The best walks and hikes around the London Borough Of Bexley

Most hiking trails in the London Borough of Bexley are on relatively flat terrain, especially those following the rivers Cray and Darent or circling parks. However, you can find some gentle inclines and more varied terrain within the area's woodlands. For example, the Lesnes Abbey Woods — Learn (Yellow) Route involves over 100 meters of elevation gain, offering a bit more of a challenge.

Bexley is great for family walks due to its many parks and accessible paths. A popular choice is the Danson Lake loop from Blendon. It's a short, easy walk around the lake in Danson Park, which is a Grade I listed park with beautiful gardens and plenty of open space for kids to enjoy.

Yes, many of the parks and open spaces in Bexley are dog-friendly. Woodlands and large parks like Scadbury Park Nature Reserve and Oxleas Wood are local favorites for dog walkers. Always check for local signage, especially in nature reserves, for any specific rules about keeping dogs on a lead to protect wildlife.

Absolutely. The majority of the popular routes in Bexley are circular, making logistics simple. You can find loops of varying lengths, from short park strolls to more substantial hikes. The Danson Park and Danson House loop from Crook Log is a well-liked circular route that offers a pleasant 6.6 km walk.

There are over 70 hiking routes to explore around the London Borough of Bexley. These range from easy, short walks in local parks to more moderate, longer trails through woodlands and along rivers.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the surprising amount of green space within London, the mix of ancient woodland, and the peaceful riverside paths.

Yes, many trailheads are accessible by public transport. Bexley is well-served by trains and buses. For instance, Sidcup station provides good access to walks in Foots Cray Meadows, while Abbey Wood station is the best starting point for exploring Lesnes Abbey Woods.

Yes, sections of the London Loop, one of London's major long-distance walking routes, pass through Bexley. You can walk sections from Erith to Old Bexley or from Bexley to Petts Wood, following the scenic banks of the Rivers Thames, Darent, and Cray.

Several spots are highly regarded by local walkers. Oxleas Wood is a favorite for its ancient woodlands and extensive trail network. Scadbury Park Nature Reserve offers 300 acres of meadows and woodland. For a waterside experience, the Thames Path - Thamesmead section provides quiet paths with great views along the river.

Yes, the Five Arches Bridge – Joyden's Wood loop from Bexley is a perfect example. This moderate 8.9 km trail takes you through the open fields of Foots Cray Meadows before heading into the beautiful ancient woodland of Joyden's Wood.

Lesnes Abbey Woods is the ideal destination. The trails there, such as the Lesnes Abbey Woods circular — Active (Blue) route, take you past the impressive ruins of a 12th-century abbey. For a different era, the Eltham Palace – Eltham Palace and Gardens loop from Falconwood explores the area around the unique Art Deco mansion.

Yes, you can explore the unique landscape of the last remaining grazing marshes in south London. The Erith Saltings Salt Marsh loop from North End is an 8.2 km moderate trail that offers a fascinating walk through this special habitat along the river.