Description
On a zoomed out map this route follows some big busy roads, but it's worth a closer look, it's actually about 2/3 off-road. It uses the Thames Path, has views over King George V and Royal Albert Docks (the west side here has the best views). Although a lot of the route is along those busy road corridors, mostly this is on joint cycle paths sheltered by tree belts and set well back. These feel more peaceful than they actually are. After crossing under the A13 you encounter the River Roding aka Barking Creek, first through the reedbeds at Cuckold Haven, then along Hand Trough Creek, and finally walking over the Barking Barrage past a small community of houseboats. The final stage includes the remains of Barking Abbey and, 5 days a week, Barking Market.
This route is to replace NortBark 1, I think those directions at Gallions Roundabout are dangerous because they appear superficially possible but are really unwise given the traffic conditions. Road walking has been reduced by using more of the Thames Path and more of Barking Creek/River Roding. And hopefully this way avoids steps and is on level or gently sloped tarmac or paved paths/pavements. Although it is longer than NortBark 1's theoretical length this is mostly because NortBark 1 was longer in practice than the original GPX line.
Access to Thames Path section.
1) This way of getting onto the riverside path doesn't use steps and isn't flooded at high tide. But if you like steps you could avoid Royal Victoria Gardens using a shortcut up the steps by the bend in Pier Rd. If you like flooding try the ramps nearer to the ferry terminal.
2) Daylight hours. R V Gardens and another part of the riverside are closed between dusk and dawn. So you'd need to use Pier Road, turn right onto Albert Road and rejoin at the junction with Fishguard Way.
3) Gate Buzzer near Barge House Road
The Thames Path to the east of Barge House Road goes into the Gallions Estate. There's an agreement that walkers can use the path, but the gate may well be closed. During daylight hours you can just press the buzzer and it should open.
The mid-route Beckton Triangle Retail Park (near Claps Gate Lane) has some big brand refreshment options. There are several bus stops along the route and a few DLR stations near the first half
On a zoomed out map this route follows some big busy roads, but it's worth a closer look, it's actually about 2/3 off-road. It uses the Thames Path, has views over King George V and Royal Albert Docks (the west side here has the best views). Although a lot of the route is along those busy road corridors, mostly this is on joint cycle paths sheltered by tree belts and set well back. These feel more peaceful than they actually are. After crossing under the A13 you encounter the River Roding aka Barking Creek, first through the reedbeds at Cuckold Haven, then along Hand Trough Creek, and finally walking over the Barking Barrage past a small community of houseboats. The final stage includes the remains of Barking Abbey and, 5 days a week, Barking Market.
This route is to replace NortBark 1, I think those directions at Gallions Roundabout are dangerous because they appear superficially possible but are really unwise given the traffic conditions. Road walking has been reduced by using more of the Thames Path and more of Barking Creek/River Roding. And hopefully this way avoids steps and is on level or gently sloped tarmac or paved paths/pavements. Although it is longer than NortBark 1's theoretical length this is mostly because NortBark 1 was longer in practice than the original GPX line.
Access to Thames Path section.
1) This way of getting onto the riverside path doesn't use steps and isn't flooded at high tide. But if you like steps you could avoid Royal Victoria Gardens using a shortcut up the steps by the bend in Pier Rd. If you like flooding try the ramps nearer to the ferry terminal.
2) Daylight hours. R V Gardens and another part of the riverside are closed between dusk and dawn. So you'd need to use Pier Road, turn right onto Albert Road and rejoin at the junction with Fishguard Way.
3) Gate Buzzer near Barge House Road
The Thames Path to the east of Barge House Road goes into the Gallions Estate. There's an agreement that walkers can use the path, but the gate may well be closed. During daylight hours you can just press the buzzer and it should open.
The mid-route Beckton Triangle Retail Park (near Claps Gate Lane) has some big brand refreshment options. There are several bus stops along the route and a few DLR stations near the first half
Status
This route has been reviewed by 3 people.
There are no issues flagged.
Photos for Nortbark two
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Information
Route status - Live
Reviews - 3
Average rating -
Is this route good enough? - Yes (3)
There are currently no problems reported with this route.
Downloads - 1
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Geography information system (GIS) data
Total length
Maximum elevation
Minimum elevation
Start and end points
North Woolwich
Grid Ref
TQ4319879774
Lat / Lon
51.49877° / 0.06161°
Easting / Northing
543,198E / 179,774N
What3Words
laptop.solid.sizes
Barking
Grid Ref
TQ4442984321
Lat / Lon
51.53932° / 0.08120°
Easting / Northing
544,429E / 184,321N
What3Words
grape.wing.nature
North Woolwich | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | TQ4319879774 |
Lat / Lon | 51.49877° / 0.06161° |
Easting / Northing | 543,198E / 179,774N |
What3Words | laptop.solid.sizes |
Barking | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | TQ4442984321 |
Lat / Lon | 51.53932° / 0.08120° |
Easting / Northing | 544,429E / 184,321N |
What3Words | grape.wing.nature |
Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.
reviews
Dominic Dragonetti
26 Jul 2024This walk included a short section along the Thames path at North Woolwich through Beckton and on to Barking. The route was always interesting as it snaked though paths and under busy roads and along rivers. The walk along the Thames was very peaceful, be sure to visit the Gallions Point Riverside Wildlife Area. From the top of the Steve Redgrave Bridge there are spectacular views of London and Canary Wharf in the distance. As you approach Barking you will walk along the river Roding and the cascading waterfall. This is a really enjoyable urban walk with lots to see.
Jane Taylor
05 Jun 2024Walked Barking to North Woolwich.
Surprisingly green walk, a lot is on cycle/foot paths protected from the major roads by trees. All road crossings are ok. For this part of car crazy London it’s really good!
I stopped to take a photo of a plane coming into the airport and nearly dropped my phone into the dock - Don’t do it folks!!
I’m not sure why the route comes off the Capital ring at North Woolwich to go through Royal Victoria Gardens. The route description suggests it’s to avoid steps, but there were plenty of steps in the Gardens.
So … some steps, although I think that was the only place.
Overall a good route for the area and a keeper.
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Daisy C
18 Jul 2023I walked this route and NortBark 1 over the 2022/23 autumn and winter. My review is pretty much the same as the route description. And as I was crossing the docks (on the Sir Steve Redgrave Bridge) a plane came in to land overhead at London City Airport, which is so close that the plane was very low indeed, quite a thrill!.
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JohnMyerson
15 Nov 2024The route via King George V dock is closed until May 2025. See: https://www.innerlondonramblers.org.uk/articles-62328/london-walking-network-guardians/capital-ring/507-capital-ring-section-15-path-over-king-george-v-lock-closed-until-the-end-of-may-2025.html
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Daisy C
15 Nov 2024That would be pleasanter than the roads although I would miss that view from Steve Redgrave Bridge.
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