Thames River Guide: Beyond the Thames Barrier

Riverside Route

The Thames Path Southeast Extension continues beyond the Thames Barrier through to Crayford Ness. The area's industrial past is still evident today and this stretch of the river is a very busy waterway. The path follows the banks of the Thames for just over 10 miles.

Crossness Beam Engines

This Grade I listed building is a masterpiece of Victorian innovation and engineering. The spectacular ornamental ironwork is perhaps the finest example of its kind in London, while the four steam-driven beam engines once pumped sewage into a neighbouring reservoir. Don't let its less than glamorous past put you off, as this fascinating building is well worth a visit. But you'll need to plan ahead, as visiting is by appointment only.

Hi-Tech Horizons

Heading down along the path you'll shortly pass the Crossness Sewerage Works with its futuristic incinerator. Across the river you can't miss Ford's Dagenham Plant. Car production here stopped in 2002, but a million diesel engines are produced here every year using clean electricity generated by 85-metre wind turbines.

Crossness Nature Reserve

Further along the Crossness Nature Reserve there is a welcome contrast to the industrial landscape. This urban wilderness is one of the last surviving open areas of grazing marsh in Greater London. Don't forget your notepad and binoculars. Over 130 species of birds have been recorded on this site, a real birdwatcher's paradise.

Erith

As you make your way on towards Erith you'll see working wharves, chutes and cranes, as well as some of the greenest sections of the Thames. On the opposite bank Rainham Marshes, a former shooting range, is now an RSPB reserve attracting large numbers of ducks and waders, particularly in winter.

Find out more about the history of this area by joining the way marked Erith Heritage Town Walk, passing through the Riverside Gardens, with a viewing platform for panoramic views along the Thames Estuary. And pop into Erith Museum to see some local history.

Crayford Ness

Continue along the ancient landscape of Crayford Marshes. On your left you'll see the last remaining salt marshes on London's inner Thames - Erith Saltings. Look out for the remains of a ghostly forest, which is sometimes visible at low tide. As you make your way towards Crayford Ness and the end of the route you'll see Dartford's QEII Bridge in the distance. From here you can either head to the station or take a bus at Slade Green and progress further along the London Loop.

See our Walks and Runs and Cycle Paths sections for more information about routes along the Thames.