Just Walk Programme
Self Walk Map
Ripple Nature Reserve and Dagenham Dock
Time
Approximately 75 minutes.
Distance
Approximately 6kms/3.75 miles.
Route information (e.g. flat, easy walking)
Uneven along entire route.
Footpath information
Footpaths and grass - several stiles.
Start point
City Farm, Thames Road, Thames View, Barking.
Accessible
Not accessible as there are squeeze gates, stiles.
Wildlife to look out for
Orchids - the silver birch woodland has a colourful selection of orchids during the spring and summer. These include Common Spotted Orchards and Southern Marsh Orchids.
Grey Partridge - this orange-faced bird can often be seen feeding by the sides of paths near the riverside.
Oyster Catchers - this wading bird can be seen along the River Thames and is easily recognised by its white and black plumage and long orange bill.
Salt-marsh plants - including Sea Milkwort, Lesser Sea Spurrey and Sea Aster are found here; the rarest River Thames habitat in Barking and Dagenham.
Health fact
Walking can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Points of interest
City Farm - refreshments are available to purchase.
Tel: 020 8594 8449 for opening hours/parking provision.
Transport links
Bus: 387
Step by Step - Ripple Nature Reserve and Dagenham Dock Walk
Start at the City Farm car park in Thames Road. Walk out to the road and turn right into Thames Road and walk to the end of the road to the junction with Renwick road.
Turn right into Renwick Road and enter the Ripple Nature Reserve (managed by London Wildlife Trust) immediately on your right. Pass through the gate.
Continue along the main path through the woodland and pass over the stile at the end of the path. Follow the path to the right and at the end turn left through the silverbirch woodland. Follow the path that leads around the back of the power station by going through the gate or over the stile.
Continue along the path to the right keeping the power station on the left. When the path forks take the left path and at the end turn left, again with the power station on the left. Take the path close to the station.
At the end of the power station go through a green gate on the left and continue straight on walking towards the pylon. Follow the path round and under the pylon, down the steps and out of the gate.
Cross Renwick road and pass over the stile. Follow the path for a short distance then turn right where the fence ends. Continue up a small hill, continue straight on and this footpath will end up by the River Thames.
Take a left and follow the course of the river until reaching a concrete walkway. Here follow the footpath that bares left and walk straight, heading away from the river and towards the factories in the distance. At the end of the footpath bear right and walk down the hill to the swing gate.
On Choats Road, turn left and follow the road. At the end turn left back onto Renwick Road, cross over the pedestrian crossing, continue along Renwick Road and turn right into Thames Road and back to the starting point.
Make your way back and why not have a look around the Thames View City Farm.
Please note: At Choats Road it may be necessary to cross the road to use the footpath so please do so with care.
Route map
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Click image for larger version.
