London LOOP: Leg 1 - Erith to Bexley

Weather: Very warm, clear blue skies, gentle breezes

Playlist: LastFm Playlist

Time: 3 Hours

Started the London LOOP this week even though I haven't finished the Capital Ring yet - that will come later this month. Spring has definitely sprung here in East London with bluebells and white wood anemones in the shady woodlands on the field paths to Bexley and blossom of all colours on the cherries and hawthorn trees in the woods and on the streets.

The walk starts at Erith which with the wide river front and the bunting has a fee of a seaside resort - very odd but quite attractive.

Erith Riverside

Further on the walk makes its way alongside some of the many creeks and channels that run into the Thames. In the bright sunshine the mudflats had the colour and texture of hammered silver and the fields on either side were full of skylarks dancing and singing until they were fit to burst. Swans and dugs floated down the shallow streams while ponies grazed beside the numerous scrap yards  recycling facilities. One of these facilities had a rather odd sign.

Odd - What would Lucy say?

The next section ran beside the River Cray which had a very peaceful feel despite running behind a long row of houses. It then runs past an old country manor before taking a short but scary trip alongside the very busy A2!

Not the most scenic part of the route

After this the path runs alongside woodland filled with bluebells and anemones with thrushes and tits singing in the trees.
It finally emerges into the village of Bexley with its interestingly spired church.

Bexley Church