We are the Hillingdon Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
If you like bird spotting, boat spotting, tidal marshes, enormous bridges and pylons, then this is a walk for you! We largely follow the England coast path from Dartford station along the Darent river to the Thames. Then we make our way along the Thames estuary, teeming with life and interest to arrive at the spectacular Queen Elizabeth Bridge, where we stop for lunch. The riverside village of Greenhithe, next on our walk, is a quaint mix of old and new. We next arrive at and walk around the tallest electricity pylon in the UK - an impressive structure even if pylons are not your thing! Our walk then takes us through reedbeds and past the tunnel exit for HS1 before arriving at Swanscombe station for our return trip home.
When arriving at Dartford Station, be sure to look out for a plaque on platform 2 showing the spot in October 1961 where Mick Jagger first met Keith Richards by chance and this meeting led to the formation of The Rolling Stones rock band.
This is a linear walk so most suitable to train travel. Dartford is just two main line stops on from Abbey Wood on the Elizabeth Line. Free to Freedom pass and 60+ Oyster card holders! A 9am start of your journey should give ample time. The £3.35 (Senior Railcard price) return ticket Swanscombe to Dartford can be purchased at Swanscombe station. After Dartford it’s free again.
Bring a picnic lunch. We will sit on rocks so a padded seat might be handy too.
This walk is mostly flat with decent paths but there could be mud in places.
Note:- there are limited toilet opportunities along some of this route but good facilities exist at Dartford and Greenhithe. Many small bushes along the way.
In line with current Ramblers policy, please let the walk leader know if you intend to come by using the email link below. Don’t worry if you forget - still turn up. A register will be taken at the start.
Dartford Train Station. Meet in the entrance.
_0.jpg?itok=PObghvec)
