ダートフォードでの 周辺の簡単なハイキングとウォーキング

Sweet narrow downhill track running from the crossroads at the end of the Salt Marshes. Left fork goes to Crawford Creek, straight on is Moat Lane, which leads to Slade Green. Howbury Farm. This includes the walls, a moat and the remains of a 19th oast house. Howbury Moated Grange. This is a 12th moated manor site once the home of a Tudor official, later rebuilt. The Norman moat encloses the manor house - a 17th building now damaged beyond repair. The wall of the moat is still there but the drawbridge was replaced by brick one in 1778 which has now collapsed.

Been rebuilt - likely lethal when wet so beware. Also - Be prepared for MTB confrontation on this route. 50/50 on who's right and wrong ref. access. Just keep a cool head. A lot of the anti-cycling signage cannot be legal, But a certain demographic has it in for anything on two wheels. I think the issues are exacerbated because of a plague of illegal electric motoX type bikes invading the area.

The fun police have been out to play. New fencing and dead hedging / brush utilised to block off a lot of the known routes. New ones have been created, so it's still worth a visit. Top tip - Evening is better for riding / less footfall.

Free crossing for pushbikes, if you need to get over the crossing.

Nice little dirt path running along the river Cray.

.

Nice Gravel Section

The Crayford marshes are an expansive seasonal wetland alongside the River Darent. Its pastureland is divided by ditches and reeds, making it quite impressive to see. It's an important place for birds and you might be lucky enough to spot (or hear) Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, skylark and even ringneck parakeet. Little egrets are also resident.