Rainham to Purfleet, 28 Dec

About 5 to 6 miles.

Trains: Fenchurch Street 9.37, arr Rainham 10.02. Rainham is in Zone 6, Freedom Pass holders will need a ticket from Purfleet to Rainham for the return Journey. Trains leave Purfleet at 28 and 58 mins past the hour.

NB: if you are travelling to Bank, allow a bit more time for the walk to Fenchurch Street station because it is tucked away and difficult to see.  Otherwise Tower Hill (district and circle lines) is close to Fenchurch Street station.  

Lunch:  Please bring picnic lunch and drink.

No drop out points

The walk: This walk is section 24 of the London Loop – 5.1 miles – but we will do a short detour at Tilda Rice Factory in case of high tide flooding of the footpath, which pushes up our mileage slightly.  We should reach Purfleet in good time before loss of daylight.

The Good  Almost entirely level; squeeze stiles (no climbing), interesting (historically and present day), biodiversity, perhaps sighting of birds.  Long range weather forecast is good.

The Bad  Some litter at start of the walk, some highly toxic plants – avoid contact.   The RSPB cafe at the Visitor Centre on Rainham Marshes is due to close at the end of 2024, or earlier, depending on resources.   We may or may not be able to get hot drinks and cake.  If closed, we will try one other place in Purfleet at the end of the walk.

The Ugly  Subjective – in the mind of the beholder

Loos The loos at Rainham station are closed on Sat.  Loos at RSPB visitor centre (approx 2.5 hrs after the walk).  No loos at Purfleet station.

Dogs are likely to be met off-lead near car park areas along the walk.  Closer to the RSPB visitor centre, there are two tracks – dogs must be on-lead on the lower track, but off-lead is permitted on the higher track. (Info for non-members: as a rule, we do not accept dogs on our walks.)  

Courteous request  Part of the walk is along a permissive path (private property) or along a wetlands reserve.  There are many toxic plants.  With respect to private property and nature reserves, and in the interest of personal safety, please no foraging.

Leader: Patricia (Non-members please contact walks@morleyramblers.uk with any queries)