park just after Addington Hills, but we couldn’t find them. Is this something that’s been removed, or does it mean the restaurant participates in a Community Toilet Scheme?
Karen 12/06/2014 11:18 am Hi – the toilets at Addington Hill are now closed. The 2012 London Loop guide book does say this and we will get the leaflets updated. I hope this didn’t spoil your walk.
Walk London 16/06/2014

The route at Riesco Drive at its entrance to Croydon Council maintained Heathfield park is blocked by the practice of locking the public car park.
Paul Pinder 24/11/2013 10:01 pm

Did this on Sunday 14th October – gloriously sunny and the viewpoint which shows a panorama of London is one of the best ones I’ve seen – forget the London Eye – this was fantastic and free. Got a bit lost in the woods afterwards but followed the general direction and was soon back on track.
Stephie 19/10/2012 10:55 am

Just to let you all know that the Good Companions pub is currently closed and there are plans to turn it into a LIDL, so you may want to bus it back into Croydon for a pub stop at the end of this section.
Jess 21/09/2012 7:06 pm

Walked this section today (Sat 5 May 2012). Couldn’t exit the Car Park at Heathfield as the gates were padlocked.
Sarah 05/05/2012 6:23 pm We have contacted Croydon Parks team and will update when we hear back, thanks for posting
Walk London 05/05/2012

Walked this last weekend. Probably my favourite of the LOOP so far, through woodland and fields. Feels a world away from London. Not much in the way of wildlife but saw swallows and a lone deer towards the end. Unfortunately got caught by rain shower for a few minutes but sun soon came out. View from Addington Hill well worth the walk, even with grey cloud.
Rob W 19/09/2011 1:57 pm

Be a bit careful in the field you get to when you exit the Wickham churchyard as there were lots of horses and there was one that wasn’t particulalry friendly today and chased me back into the churchyard!! Easy to divert around though and the walk was no less enjoyable even if a bit more eventful than I had planned!!
Duncan 17/09/2011 5:41 pm Were they going for your packed dinner?
Walk London 17/09/2011

Probably best done in late Spring or early Summer (potential floral displays). Some very muddy parts which can be avoided e.g. woods at Sparrows Den, by taking a path along the edge adjacent to the rugby pitches and then taking a later path northwards. Also, the path along Old Farleigh Rd. Use the wide grass verge on the other side of the road. Addington Hill has breath taking views, if only of the weather closing in on you. A small pair of bins is a boon here. Heathfield House= another gem.
Mike & Andrea 13/02/2011 7:53 pm

Really enjoying the walks so far, but have got lost sometimes due to lack of signage. On this walk, where it says to go through Spring Park into Three Halfpenny Wood, we couldn’t find the right path into the wood. There were lots of paths of varying sizes, but no sign. After trying several paths, we gave up and asked a passer by for directions to the tennis courts and thus missed a chunk of the walk. Just ONE SIGN at the entrance to the bridleway would have prevented this.
Josie 12/02/2011 9:13 pm

5 (Hamsey Green, Croydon to Coulsdon South Station, Croydon)

Just to say that the cafe and toilets in the park at the end of this section are closed but there is a lovely cafe in Coulsdon itself.
Sara 03/09/2013 7:43 pm

We found the route a bit difficult to follow across Kenley Common (a delightful section though). When you reach the top of the steps onto the common it’s not clear that you must keep the wooded area to your right. However in general the waymarking on the Loop in south London, so far, is much better than the sections to the north and east which we walked in the summer and autumn of 2012. Waymarking along the stretch through the boroughs of Bexley and Bromley in particular is exemplary.
Martin 07/01/2013 10:18 am

We have just completed the first five sections of the Loop and have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of scenery it offers. However in this section we encountered a problem. After point F, guidebook text page 64 second pargraph when we reached a kissing gate on the far side of the field the path ahead towards the observatory was blocked by an electric fence. We retraced our steps to the lane, turned left and left again on a woodland path to rejoin the the Loop on Waterhouse Lane.
  21/08/2012 10:05 pm Thank you, we like page references by the way! We have written to Croyon public rights of way team, they should be able to contact the landowner. It is OK to have electric fence on a public footpath, but there should be an insulated handle or a gate so walkers can go through.
Walk London 21/08/2012

Think there is a sign down at point E where you are told to take the lesser path; take care not to go wrong here. More confusing still is the signposting at point H (far side of Happy Valley). There is a sign which stands just inside the wood. It has been turned half round so you think you have to turn left, and to do so inside the wood. In fact you should turn right OUTSIDE the wood. Posted 13 October 2011.
The Lane family 13/10/2011 9:59 am Thank you for your report, we will investigate and let the borough council know. The signposts in happy valley are all wooden so it would be surprising if one had been turned 180 degrees.
Walk London 13/10/2011

Some fantastic views on this walk. We got lost at Kenley Common where the signs are not so good. Happy Valley is beautiful and there are picnic tables there where we had lunch. We did this walk in two halves, not bad as we are all pensioners in our seventies. Onwards and upwards to walk 6!
  07/08/2011 9:47 pm

5&6 are probably the muddiest sections in winter. Several narrow bridle paths heavily used by horses & MTBs. the horse field by the observtory was particularly bad even with boots & gaiters. Kenley aerodrome is worth exploring. See perimeter fighter parking bays with blast banks & bunkers. We later found that, with the OS Explorer and walking across the drome, we could have acessed Caterham Rd near Rydon’s Lane thus avoiding the Somme by the observatory.
Mike & Andrea 28/02/2011 8:52 pm Thanks for your comments, yes it is muddy at this time of year! For future walks if you go to the www.walk4life.info website you can download and print a section map on an OS map base. So, if you found a muddy bit, you could easily see different footpaths to get around it. From www.walk4life.info you can also click to complete all the sections as you walk them, and so you would get a certificate at the end!
Walk London 28/02/2011

My wife and I walked from West Wickham and extended it to this stage. What a delight. Happy Valley, Farthing Wood and the common. What a delightful end to the day’s walk. Signage was good, but some, particularly on the previous stretch broken of missing. Can’t wait to do the next leg.
jd56 23/02/2011 3:41 pm Thanks for the feedback! Will investigate the report of signage down in Section 4. Glad you enjoyed it!
Walk London 23/02/2011

What is the true length of this section? This Website states 6 miles & the metal plaque on the Good Companions wall 9.5 & 5+hours walking. We were going to walk straight on from Section 4 but thought we might run out of daylight. Therefore took an early bath. The 403 bus to W Croydon, whilst every 12 mins can take 20-30 mins for the journey depending on traffic etc as it goes all round Will’s mother’s to get there.
Mike & Andrea 13/02/2011 8:07 pm The length of section five is 6 miles. In the past, section lengths sometimes included links to public transport and over the years the actual route on the ground may have been altered slightly.
Walk London  

6 (Couldson South Station, Croydon to Banstead Downs, Banstead)

On section 6 there are buses seven days per week at the Mount, just a mile or so from Coulsdon, at Oaks Park, and at Sutton Lane around a mile before Banstead. So if you don’t mind deviating from the website sections there are quite a few options for a Sunday
Martin 27/01/2013 10:29 pm

Sections 5 and 6 undone by public transport. I should have checked beforehand but it wasn’t until I was nearly at Banstead that I read David Sharp’s book saying that there were no trains on a Sunday. Ideally, he would have put that sort of information at the front of Section (as in the more informative Capital Ring guide). Decent walk, if poorly signposted at times. Happy Valley Park and Farthing Downs worthwhile, great view of City towards end.
Rob W 28/09/2011 0:47 pm There are a number of places where there is no public transport on a Sunday – walkers should check up-to-date transport link information before you start your walk. The guide books are being updated in 2012.
Walk London 28/09/2011

A good walk that is very well sign posted all the way. It takes you right through the lavender fields which were in full bloom when we went in August. Do not do this walk on a Sunday if you are going by public transport as there are no trains or buses from Banstead.
The Freerangers 08/08/2011 10:41 pm Yes, the section pages here already say that the public transport is limited on a Sunday. Most walkers tend to do section 6 and 7 at the same time!
Walk London 08/08/2011

Crossing Brighton Rd at Banstead Golf Course great views to the NE of Docklands & The City up the dead, in-line, straight road. Trains from Banstead toward London on Saturday are hourly at 38mins past.
Mike & Andrea 28/02/2011 9:01 pm

After visiting the café at Oaks Park, we had difficulty locating where to continue the walk- there are LOTS of tarmac paths! It could be helpful to add that the path past the ornamental gardens runs parallel to the road, a turn to the right as you leave the café.
Josie 12/02/2011 9:22 pm

8 (Bourne Hall Park, Ewell to Kingston upon Thames)

12.6.14 Just completed this section, with a few hiccups. Be careful – in several places the signs had been turned round or weren’t visible. The paths were also overgrown in places so secateurs recommended! However lovely walk as always.
Sara 14/06/2014 5:39 pm

Really enjoying the LOOP walk, although my guide book had Banstead to Kingston as Stage 6! I am very glad of the guide book however, as when you get close to Kingston the loop footpath markers appear to have gone awry – either missing or have been swivelled round to point the wrong way in a couple of cases. Not sure how to report this, but posting it here in case those involved in maintaining the route pick up these comments
Chocoholix 03/11/2013 6:58 pm

Whilst walking this Section on 17th May I found a ring on the path – it is silver with a hallmark. If anyone would like to claim it, please contact me.
David Bays 15/06/2011 11:59 am

The Athelstan Centre is in the more obvious, Athelstan Primary School just past and on the same side as the pub in Villiers Rd. Some joker has turned all the signs opposite around. Swan Path is just past the school. Ignore a path off to the right, the loop sign is just past it and around the corner. At Penrhyn Rd, it is worth a small detour to the left to view the grand architecture of Surrey County Hall (visible from the end of the Path).
Mike & Andrea 10/03/2011 9:20 pm Thanks for that report, it has been forwarded to the Lower Mole Management Project.
Walk London 10/03/2011

9 (Kingston upon Thames to Hatton Cross)

Donkey Wood currently impassable due to the River Crane flooding. Had to turn back on Friday rather than swim!
Jules 19/01/2014 1:12 pm

Completed this section 21/9/13. Like others, we got lost in Donkey Wood (after the second bridge, go straight, don’t turn left). But the worst part in Kingston itself. A number of signs have been turned around and are facing the wrong direction. Luckily, we had the book to tell us which way to turn, which the signs completely contradicted. Lovely walk though
  25/09/2013 5:57 pm

When you get to the Causeway (A312), I recommend that you follow the path under the road, then take the stairs up to road level, cross the bridge and continue your journey on the right-hand (East) side of the river. The West side is virtually impassable (as of March 2013).
Paul 15/03/2013 0:02 pm

Like the previous contributor, we found no problems with Donkey Wood today, and didn’t encounter any difficulties on Houslow Heath either, despite the warning about Thames Water works on the website
Martin 02/03/2013 11:16 pm

We walked this section today (10/12/12) with no problems. Previously reported difficulty due to overgrowth towards the end of the section has been cleared.
Struth 10/12/2012 8:08 pm

http://moosenshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/london-loop-londons-own-long-distance.html Check out my blog posting w/ photos from this section of the walk. Please note that the Crown & Sceptre Pub is CLOSED. Enjoy your adventures!
Sketchymoose 12/05/2012 10:27 pm

We don’t have the latest copy of the guide book, but Donkey Wood was interesting today – not much signage and an assault course from A312 to A30. We are sure the route was the same as last year, but no path! Did we need to cross the Crane?
jd56 07/04/2012 10:09 pm We have forwarded your comments to Continental Landscapes who work on behalf of Hounslow Council.
Walk London 07/04/2012

I use the route for my long runs and love it! However the section into Donkey Wood is completly impassable due to flooding even before the boardwalk that has been installed! this also applies to the section just after the A30 crossing. both are impassable at the moment
adams 17/12/2011 1:58 pm This area is fairly low-lying and when the river gets high it does get muddy. It is that time of year! We are in regular contact with the borough’s green spaces ecologist about this area.
Walk London 17/12/2011

Absolutely agree with Amanda’s comments, got hopelessly lost and ended up having a hideously long trek along busy, noisy, smelly roads. I find the signage in many of the forests or woods are particularly bad !
Dea 04/04/2011 11:38 pm

More sign posts are needed through Donkey Wood up to the A30. We got completely lost and followed the mill stream and then missed the new Loop path up to the A30. All other parts of the walk to that point have been clearly sign posted.
Amanda 23/03/2011 5:02 pm Thanks for your feedback which has been passed on to the LOOP route manager who will discuss it with Hounslow Borough Council.
Walk London 23/03/2011

For those intending to walk 10 immediately after 9. Upon reaching the A30 (where you can see the Loop sign for 10 directly opposite but can’t get at it), turn RIGHT to the next set of lights and cross there. Next, enter the service road of the industrial estate and walk back to the sign. This puts the Tube Line and a belt of trees between yourself and the unpleasant A30. It is much shorter than walking all the way to Hatton Cross and back on the other side with all the fumes & noise.
Mike & Andrea 18/03/2011 10:24 pm

10 (Hatton Cross to Hayes & Harlington)

The Donkey Wood section from the end of the boardwalk to the A312 is very overgrown with nettles and brambles. In two places the bank has slipped into the river making the path dangerous.
John Myerson 06/07/2012 10:55 am Thank you for the report, we have contacted Hounslow Council and established that the land is owned by BAA, the information has been forwarded to them.
Walk London 06/07/2012

11 (Hayes & Harlington to Uxbridge)

There’s a misleading sign pointing left just as you come into Stockley Park after leaving the canal. In fact it makes sense to go straight on, which is what the directions on the website say, and head for the waymarker at the start of the lime grove. This could be how an earlier contributor got lost in Stockley Park. From the lime grove onwards it is wll signed and is a delightful walk.
Martin 16/03/2013 10:49 pm

There is now a Tesco at Yiewsley right by the canal. Very convenient for toilet and café!
John Myerson 29/08/2012 11:56 am Useful information, thank you!
Walk London 29/08/2012

My friends and I are thoroughly enjoying the LOOP this year. So far we have done Erith to West Drayton, so nearly half way round. Last Monday we went through the Stockley Business Park, but we thought the signage was particularly poor there. We got lost and so had to walk past rather too many anonymous office blocks. Could something be done about this please?
Robert Gilchrist 29/06/2012 8:51 pm Thanks for the report. We will forward the wayfinding difficulties to Hillingdon Council.
Walk London 04/07/2012

I like the new signage along the canal but just wanted to mention that a week ago or so I noticed that the one just near the bridge next to West Drayton station is reversed. Little Britain should be off to the left and Hayes station to the right if you’re facing the sign with your back to the canal. Perhaps this has been rectified in the meantime but just thought I’d point it out. Very nice signs otherwise.
  22/10/2011 10:48 am The route manager has looked through his artwork for recently installed signs – the contractor was here about 3 weeks ago. At this point the sign pointing left (west) should say “Little Britain”, pointing right (east) should say “Stockley Park” and pointing north should say “West Drayton Station”. Is this the sign you mean? We are in touch with the contractor and will get this sorted as soon as possible, thank you!
Walk London 22/10/2011

Completed this section on 7-Sep-11. Please note that the temporary diversion at West Drayton is no longer in place and the towpath is once again open.
Graham 08/09/2011 9:46 am Thanks for that, very useful report. We have taken down the temporary diversion information from the section 11 page.
Walk London 08/09/2011

April 12th. Fantastic walking along the canal. Has anyone else seen what looks like bits of the Berlin Wall in a Hillingdon Council site?
JD56 12/04/2011 9:33 pm

We hope to start the Loop clockwise from Kingston, so I am checking online for diversions and comments. Section 11 Hayes to Uxbridge: I understand there is a signed diversion between West Drayton and Slough Arm: Will you please let me have details of the diversion route: I am partially disabled through injury and need full navigation info. BTW I thought that you are putting full diversion info on the webpages, but I don’t see it! Many thanks. Peter [email protected]
Pete 06/04/2011 11:45 pm Thank-you for pointing this out. The temporary diversions part of section 11 has been added to so you have more information. The details Walk London have are from the borough rights of way officer (Hillingdon) and was up-to-date at the end of February.
Walk London 06/04/2011

Great walk but, x3 young motorcyclists without helmets or reg plates on path alongside Little Britain Lake. They can get around the barriers. Took off right along Iver Lane and onto canal path. Woman dog walker said it was not unusual. Is there a phone number we can call?
Mike & Andrea 20/03/2011 4:02 pm Thanks for your report. Walk London and Hillingdon Borough Council have recently improved a section of path beside the River Colne which we are anxious it doesn’t suffer from similar incidents. The LOOP route manger has contacted Hillingdon Council about your report. He has asked for the telephone number where this can be reported (e.g. the local Safer Neighbourhood Team). We will let you know by phone when we have this! Thanks –
Walk London 20/03/2011

12 (Uxbridge to Harefield West)

Toilets are available at south end of Little Britain lake.
John Myerson 29/08/2012 11:58 am Very useful information, thank you!
Walk London 29/08/2012

13 (Harefield West to Moor Park)

I walked section13 in reverse. There needs to be more signs in Bishops Wood. I often had to check the GPS. Also very overgrown near the start before the first pylon. Very muddy in the wood, though it had rained the night before I would also say the stile near Fieldways Farm, is not marked, and there was a huge metal fence with 2 horses just behind. I referred to the book, and took a chance that I was going the correct way. Other than that a decent walk, and I really enjoyed it.
MikeC 30/06/2014 7:21 am

Bishops Wood is still a problem. I ended up at the Country Park car park and walked along the road, having totally missed the left turn path.
John Myerson 25/09/2012 9:54 am

Very annoyed that it is only now, after completing this stage, that I have bothered to read the previous walkers’ comments. Bishops Wood is still a nightmare. The description in the book does not mention a whitee post, it mentions a wooden barrier. There is none. The route on the map does not go up that bridleway. If the book and the map had indicated that, I would have gone instead of struggling along that section as I did. Not very pleased at all.
Dave 29/08/2012 11:53 am Sorry to hear that, yes it has been a wet summer and it sounds as if the path is already muddy before autumn has arrived. We will forward your comments on to the relevant councils and to David Sharp, the author of the book (note, the book is independent of Walk London website). Which edition of the book have you got? – It was republished in July 2012. Update – we have had information back from Three Rivers Council which has been added to the section page for LOOP 13
Walk London 29/08/2012

I’m absolutely delighted to see that you have added the Harefield Road alternative / unofficial suggestion, discussed here on 27/02/2012, to the Section 13 directions. Thank you – it’s much appreciated.
nevilley 14/06/2012 8:47 am *Bowing*
Walk London 14/06/2012

Four of us had a lovely time on LOOP section 13 today in beautiful spring sunshine. Coming up to Bishops Wood there’s a new post with a pointed top painted white that hasn’t yet got its London Loop symbol. That’s where you turn right. The trees that are meant to be marked with red arrows need re-painting. We had come straight on from section 12. What a glorious day. Thanks to all who have set this up.
Amanda Norrie 27/03/2012 7:00 pm We contacted Hertfordshire County Council for you. There is a 75m missing link in the Definitive Map here. The Council are working with the landowner and Three Rivers District Council to sort out a legal solution.
Walk London 04/04/2012

Another great walk, thanks! Directions, p2, says “Turn R at Harefield Road; no footpath so walk carefully along the roadside…” This is at about TQ059927. There’s a very VERY tempting footpath inside the field here, looking well-used, running parallel with the road and going all the way up to the pub car-park. I know that wayleaves etc can be a nightmare but did wonder if there was any chance of getting permission to make this nicer alternative an official part of the Loop? Thanks again!
nevilley 27/02/2012 6:38 pm There is a path there, the farmer knows all about it. He is more than happy to allow people to walk through there. However, it isn’t officially a permissive path because it runs along the back of people’s gardens and the residents aren’t quite as happy about the path as the farmer is. The LOOP book is about to be republished, which will mention the path. We will update our downloadable leaflet directions too.
Walk London 27/02/2012

Walked this section 29-Sep-11. The mud in Bishops Wood is by now pretty much what you would expect at this time of year for a woodland path shared with horses. The deeps ruts indicate how bad it must have been though. But the signing is very poor and it is hard to keep to the path – I got to the other side pretty much by trial and error. If the situation has settled, time to review this surely? Start with a Loop marker at the point of entry to the woods – there is a fine post already there.
Graham (not the one below) 02/10/2011 2:38 pm This is outside of Greater London so not easy to sort out. Three Rivers District Council in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council have got a signage project happening there this year and have recently installed 4 posts.
Walk London 02/10/2011

Walked this section on 03/9/11 on a beautiful sunny day. I had read the comments about Bishop’s Wood beforehand and was expecting the worst. The previous days had seen quite a bit of rain so I was expecting a mudbath – I didn’t get one! Where the trees were cut down I just made a small diversion to the left and returned to the approximate line of the path to find evidence of a worn track. I found it easily and continued without problems. Either good luck or I must have Sioux heritage.
JG 04/09/2011 10:26 am Thanks for the feedback. Maybe as the year goes on the land is sorting itself out again after its upheaval this spring.
Walk London 04/09/2011

I walked this section 3.7.11 unfortunately I did not read the comments before setting out. The way through the wood is a mess and I lost my way and had to scramble around to find the way out. As a single female walker it felt unsafe and I did meet a solitary man sort of ‘loitering’ in the wood. Part of keeping safe when you do this sort of endeavour is to be purposeful and clear about what you are doing and where you are going and when the path is so damaged and unsigned this is not possible.
MH 04/07/2011 7:47 pm As you can see you are not the first to find this problem. Here is a link where you can make your feelings known direct to the District Council in question. www.threerivers.gov.uk/Default.aspx/Web/Countryside (If you look on this website there is a phone number here which should help).
Walk London 04/07/2011

As many other commenters on this section say, wish I’d read this before setting out. Bishops Wood is still a mess (this was two Sundays ago= 8th May 2011) Fortunately my intrepid partner worked out which direction the path would have taken and we found some yellow arrows to indicate the direction. Bit miffed that the forestry people left such a mess Nick Heath
Nick Heath 16/05/2011 0:26 pm Thank you to everybody for all your comments. Walk London are working in partnership with Three Rivers District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, as this part of the LOOP is technically outside of London. There has been some major tree felling and tree extraction to improve biodiversity and the natural habitat, organised by Three Rivers District Council. They are aware of the mud and are happy for walkers to stroll through the woods to skirt some of the worst sections. There is a public right of way through Bishop Wood which the LOOP follows. The partner councils are both looking in to the situation and have plans in place to improve signage through the woods (due for completion in July 2011).
Walk London 16/05/2011

Reiterate previous comments about mud and obliterated paths in Bishop Wood. Avoided mud by walking in field (labelled private) and then used GPS to get through cut down vegetation following plotted path.
Graham 29/04/2011 9:34 pm

Did this walk yesterday (13th April 2011) Looking now at the comments I think we were fortunate not to end up in the woods but we only did so as we felt the instructions / signs were not clear. We straight as far as we could and ended up turning left along bottom of golf course and picking up footpath 55 which brought us out onto London Road where we turned right to The Greene Man pub (half mile).
Intrepid 14/04/2011 10:39 am

Bishop’s Wood and Lockwell Wood. We were very lucky, it was dry and we found a way round the worst of the mud. It was such a shame to see the woods so badly cut up. We eventually got through, but more by luck than judgement. There was a horse trail into the woods, no sign, we followed that until there was a direction marker, directing us into a mud pool. We moved north east into open pasture, then cut down the side of a field back into Lockwell Wood, we managed to find the path. What a mess!
JD56 12/04/2011 9:42 pm

How I wish I had read the previous comments before I set out last Thursday! Spent a nightmarish hour in these woods, convinced I must have missed the signs and feeling like an idiot. Eventually arrived at a car park exhausted and the worse for wear and gratefully walked along a very busy road rather that plunge back into the trees. Am now realising that I’m a real hero to have managed it !!!
Dea 04/04/2011 11:48 pm

Did on 19/03/11 after a dry spell. Had same, near disaster, experience as AS in Bishops Wood. First part badly chewn up by horses, second by forestry tractors. We HAD to leave the Wood after the wooden gate. Walked down a field along N. facing edge of wood to 2nd bridge. Navigated out keeping sun & fields in sight to our left plus a compass & OS Explorer. If you come upon across a high wooden fence at the top of the hill, keep it to your right. Either way, the first pylon appears….eventually!
Mike & Andrea 20/03/2011 4:24 pm Thanks for this useful advice to fellow walkers!
Walk London 20/03/2011

This section is currently unwalkable for two reasons – firstly the maintenance work has left a mud slurry, which in places is one foot deep, from the vehicles driving down the tracks. Secondly, the trees have been cut down and branches / twigs / leaves cover the entire ground – there are no longer any paths to follow as everywhere looks the same. I have walked this route many times before, but now get lost every time as there is no way of telling where the other end of the path is. Such a shame 🙁
AS 14/03/2011 1:16 pm Thanks for that report, the route manager has contacted Three Rivers District Council about the state of the path here.
Walk London 14/03/2011

Just completed this section – don’t attempt if you don’t like getting up to your knees in mud! The trails through the woods have been bulldozed through by some large vehicle leaving deep ruts of mud. Also there are no red arrows on trees, making it hard to find your way around. Good luck!
  21/02/2011 0:12 pm Thanks for leaving your comments. This time of year is the muddiest, especially after all the snow and frosts! The report of the vehicle rutting up the path and the need for waymarking will be investigated.
Walk London 21/02/2011

14 (Moor Park to Hatch End)

Just to say this section is much better than it was back in March when I had to abandon ship and travel on to Hatch End to walk from there to Stanmore, after getting lost in Oxhey Woods and ending up on the edge of Northwood! Thank you so much for improving the paths and signs within Oxhey Woods in particular, very much appreciated. This was my last section of the LOOP and a joy to walk.
Jess 28/10/2012 1:02 am

Great walk today from Uxbridge to Hatch End. Once we were off the canal towpath, we hardly saw another soul. It’s treat that it’s so easy to get away from it all, and barely stray outside the London boundary. Judith and Philip’s comments (last July) on the sign pointing the wrong way at the top of the hill above Pinnerwood Farm (going clockwise) is still true. And the kissing gate just before the farm is overgrown and impassible without some gymnastics.
Tim 07/04/2012 8:11 pm Thank you for the update, this area is right on the boundary between Harrow and Hertfordshire. We have let Harrow Council know about the signpost and the kissing gate.
Walk London 07/04/2012

Could you please get the signage sorted out in Oxhey Wood? I ended up on a main road on the outskirts of Northwood somehow. There are fallen trees which are right across the path in several places which you have to step over. If you do get lost, you can take an H12 bus into Hatch End and restart the walk from there. The sign indicating the narrow path to the left through woods just after you leave Grim’s Dyke golf course needs improvement – I had to ask someone on the golf course for help.
  20/03/2012 10:42 pm We have been in touch with Hertfordshire Council and Harrow Council about your report. The signage in Oxhey Wood was refreshed last year. Herfordshire Council are acting on the report of fallen trees.
Walk London 20/03/2012

Walked this yesterday (2.7.11) and the many wooded paths were almost overgrown – they will be impassable before very long. The main error in the route is that a signpost which should point towards Pinnerwood Farm is 90 degrees out of true. It is also positioned after the first field, not the second (as in the notes), resulting in an extra walk which has to be re-traced.
Judith and Philip 03/07/2011 10:10 am Thanks for this, it has been passed to the route manager and will check on site as soon as possible.
Walk London 03/07/2011

The signage in Oxhey Wood is not great, takes some of the joy out of the walk – all the stress of trying to figure out which the correct path is!! Really needs more waymarkers. I got hopelessly lost and added a good 2 miles to my walk. Take a leaf out of the signage in Grim’s Dyke – wonderful – a pleasure to walk it!
Dea 04/04/2011 11:56 pm Thanks for all of your comments, please take a print out or two of the route from www.walk4life.info with you – so if you happen to get lost you have more chance of working out where you are!
Walk London 04/04/2011

Watched rooks mobbing a buzzard as we walked through Old Furze Field. Three points: 1. In 2nd para suggest replacing “keep straight ahead and slightly to the right over another section of the course to meet another footpath post” with “go slight left diagonally across a rough part of the course (golfers may help with directions)” 2. In para following description of Oxhey Woods change “left fork” to “fork slightly left” 3.The wooden gate described after “B” doesn’t work and needs to be fixed
John and Gerry 09/02/2011 5:32 pm Thank you for the observations and comments from your walk through section 14 of the LOOP. We endeavour to make the route directions as accurate as possible but have found a few inaccuracies over the 150 miles so always welcome any corrections. Our area ranger will check these when next out on the route.
Walk London  

15 (Hatch End to Elstree)

Section 15 was a great walk but the start is really overgrown and needs looking at (21/6/13). Other than the start being over grown the route was a great little walk away from the city. Would be nice to get a few more signs up as I got lost a couple of times but nothing too bad. Overall this is a great walk, especially around Grims Dyke hotel.
ChrisD 21/06/2013 0:13 pm

Walked this way yesterday, starting at Moor Park and finishing at Mill Hill Broadway (not too far off the route). Oxhey Wood was well sign posted and they were carrying out path improvements. We had a welcome break at a garden centre, with cafe and toilets, at the junction of Little Oxhey Lane and Oxhey Lane
Sarah 12/08/2012 8:38 pm Glad to hear you had fun!
Walk London 12/08/2012

Walked this yesterday (2.7.11) as a continuation from walk 14. The first part had a path which was impassable, up from Colburn Avenue, requiring a diversion through the adjacent field. We also suspect that a sign for the turnoff from Asshouse Lane is missing as we had another virtually impassible piece of woodland to negotiate.
Judith and Philip 03/07/2011 10:17 am Thanks for this, the route manager will check this when next on site. The public right of way here actually goes down the back of all the houses, but it gets blocked up with people’s garden waste. The field on the other side of the hedge is used by local people for walking their dogs and so on, so it looks as if the path is in fact in the field. However, this means you might miss a sign. We can’t sign the route through the field because it isn’t a public right of way.
Walk London 03/07/2011

Approaching Adenham Reservoir along Elstree Rd, watch out for a gap in the fence opposite and take it, you land right on the peri-track around the lake. This obviates a walk along a very nasty & busy road on a narrow, pavement with traffic brushing one’s elbow.
Mike & Andrea 07/04/2011 8:01 pm Great, this message will be passed on to the route manager to see if the walk can be updated in this area. Thank you.
Walk London 07/04/2011

16 (Elstree to Cockfosters)

Walked Sectn 16, Elstree to Cockfosters, yesterday, May Bank Holiday, in the spring sunshine, with dog. Lovely, though the first hour rather tedious, mostly on pavements. The bit through Scratchwood was not peaceful due to the holiday crowds. Loop route sign missed (missing?) resulted in a long slog along the A1 to get to and from the underpass. A footbridge crossing A1 from Scratchwood to Moat Mount open space would save about a kilometre of unpleasant walking. Section 17 next.
Arc Angel 06/05/2014 9:46 am

The amount of road walking could be reduced considerably. 1) Half of the first part to Scratchwood could go through green space with fine views. This starts at a kissing gate next to 42, Byron Avenue and ends at the Scratchwood entrance. 2) If Mill Hill Golf Course approved, Scratchwood to the underpass could go through their grounds. 3) There is no need to walk along the main road from the underpass to Moat Mount, as there is an entrance in Bedford Road, close to the underpass.
Dudley Miles 25/09/2011 5:55 pm The only one that is a possibility here is 3). The route manager has spoken to Colin Saunders about this who is reviewing the book for 2012.
Walk London 25/09/2011

Am pleased to report that the Scratchwood section has had its litter cleared up since last year and even the A1 stretch didn’t seem as bad – minus the traffic that is!
Tony Smith 05/07/2011 4:10 pm Fantastic!
Walk London 05/07/2011

We started the Loop in June last year and are doing it in easy stages. (If you’re over 60 a Freedom Pass is really invaluable for this walk!) The diversion along the A1 is really unpleasant. A small footbridge wouldn’t cost the earth would it?
Laefy Suburbanites 29/03/2011 6:08 pm Yes it would! The bridge across the A1 has been on the “wish list” for a number of years. A bridge of this width across such a major road is prohibitive from Walk London’s walking budget, and TfL would have to manage this project. TfL are also aware of walkers’ requests here.
Walk London 29/03/2011

Did a section of the Loop from Elstree today. I would not recommend it. The amount of litter was unbelievable. Then the number of cottagers / cruisers at Scratchwood was quite disconcerting. Really pretty dreadful all round.
Von Lenski 17/03/2011 6:11 pm Sorry to hear that.
Walk London 17/03/2011

David Sharp in his book London Loop was quite right in saying the journey around the A1 was tedious. I was beginning to lose the will to live! However did enjoy the stretch alongside Dollis Brook despite the apparent lack of signposting in places.
John Luscombe 24/10/2010 3:24 pm

17 (Cockfosters to Enfield Lock)

Towards the end of our walk from Cockfosters to Enfield Lock Station, we stopped for a cup of tea and very tasty baklavas at the Golden Baklava, 569 Hertford Road, Enfield. Excellent, friendly service and lovely tea.
Maureen & Paul 16/06/2014 10:35 am

We did this one over the last two weeks (divided 17 and 18 as Cockfosters-Gordon Hill last week and then onto Chingford this week). Great walk though the bit alongside Salmon’s Brook was very muddy. Just before the bridge over the New River there’s a ‘footpath closed’ sign which looks as though it might refer to the Loop, but in fact we were able to walk through this section and up to the A10 withough any problems
Martin 29/07/2012 8:06 pm Thanks for the report. Have any other walkers found the same, if so please send in a photo of this sign!
Walk London 31/07/2012

A pavement goes north from Cockfosters Station and the signs for The LOOP are set well back from it in a car park. After a brief wander around the cemetery after those signs, I got on track and enjoyed a sunny walk. The signage on this route was as good as the Capital Ring, which I have done each direction. However, that led me into a sense of false security as I found on sections 19 and 20.
Rob 10/04/2012 8:11 pm You are right, the sign is just inside the car park. The book says, “… from the station ticket hall, take the steps up to Cockfosters Road … on the pavement go right briefly, then right again across an area speckled with little yellow posts, to take a small green gate to the left of the station car park entrance …” – check it out on google maps before you go http://g.co/maps/msr5n – you can just see the LOOP fingerpost here
Walk London 10/04/2012

Walked this today, 14th April, though the sky was pretty grey it was a treat to do this section – almost felt like I was on holiday ! Lots of tramping through fields and woods and the signage was excellent throughout. I started the Loop at Erith on 24th Feb this year and have almost completed it, I’m certainly fitter than when I started !
Dea 14/04/2011 9:29 pm That is certainly impressive progress! Love that holiday feeling!
Walk London 14/04/2011

18 (Enfield Lock to Chingford)

We did our first section today from Enfield Lock to Chingford and loved it. Thank you so much for keeping it signposted. We’ll be doing the rest gradually.
Lorraine 01/06/2013 8:20 pm

This is a really nice walk, real countryside and forest, some hills meaning some reasonable inclines to walk up and a great view of North London. However, in two places the instructions are not entirely clear. First, when leaving Sewarstone Hills and going into Epping Forest there are two paths and no instructions about which one to take. Then, after descending Yardley Hill, there are two paths leading up the other side and we had to guess which to take. Otherwise it was a good walk.
James 31/07/2011 10:33 am Thanks for the feedback. It just so happened the route manager was in that area this last week too, and will be able to action your points fairly quickly!
Walk London 31/07/2011

This was a nice rural section, with very little suburbia. The paths were a bit muddy/slippery, especially beyong gilwell park (all those scouts hiking about the place!).Watch out for the rickety old stile as you leave the sewardstone road for the path up to sewardstone hills. Spot the disguised telecoms tower, masquerading as a pine tree as you approach Chingford Plain.
david and frankie 22/02/2011 9:11 pm

19 (Chingford to Chigwell)

The Butler’s Retreat is now open again as a cafe – adjacent to Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Chingford. Well worth trying for lunch if you need refreshment in that area.
Robert 19/10/2012 8:02 pm

Another excellent walk – it’s well worth taking time to visit both Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge just outside Chingford and the recently opened visitor centre ‘the view’ next door.
Martin 04/08/2012 10:24 pm

20 (Chigwell to Havering-atte-Bower)

Finished this section today. Great walk over parks and woods without any residential areas. Signage and directions were quite good and managed to not lose my way at all ! Some sections were a bit muddy especially the Bridleway 227 close to the Havering Park. But it was worth the trouble to see the majestic sequoia trees lining the avenue. Transportation links at Havering-atte-Bower are quite infrequent (bus once every 90 mins to Romford), but there is a pub (The Royal Oak) to celebrate the finish.
Cryomonkey 04/01/2012 9:36 pm Great advice to fellow walkers. There is advice about that particular public transport link on the section page here on the Walk London website.
Walk London 04/01/2012

21 (Havering-atte-Bower to Harold Wood)

The first field corner has a difficult to find sign but there are two new metal gates to go through and the accompanying mud! I missed the way before Pyrgo Wood and went round a field path instead. There’s no post indicating the direction across the ploughed field.
  19/11/2012 6:50 pm

Shortly after Havering-atte-Bower one of the fields has fences across it, which look as though they are made of rope. Fortunately we saw somebody unclip a section of one of these to let a horse through, and we were able to do the same (and of course to clip it back behind us). But apparently these are electric fences and can give you a shock unless you are careful to hold the insulated plastic part of the clip.
Martin 02/09/2012 10:47 am If the opening was in about the right place for the public right of way then that is fine, as long as the landowner has provided a way of getting through the electric fence in about the right place.
Walk London 02/09/2012

The leaflet says that Harold II was the “tragic son of Edward the Confessor”. He was not related to Edward
Dudley 13/07/2012 4:25 pm Thanks for pointing that out. We have corrected the downloadable leaflet.
Walk London 13/07/2012

Havering-atte-Bower to Harold Wood had clear signs and map-to-ground navigation was excellent and that was using the 1:50,000 OS map! In contrast, section 19 was a little harder to follow with a 1:25,00 OS map and section 20, through Hainault Forest, almost impossible.
Rob 10/04/2012 8:18 pm We always recommend taking with you the section directions or maps, if you want to save on printing you could even view these “in the field” with an internet-enabled mobile phone! Or David Sharp’s book to the LOOP – which is about to be reprinted, perhaps you can find older editions second hand now. The OS map shows two recreational routes in Hainault Forest (section 20) – one is the Three Forests Way, one is the LOOP.
Walk London 10/04/2012

We got very lost after Havering-atte-Bower as the signs are so overgrown you can’t see them. Sentence (in your downloadable instructions) beginning “at the field’s end”…we did not find an obvious place to turn left and then right to find the footbridge. Recommend instead that people turn right at the fingerposts and follow Public Footpath no 8 to rejoin the Loop route at Cummings Hall Lane.
Lane family 06/08/2011 5:56 pm Following that public footpath number 8 does miss out quite a long chunk of the LOOP. The posts are there, it is just this time of year they get a bit overgrown, the vegetation will die back soon though.
Walk London 06/08/2011

22 (Harold Wood to Upminster Bridge)

What another delightful surprise and discovery. Hornchuch Park is very nice, but Pages Wood is a wonderful area in which to walk. And, to our surprise there were still loads and loads of blackberries growing beside the fields. A great 2 hrs walk (going slowly!).
Melanie 29/09/2013 8:38 pm

We did this section on 8/7/12, along with official sections 23 and 24 (all of which make up Sharp’s final section 15). It was a terrific walk but the flooding near the Ingrebourne was incredible. We waded for quite long distances and the dog had to swim. I wondered if we should have turned back but there were others wading and you could see where you were going. An interesting experience though! We also rescued a little mouse who was swimming but diverted to climb up my leg!
nevilley 26/02/2013 10:00 am

We started 2 months ago at Cockfosters, and following the book are doing the longer sections. Yesterday’s 4th section Harold Wood to Purfleet was a surprise and a joy. A surprise we completed it, because Barry hadn’t walked that far in one day before and also because it was far more interesting than expected, and a joy because the weather was great as were views for miles along the Thames. Even the gulls and rooks swarming all over the landfill sites were spectacular! And well done Havering for …
Paul & Barry 18/11/2011 4:36 pm

23 (Upminster Bridge to Rainham)

What a super stretch to walk and to see the improvements being made in the parks and the reclaimed land fill.
jd56 02/05/2011 8:31 am

24 (Rainham to Purfleet)

We did Purfleet to Rainham last week – we were looking forward to having a pint in the three Crowns – it’s on all the signs but apparently has been flattened. Perhaps you could pop a note in – we spent a bit of time looking for it !! the rspb centre on rainham marshes was good.
  20/03/2014 11:58 am

Just fantastic! A wonderful moment when you are by the Thames again having last been next to it at Kingston. Then really great to walk along a bit and find that you’re looking straight over to Erith where you started. This is an interesting chunk of walk with all sorts of oddities – we liked the concrete barges and the Diver sculpture … and just having those wide open views of the river!
nevilley 26/02/2013 10:14 am

Finished! On a fine, clear, crisp autumn day, though a very windy one. A great ending to a great series of walks. As earlier comments have noted, there are few Loop waymarks from Rainham station to the river but there are many clear local fingerpost signs with distances – impossible to go wrong. The leaflet on this website could do with a little refresh as a new path avoids roadside walking apart from some crossings – much nicer. Now, where’s that completion certificate …
Graham 24/11/2012 2:50 pm

Finally finished the loop after starting it at the end of 2010 – weather and life getting in the way at various points! Have completed sections, alone, with friends and with family and enjoyed the journey. Unfortunately found the last section a bit grim – no signage at all until the barges – and its not the most savoury area to wonder around alone (particularly the quiety industrial part) so would be great if signs could be added so the route is accessible to everyone. Thanks!
  09/11/2012 9:50 pm

We did this section last weekend and it’s a great walk. If (like us) you have the 2010 edition of David Sharp’s book then you need to be aware that the route beyond the concrete barges has changed completely. But the new route just runs alongside the river to the RSPB reserve so is straightforward to follow. Also there were very few waymarks on the first stretch from Rainham station up to the river, though with the aid of the book and the maps on this site it was easy to find our way.
  19/10/2012 10:59 am

Thanks very much for that. Yes, we’ll feed back! Cheers.
Nevilley 23/06/2012 10:20 am

Thanks for your section 24 comments. At the risk of being a bit dim and/or labouring the point, does that mean that if we do the section in a week or two we should expect the current directions (dated 2009) to still work, or to have been replaced … or what?? Just slightly concerned about what we’ll see when we get there and how it will work with the information in hand (aha). Sorry, sorry – descending into Elderly Confusion And Anxiety here! 🙂
Nevilley 20/06/2012 10:05 am I have reviewed the directions download and found a slightly different version drafted with a date of 2010. There was a minor change in one of the last paragraphs – when a shorter route was opened up just after the RSPB visitor centre and Riverside Gardens – marked as point B in the directions leaflet. I have uploaded this version into the website. I think a combination of the directions and the new signage should mean you have no problems. Do let me know if you have any suggestions for improved text on the leaflet though – or if you find anything interesting please take some photos and send a report on email!
Walk London 20/06/2012

Is Section 24 now completely back to normal? I see that the warnings about diversions have now gone, and that the map and directions are still the July / August 2009 versions. I’m hoping all is stable and straightforward now. I suspect that I can’t 100% rely on my beloved Sharp book at the very end, so I am very much hoping that the Walk London information is currently spot-on! We are not *quite* at Section 24 yet, but hoping to be there soon, er, or soonish. Thanks as ever for a terrific walk.
nevilley 14/06/2012 8:53 am Our signage contractor was working there late last year opening up the new route. We have a volunteer who is going to double-check the directions and signage for us on the ground soon – meanwhile if you have any suggested amendments after you have been out, don’t hesitate to write in! Also any photos are really welcome on the Walk London gallery.
Walk London 14/06/2012

There are some welcome improvements being made to the paths on this Section. A wonderful discovery, though, was Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre on the way to the Railway Station. Set up in a former gunpowder magazine, built in 1755, it is a real gem of London’s huge military history, jampacked with a veritable Aladdin’s cave of history. It pays great tribute to RAF Hornchurch, one of the key Battle of Britain stations guarding the approaches to London.
Rob 25/04/2012 8:57 am Useful information, thanks for posting!
Walk London 25/04/2012

Same comments as others. The Tilda section was impassable on 07/01/12. It was necessary to go around the road to the barge car park. We walked on to Grays Wharf to celebrate our completion in the highly accredited CAMRA pubs, The White Heart (bustling) & the adjacent Theobald Arms (sedate). The Station is about 400 yds behind them and one stop from Purfleet.
Mike & Andrea 19/01/2012 0:21 am Thanks for posting this. The Tilda section is part of the riverside path improvements, the completion of which has been delayed. We will try to get information from the contractor and post it up on the section page. 7th Feb 2012
Walk London 07/02/2012

Just finished this in 11 brilliant days during November and December 2011 – photos on facebook here: http://tinyurl.com/7knqzqx. Enjoy! PS there is an unnecessary and rather pathetic barrier just where the Tilda Rice plant reaches the river, where the footpath has been beautified. I just climbed round it. Please don’t close whole sections of long-distance paths just because some little repairs are being done. Why not let people just step round them? Anyone who walks in real country or up mountains crosses more difficult stuff than this. Whereas the alternative is an X-mile diversion preventing access to the fantastic river front.
Sheona York 16/12/2011 3:31 pm A fair point, but some walkers are not as experienced as people used to “real country” or “mountains”. We can’t have one rule for one walker and another rule for another walker! It is not our rule to be honest, it is the contractor who is doing work and who needs to control pedestrians while machinery might be operating. We were advised that this section of path should have re-opened by the end of December 2011.
Walk London 16/12/2011

Tried to finish the walk today from Upminster bridge, with my sister. At Rainham we got stuck at the railway station where work is being done. We got over the crossing but that only brought us on to the station. The ramp over the high speed link was visible but not accessible. We tried other ways to get down to the river to no avail. So disappointing. We will have to try again another day in the future when the work is hopefully finished. 04.12.2011
susan 04/12/2011 4:22 pm We have tried contacting the station manager twice but no response so far. If any other walkers have found the same thing let us know. We will post more updates as soon as we hear back from Rainham Station.
Walk London 04/12/2011

It appears now that a section along this route has been changed. Part of the route leading to the River Thames has been waymarked to follow the Rainham to Purfleet Path. So instead of walking the complete length of Ferry Lane, to reach the entrance to Footpath No266, the LOOP path now crosses/dog legs two sections of Rainham Marshes to reach Coldharbour Lane, which is a better route, away from cars and lorries. The section of public footpath No.266 Ferry Lane to Tilda Rice Pie remains closed.
Alan Cooper 07/11/2011 9:18 am That is right, there is information about the diversion on the section 24 page here on the Walk London website which people should read before they set off. Our contractor is out removing any old signage to make sure it is clear on the ground, this will all be done by December 2011.
Walk London 07/11/2011

I did this section last week and can confirm that there is nothing on the ground to show that a diversion is in place. I was blissfully unaware of it and got into a right mess trying to follow the original path along the river bank.
Donald 06/11/2011 0:02 pm Notification about the diversion is on the section 24 page here, we try to keep up to date with temporary diversions. Please check the website before you set off on a walk.
Walk London 06/11/2011

Not impressed that a large section between Rainham and Coldharbour has been closed to walkers (and riders) WITHOUT NOTICE. The detour along roads add to the journey length, so was grateful it wasn’t raining. Notice that car park and vehicler access to barges graveyard is closed. Is the car park being enlarged?
Freddie 01/09/2011 9:49 pm The diversion details and notice were posted on the section page of the Walk London website. Have spoken to the Borough Council recently and can confirm this closure will last until December.
Walk London 01/09/2011

My wife and I would like to thank you for all the work that has gone in to create the LOOP. We finished it yesterday, with a mixture of delight and sadness. What a fantastic walk, thank you. We started back in September, in Erith, and have used whatever time we had to do a bit more; finishing in Purfleet in the sunshine yesterday. The transport links have worked very well and the route and signage for the most part has been excellent. Would we do it again? We are already thinking about it.
anon 09/05/2011 9:18 am Hello there. Congratulations for completing the LOOP! Would you like to receive a certificate? If so please email me on [email protected].
Walk London 23/05/2011

My wife and I had walked from Harold Wood, through some lovely parkland. Now the industrial area. Did it matter? No. Even the detour was OK. We hunt down the ‘ferry plaque’ and then strolled happily along the wall into Purfleet. We started the LOOP in September over in Erith and now we had finished it. What an excellent walk. If you are thinking of doing it. Go for it! It is a delight.
jd56 02/05/2011 8:36 am Great! Don’t forget you can send off for a certificate if you have finished the LOOP. Simply email [email protected]
Walk London 02/05/2011

The section between the A13 and the Thames is still being reconstructed with no obvious diversion signs. A worker on site said lots of people turn up to use the path. He pointed out the ‘unofficial’ hole in the fence.
Graham 29/04/2011 9:41 pm Thanks for this report. There is a temporary diversion mentioned on the section page for LOOP 24, a signed routes is supposed to be available on the ground. The route manager is getting in touch with Havering Public Rights of Way officer about your report.
Walk London 29/04/2011

Section 24, en route from Ferry Lane to the Pilgrim Ferry memorial … “About 400 metres after the roundabout, cross to the right side of Ferry Lane and find the gravel path with the wooden fence line which follows parallel to the roadside” This path is CLOSED right now (April 25, 2011) due to repairs. I managed it by climbing through the fence, so I don’t know if there’s an approved detour.
Simon 26/04/2011 10:41 am Thanks for this report. There is a temporary diversion mentioned on the section page for LOOP 24, a signed routes is supposed to be available on the ground. The route manager is getting in touch with Havering Public Rights of Way officer about your report.
Walk London 26/04/2011

Having just completed the LOOP, may I enter a plea for more long-distance signposts to give walkers an idea how far they have to go to major points. I don’t recall seeing such signposts pointing to anywhere beyond Uxbridge.
Simon 26/04/2011 10:30 am Thank you for your comments. Actually, section 24 is going to be reviewed next year because of the new RSPB centre at Rainham Marshes – so some new joint signage is being planned.
Walk London 26/04/2011