200822 2 Elaines

For a more challenging walk in London, the Belvedere to Greenwich trail via the Thames Path is what you need. This long-distance trail starts at the Natural Reserve of Crossness then through the marshes, before linking to the Thames Path all the way to the O2 arena and ends in Greenwich park with a takeaway from the market stall. Ready for a challenge?

Starts at Thames Chase Forest Centre, the headquarters of the Thames Chase Community Forest, at Broadfields Farm. Route passes thru' the old village of Cranham, then Cranham Marsh Nature Reserve, Corbets Tey, Belhus Country Park, Belhus Chase & the town of Aveley. For the last two miles we follow the Mardyke Way thru' Davy Down, then thru' Stifford Green and Warren Gorge Nature Reserve to finish at Chafford Hundre Railway Station.

We follow Darent Valley Path thru' Dartford, Central Park & past Brooklands Lake. Thru' the villages of Darenth, Farningham & Eynsford. A big climb up past Eagle Heights & drop back down past the Roman Villa remains. Then past Lullingstone Castle. Lullingstone Park Visitor's Centre, Shoreham Castle Farm and thru' fields to and thru' Shoreham village to finish near Shoreham Station.

From start, we go north to soon join a path along the River Thames. Then turn left & upstream along the riverbank, soon under the towering Queen Elizabeth 2 Bridge which takes the M25 over the Thames. The River Thames is wide here & industry is evident, mainly on the opposite bank. At 3.5 miles we join the Darent Valley Path near the large Darent Creek Flood Barrier. We follow the path all the way to the finish, near Dartford Station.

This beautiful circular walk which mainly uses Chestnut Trail is a good way to discover Wanstead Park walking along several lovely ponds and River Roding.

A flat circular walk around Swanley, passing by Swanley Park and Stanhill Farm. This walk is better done in October when Stanhill Farm Pumpkin Patch is open to go pumpkin-picking on the way!

From wooden bus stop we follow Hutton Village, then off-road to the old church. We go cross-country to Ingrave, past the huge pile of Thorndon House & thru' Thorndon Park North. As well as the park, the route takes in many other properties owned by the Thames Chase Community Forest, including Warley Gap, Codham Hall Woods & Franks Wood. We pass thru' Little Warley, Great Warley and skirt the outside of Upminster on our way to the finish at the Thames Chase Forest Centre at Broadfields Farm.

This circular walk close to Loughton Camp provides a good way to discover Little Monk Wood, Baldwins Pond and less used paths along Loughton Brook enjoying this peaceful area.