Distance 15.4km (9.6m);
toughness 1/10. basically flat
Something a little different for one of this Sunday’s
options; an exploration of the last two sections of the London Loop – Sections
23 and 24. if you are a bird-watcher bring your “bins”.
Take the District Line to Upminster
Bridge 10.45am .
You can end the walk at Rainham (Zone 6) but the full walk
is to continue on to Purfleet which is one stop outside Zone 6 but you can use
your Oyster Card.
Walk features
1. Section 23 Upminster
Bridge to Rainham- 6.4km (4m) This first section takes you through Ingrebourne
Valley Nature reserve which has a superb visitor centre where you can have
refreshments or brunch and has lovely views over the valley. There are 4 pub
options in Rainham village but not all
serve food . The Albion Flaming Grill
may be the best bet. (We are not talking nouvelle cuisine here….)
You can end the walk at Rainham and take a train back to Fenchurch
Street to link up with the District Line at
Barking . (Trains at 11 and 41 mins)
2. Section 24 Rainham
to Purfleet- 9km (5.6m) This second section takes you on an atmospheric
path along the river Thames to the RSPB reserve at Rainham Marshes which has an ace café serving light meals, teas, coffees
and cakes. It closes 30 mins before the
reserve so you need to get there around 4pm .
If you get there early enough you could do a circuit of the reserve – about 3km
– free to RSPB members otherwise there is a charge of £5.
Purfleet station is about 10mins walk from the reserve and
on the way there are some fine views looking back to London ’s
21st century skyline and expansive vistas across the Thames
Trains from Purfleet to London
Fenchurch Street are at 6 and 36 mins . Again you
can connect with the District Line at Barking.
The London Loop is sign-posted but full written details and
maps can be found here
1 comment:
n=4 on this walk in w=sunny-but-breezy-weather. A pleasant amble through East London's "edgelands". We stopped for early snacks and drinks at the cafe and visitor centre in Ingrebourne Valley before going on to Rainham where 1 member had an "interesting" meat pie in the Albion Flaming Grill!
In the afternoon we continued along the tarmac path by the Thames reaching the RSPB cafe and visitor centre at 3.15m which was packed with mums, dads and children as well as birdwatchers and where we enjoyed delicious cakes and tea. We decided against buying any £2,000+ camera/binocular equipment and strolled on to Purfleet to catch the 16.06 train. A lovely day out on a walk not for all tastes but something different for a winter or Spring outing.
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