London, UK Spring 2015: 2) London Loop, Segment 2

The London Loop is a brilliant idea for a long-distance trail, running 150 miles around the outskirts of London, and passing through as many parks, woodlands, fields and commons as it can, along with several villages.  It begins in Erith, on the south bank of the Thames, and ends in Purfleet, on the north bank.  We walked the first segment in 2009.  I walked the 2nd part alone in the autumn of 2010, but wanted Deb to experience it, too.  So we did it together this spring.

Our route today was about 8 miles in length, which included a diversion to Sidcup to visit a pub, as well as links to the train stations.  The walk begins in Bexley, exactly where the first segment ended.  To get here we needed to catch a tram in Croydon (stop is right outside the hotel), then two trains to Bexley Station.  Highlights of the walk include following the River Cray into Crays Foot Village, on to Sidcup for a lunch break, and then into deep woodlands for much of the remainder of the walk.  The end point is Petts Wood, where a fine pub awaited, as well as the train station that would get us home.

We had to avoid most of London today, as it was London Marathon day.  Most roads along the route were closed until past 7 pm, with some closed until 11 pm!  Fortunately, Croydon and the areas of our walk today were unaffected.

First half of our route from Bexley, along the River Cray into Foots Cray Village, and then

diverting to Sidcup for lunch.

The Cray is a pretty little thing, flowing swiftly.  The water was very clear.

Along the Cray, London Loop.  A wood fairy was out gamboling.

Five arches bridge, River Cray.  Ponds and wetlands are created here. Yes, this is part of London.

Snowy Egret, below Five Arches Bridge.

 Wisteria in bloom, Crays Foot Village
 

 Seven Stars, first pub stop of the day!
 

 Sidcup Place has an 18th C. core with Victorian

additions.  It is now an inn and restaurant.

Second half of our walk, from Sidcup to Petts Wood.

Site and ruins of Scathebury Place.  Originally built in the 13th C., it was pulled down in the 1700s.  Outline brickwork was done in the 1930s.

Hidden in Petts Wood is this sundial, a monument to William

Willet, campaigner for daylight savings time.  It was cloudy all

day, so I can't tell you what time it was.

This monument is along the main path.  This a different wood

fairy.  I think.

We finished the long walk after 4 pm, finding our way to Sovereign of the Seas Pub near Petts Wood Station.  We had tickets to a concert in downtown London, which began at 6 pm.  Original plans had called for us to leave directly from here, but we were too tired.  We sat and had a lovely rest at the pub, then headed back towards Croydon.  Back at the hotel, we showered and rested up before heading out to The George for Sunday dinner.  Pubs will be discussed further in the final installment.

To be continued...