Wednesday, 3 August 2022 - ALBANY PARK TO BEXLEY VIA JOYDENS WOOD -  9 miles - Leader: Simon A

An interesting walk starting through woods, meadows and the picturesque riverside along the River Cray. We then head off to explore the countryside towards the south, leading to the ancient and impressive Joyden’s Wood and its Saxon earthworks, taking a detour through Birchwood Park Golf Centre (for a coffee break). Heading deeper into the woods for a picnic lunch, after which we circle back passing many stables and on bridleways out of the woods and finishing in Old Bexley with its many pubs and cafes.

The leader’s view

..and looking behind

The group gathered together, old friends and some new

Ruth ready for the shoot out at the OK corral!

The final lap before Bexley

· Leader briefing at Albany Park

· Crossing Footscray meadow

· Path along River Cray

· River Cray: 5 Arch Bridge

· Surprise onlooker

· Blackberrying

· Coffee break at Birchwood Park Golf Centre

· Lunch stop at site of spitfire crash

· Horsy friends

· Children enjoying a tractor ride 

Fruit ripening beneath a hot sun

Cooking riverscapes

Beautiful Holloway’s

Crossing the Saxon earthwork

Sandy woodland paths

Impressive lunchtime views

Cool refreshing riverscapes

Setting off across the meadows

 Photos: Ruth, Martin F