GATEWAY FAMILY RIDE from Grays to RSPB Rainham Marshes

The weather was excellent and the company too.  The 5 intrepid committee members set off from the Civic Hall at about the specified time. The route out to the RSPB was one that we have used many times before. The way through the Mardyke Woods was thankfully dry – but a bit dusty. Once out of the woods onto Ship Lane we continued to the Arterial Road, Botany Way and onto Tank Lane. Tank Lane led to Tank Hill Road and from there we passed the Purfleet Heritage Centre and the Platinum Jubilee silhouette of the Queen. We rode briefly along the river to the RSPB and then did the loop around the daintily named Aeolia Rainham Landfill. Although it doesn’t sound too pretty, it is actually a very lovely route with views along the river with a particularly rural setting. That led us back to the RSPB for food and drink as required. Jon Lane joined us in the cafe and we had a good old chat before leaving on the return journey.

The route back was via London Road through Purfleet and London Road, Grays, Eastern Way (where Dave turned off), Orsett Road and Palmers Avenue at the top of which the remainder basically went their own separate ways after a jolly good ride.

Thanks to Dave Fish for organising the ride and Jeff, Anthon and Alan for making it a very good and enjoyable ride.

Davy Down

Purfleet on Thames

Along the River Thames path

Mardyke Woods