Things to do and see

Cray Riverway - Stage 3, Crayford to the Thames

Route Guide

These pages describe the route for walkers starting at Footscray Meadows and travelling northwards through the Borough of Bexley to the River Thames. The entire walk covers a distance of approximately 10 miles but it is possible to start and finish this walk at various points along its length. This section describes the stage from Crayford to the Thames, near Erith.

Crayford to the Thames

On entering Crayford, across from London Road is Waterside Gardens. This is an ideal place to sit and enjoy the river amongst the well-established Willows and the statue of The Worrier that stands opposite the old drinking fountain. The Princess Parade of shops and flats were built on the site of the Princesses Theatre, built in 1916 but destroyed by fire six months later. It was rebuilt and, following a period as a cinema, was eventually demolished in 1957.

Leave Crayford by Footpath 106 to Barnes Cray. Although this section of river is suffering badly from silting-up, an abundance of wild plants can still be seen.

At the end of Footpath 106 is Barnes Cray Road. The waterside properties were built on the site and grounds of Barnes Cray House, which was demolished in the early 1930's.

At Maiden Lane Byway 105 continues along the south side of the River Cray. Over 60 species of plants can be seen including purple loostrife, common mallow, bristly ox-tongue and ivyleaved, wall and field speedwells. Opposite is an interesting area of reeds and aquatic vegetation, which has species such as yellow water lily, amphibious bistort and reed canary grass. The area is also rich in aquatic water life such as damsel flies, frogs and toads. During the season keen nature lovers can spot Water Voles, Kingfishers, Mallard Ducks, Mute Swans, Moorhens, Coots and on occasions Grey Herons and Cormorants.

After Thames Road the river becomes tidal as it leaves the old Crayford Flour Mill. The walk continues along the river onto Crayford Marshes where it then continues along the banks of the River Darent to meet the Thames near Crayford Ness where the path heads upstream towards the saltings and Erith Yacht Club. The path leaves the marshes at Manor Road Erith which is the end of the Cray Riverway..

Crayford Marshes Invasive Species have become established in several areas along the river, including Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed. The latter can grow into a huge plant up to 3.5m tall, with 10cm diameter stems, and was introduced as a garden plant from Caucasus. It is very invasive and can rapidly become the dominant plant in an area. The combination of its juice and sunlight can cause severe recurring blisters if touched. Following a detailed survey by North West Kent Countryside Partnership work has commenced, in partnership with Bexley Council and Thames 21 on a programme to control these.

Today, Crayford Marshes - 10 are confined to land along the banks of the Rivers Cray and Darent due to drainage of much of their previous area.

However, they are still an interesting and important habitat for wildlife, made more valuable by the almost total loss of marshes from other areas of London. The marsh areas are composed mainly of reeds, canary grass, bur reed and common reed. They are very dense and provide shelter for water birds and some degree of protection from predators such as cats and foxes. At the edge of the reedbanks there are mudflats which are exposed at low tide. These are rich in small invertebrates which are the food for many species of shorebird such as redshank, lapwing and dunlin. Herons frequently feed in the river, and occasionally short-eared owls can be seen in winter, hunting in the adjacent grazing land.

Cray Riverway - Stage 3, Crayford to the Thames

Introduction >>