Thames Footpath 1 - Crayford Ness to Thames Barrier

This is the first stage of our Thames Footpath route. You aren't committed to doing every stage - just come along if it appeals! We meet at Slade Green Station at 10am. There are frequent trains from London Bridge (for a rough guide a single ticket from London Bridge to Slade Green is about £9). Parking is an option - there is a car park (£3.90 a day) and you can easily get the train from our end point of Charlton back to Slade Green.We walk down to the Darent river and then follow it down to the Thames - with a view of the Dartford Crossing over to our right. This isn't the most scenic of walks - it is very industrial. There will be a brief toilet and drink stop after c30 minutes at Morrisons. After that we walk past the waste plant which the last time I went past can only be described as pungent - there was no doubting what they were processing! We will have a late lunch in Woolwich - by the leisure facilities. I personally will be going to the recommended greasy spoon over the road - otherwise it is very much DIY! There will only be a short post lunch walk as we make our way to the Thames barrier. The mileage listed includes the distance to and from the start points - it is c1 mile to Charlton station where we will make our way back to London or for those who have driven back to Slade Green.