Old Bexley - Foots Cray Meadows - Old Bexley

Sophie Rogers

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Old Bexley – Foots Cray Meadows – Puddledock - Joyden's Wood – Old Bexley

This walk takes you on a circular walk from Old Bexley, a lovely old village with lots of character. The walk follows the River Cray from Old Bexley to Foots Cray Meadows, where you can see the lovely five-arched bridge with weir by the lake. Opportunities for birdwatching abound here (probably not for serious twitchers though!)

The walk moves away from the river towards Bunkers Hill past St James' Church built in 1852 and once a private chapel for the owners of North Cray Place (a Palladian mansion built in 1756 and subsequently destroyed by fire). You can also see All Saints' Church in the distance before you turn towards St James, an ancient church heavily restored in the 1860s, with a wooden bell tower with a shingled spire and its 12th Century font.

The climb to the top of the hill provides the only shortish climb throughout the walk, but it is not overly challenging. You then pass through Joyden's Wood on the way to Puddledock, where you have the opportunity to stop for some well-earned rest and recuperation in The Ship. Joyden's Wood is classified as an Ancient Woodland Site, which means that it has to have been a woodland from at least 1600AD. In particular it gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the diverse variety of trees, wildflowers, fungi and the large number of various species of the bird and wildlife population.

The return loop takes you back through Joyden's Wood, enjoying the peace and tranquillity before the final leg back to Old Bexley.

This walk affords many opportunities for lengthening or shortening and offers the chance to visit a number of fascinating sights including Hall Place and Gardens – all within easy reach of London.

England - South England - Kent - Woodland or Forest

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Good for Kids, Lake/Loch, Museum, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife, Woodland

8/27/2019 - Marilu Peries

We did this walk on one of the hottest days of 2019. It's a great walk that takes you through a shaded river as well as some ancient woodlands. Elvis our Lab loved the route and the fact that it starts and ends in a town centre meant that we could grab a beer and something to eat at the end of the three hours.

5/17/2015 - sandra kemp

Love this walk and done it a few times but unfortunately we ALWAYS get lost in Joydens Wood despite following the instructions. Did it today and we were alright up to the signposts and seating area but went badly wrong after that.

1/2/2012 - Jill Anderson

Nice walk for inside the M25. Lots of rural scenery and it is really handy with a start next to the train station.

12/27/2010 - Sid Marks

Thoroughly enjoyed this walk in the snow today. A very pleasant and easy walk, combined with excellent walk instructions, with only one slight correction. At waymark 13, when you take the narrow path to the left, you arrive at a t-junction where you turn right to reach the junction of paths mentioned at waymark 14. Recommended family walk.