Erith to Bexley (first section of the London Loop), 21 March

Train: in alteration to original programme, train leaves Cannon Street at 09.05; London Bridge 09.09 arriving Erith 09.44. All within Freedom Pass zone 6.  

There are no toilets on the train but there is a large Morrissons with a toilet facility in Erith easy to  access from the walk. Returning there are 4 trains an hour from Bexley to London Bridge, Waterloo East and Charing Cross.

The Walk: The walk is 9 miles starting from Erith , walking along the Thames through the Crayford Marshes before we follow the Darent River and then the Cray river, arriving in Crayford for lunch.

The afternoon will see us meandering along the Cray to Bexley where there are lovely cafes for an after walk tea and train back to London to London Bridge, East Waterloo and Charing Cross. 

The walk is on mainly flat land. There is a bit of road walking along the Thames. 

There is a major cross road before arriving in Crayford  but there are pedestrian lights. There is  about 100 m on the A2 but on a proper foot path and it is safe. 

Not too much mud and a few stairs.

Drop out point: There is the possibility of leaving the walk in Crayford for a train back to London Bridge,  Waterloo East or Charing Cross.  We shall pass the station after lunch so one can choose to leave either before or after lunch.

Lunch: There is some choice in Crayford : Picnic in the Waterside Gardens, Pub lunch at the Bear and Ragged Staff (nothing special) or Cafe.  

Elisabeth H