Linear Bexley to Docklands

Sat 11th Dec 2010

Walk Details:

Event Type
Group Walk
Region
Southern England
Local Group
London
Distance
20ml.
Start Time
9.00
Route
Bexley stn

Depart London Charing Cross 8.26. London Loop, Green Chain walk and Thames path. Lunch in Erith, pub or cafe or picnic by river. Finish at Mottingham about 4.45 Buy returns to Bexley. Mottingham is a few stations up the line from Bexley. Ldr Jerome Ripp

Start and Finish

Entry Details:

Cost

Walk Report

Bexley to Docklands, Saturday 11th December 2010
18 walkers, 20 miles - leader Jerome Ripp
The cold spell departed and it was quite a mild day although we did see some remnants of the recent snow and ice. 18 of us set out from Bexley to walk the final or first section (depending on your point of view) of the London Loop. An early detour took us to see the impressive Hall Place with its mix of architectural styles and its park, the first of several treats that the leader said would be on offer. Along the river Cray and some unsalubrious sections of industrial wasteland but soon we were out onto the marshes where the Cray joins the Darent and then the Thames, with views of the Dartford bridge and Thames flood barrier. Lunch in Erith at the end of the Loop with a variety of places used. Dave W and I were delighted to find a unique coffee shop which provided the yoyo of the day. The longer afternoon section followed the Green Chain Walk through a number of delightful woodlands interspersed with urban areas. The ruins of Lesnes Abbey was another cultural treat and after Bostall Woods and East Wickham open space we came to a locked gate across the path. There was one small gap in the nearby fence which we were all just able to squeeze through as fortunately no one had a body mass index problem. With Oxleas Woods we also joined the Capital Ring and via Eltham Park to Eltham Palace, our final treat. St John's Walk led up the hill to a fine view over East London and the City just as the light was fading and down to Mottingham for the finish.

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