The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around the London Borough Of Bexley

The London Borough of Bexley offers over 100 dog-friendly hiking trails, providing a wide variety of options for you and your canine companion, from easy strolls to more challenging routes.

You'll find a diverse range of landscapes, including ancient woodlands like Lesnes Abbey Woods and Joyden's Wood, riverside paths along the River Cray and River Shuttle, and expansive marshlands such as Crayford Marshes. Many routes also pass through beautiful parks and open spaces like Danson Park and Foots Cray Meadows.

Yes, there are plenty of easy dog-friendly walks. Over 60 of the available routes are classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog. An example is the Green Chain Walk: Bostall Heath and Woods Loop, which is just under 4 km.

Many trails offer interesting sights. You can explore the historic Lesnes Abbey Ruins (highlight) within Lesnes Abbey Woods, walk past the scenic Five Arches Bridge (highlight) over the River Cray, or observe wildlife at Erith Saltings Salt Marsh (highlight). Danson Park (highlight) also offers beautiful lake views.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Bexley are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This is convenient for those driving or using public transport. For example, the Oxleas Wood – Severndroog Castle loop from Woolwich is a popular circular option.

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for hiking in Bexley, offering mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. However, early morning or late afternoon hikes can be enjoyable in summer, especially in shaded woodland areas, and many routes are accessible year-round.

Yes, for those seeking a longer adventure, there are moderate and difficult routes available. For example, the Fallen Tree at Oxleas Meadow – Bostall Woods loop from Barnehurst is a challenging 26 km hike with significant elevation changes, perfect for a full day out with an energetic dog.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the abundance of green spaces perfect for dog walking.

Many of the easy and moderate trails are suitable for families, especially those that pass through parks or have relatively flat terrain. Routes through places like Danson Park or Foots Cray Meadows offer open spaces for children and dogs to enjoy together.

Yes, many trailheads are accessible by public transport, and parking is often available near popular parks and open spaces. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for parking information or public transport links to the starting points.

While popular spots can get busy, Bexley has over 100 parks and open spaces, offering many opportunities to find quieter routes. Exploring less-known sections of ancient woodlands or marshlands during off-peak hours can provide a more secluded experience. Consider routes like the Bleak Hill – Bostall Woods loop from Abbey Wood for a potentially less crowded option.