Transport for LondonRoute details
London Loop: Section 23 Upminster Bridge to Rainham
| Walk facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
| Location: | Havering |
| Start: | Upminster Bridge station (GR 551-868) Get there with Journey Planner |
| Finish: | Rainham station (GR 521-820) |
| Factor: | London Loop: Section 23 Upminster Bridge to Rainham |
| Recommended direction: | North to south |
| Terrain and surface: | Almost completely level with tarmac or firm gravel paths. No stiles. 3.3km (2.1ml) beside roads |
| Points of Interest: | Upminster Windmill, Ingrebourne River, Ingrebourne Marshes Nature Reserve, Hornchurch Country Park, airfield memorabilia, lakeside walk, Rainham village |
| Signage: | Complete both ways |
| Temporary Diversions: | |
| Refreshments and toilets: | Pubs at Upminster Bridge, Hacton Lane, Rainham Road, Rainham village. Cafes and toilets at Rainham |
| Public transport and breakpoints: | LU: Upminster Bridge. NR: Rainham. Buses at these points, also at Newmarket Way and South End Road |
| Links with other walks: | Upminster Circular Walk |
| How to get the map: | Download it from www.walklondon.org.uk or call 0870 240 6094 |
| Principal promoters: | London Walking Forum, LB Havering |
Walk details:
- This section generally follows the River Ingrebourne, but at the south end this is currently inaccessible.
- The current diversion, however, does provide a view of the delightful Albyns Farmhouse, now a private house.
- Some of the route is shared with the Upminster Circular Walk, and when riverside access is complete this section will also, like Section 22, form part of the proposed Ingrebourne Valley Greenway, which here incorporates the Hacton and Sutton Parkways.
- You walk through Hornchurch Country Park, which has gone through several phases as a farm, military airfield, gravel quarry and rubbish tip, until its acquisition in 1980 by the local authority enabled the provision of a haven for wildlife and quiet outdoor activities.
- The section ends at the unexpectedly attractive village of Rainham, now a fairly peaceful place following the opening of by-passes.
- In very wet weather, the subway under the very busy New Road may be flooded, then crossing it could be difficult.
