Rainham Marshes Walks and Cycling
This circular walk or cycle explores the RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve in London.
It's an easy route using part of National Cycle Route 13 and other signed trails.
The route runs mostly along a riverside path by the River Thames from Purfleet to Rainham and a trail through the centre of the reserve. The reserve has a variety of regular winged visitors, including peregrines, lapwings and wild ducks. There are also water voles and rare dragonflies to be seen across the boardwalks. Also take time to explore the visitor centre which has a wealth of information about the area.
This route is easily accesible with train stations at either end at Purfleet and Rainham. You can also hire bikes at the reserve.
Postcode
RM19 1SZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Rainham Marshes Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Rainham Marshes Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Rainham Marshes OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Rainham Marshes Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Part of this route uses a section of the long distance London Loop. You could follow the waymarked path north to visit Hornchurch Country Park, the Ingrebourne Valley and the nearby town of Upminster. Just east of Hornchurch there's also the noteworthy Belhus Woods Country Park where you'll find lakes, wildflower meadows and bluebell woodland.
For more walking ideas in the area see the London Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
RSPB Visitor Centre
Drainage Channel on Rainham Marshes. The channel on the right drains the marshes into the Thames via a sluice; the white concrete structure on the left in the distance carries the new high speed train line to the channel tunnel.
Looking west towards Hornchurch. The wind turbines in the background are in TQ5081, on the Hornchurch Marshes
Channel Tunnel Rail Link at Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve. Taken from one of the boardwalks on Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve (actually on Aveley Marshes), the CTRL is on a viaduct here to take it over the C2C line between Rainham and Purfleet.
Cyleway 13 & Rainham to Purfleet Path, Aveley Marshes. The hill ahead is the Rainham landfill site.
Distance post on the Rainham to Purfleet Path across the Aveley Marshes