Best walks to or from Erith

Abbey Wood Station to Erith Station

a terrific view across the ruins to London proper. A varied walk with over two-thirds on green or blue paths along the base of a hillside, through ancient woodland, parks and the Thames waterfront, linked by quieter residential streets. Some muddy and slippery sections in the woods and parks and with several sets of steps and a footbridge. Joins the well-signposted Green Chain Walk for easy navigation. Lesnes Abbey Woods is ancient woodland with abbey ruins, toilets, bluebells in spring, and wintering birds on the Thames mudflats at Erith.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

There are a few blind corners on the sometimes narrow Thames waterfront path; a stretch may be temporarily closed for works (check before walking). Several sets of steps, including the footbridge over Bronze Age Way.

Lunch: A kiosk café and toilets at Lesnes Abbey ruins; shops and toilets at Abbey Wood and Erith.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Erith Station to Dartford Station

Great views. A varied route: urban roads and small green spaces in the north and then flat estuary paths through Crayford and Dartford Marshes using sea-wall and riverside footpaths. Some flooding under the A206 even in dry weather. Uses the Thames Path extension (overlapping the England Coast Path) and the Darent Valley Path; good for reedbeds, spring flowers and birdlife such as reed warblers; plenty of trains from Dartford.

Easy: 8km, gentle ascents.

A horrible busy road to cross at Bob Dunn Way requires caution; flooding under the A206 (passable on stepping stones); a marsh section is used by dirt bikes at weekends.

Lunch: A cafe and takeaways just over the Slade Green station footbridge.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route