London Loop sponsored walk in aid of Depaul UK     Depaul UK Logo

London Loop Logo

The London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP) is a walking route that approximately follows the boundary of Greater London. More popularly known as the London Loop, it starts at Erith, in the borough of Bexley, and continues in a clockwise direction until about 150 miles later it finishes at Purfleet in Havering.

It was fully opened in 2001 and consists of 24 sections each with starting and finishing points easily accessible by tube, train or bus.

The actual route is fairly well indicated by a variety of way markers bearing the LOOP logo showing a flying kestrel.

This was my first long distance walk, which I completed during the month of May 2009 in favourable weather. I did the walk in 15 sections as suggested in David Sharp’s book ‘The London Loop’ and indicated in the picture below. See my noticeboard for reports of the walks. 

 

The London Loop

Uxbridge Lock to Moor Park Donkey Wood to Uxbridge Lock Kingston Bridge to Donkey Wood Moor Park to Elstree Banstead Downs to Kingston Bridge Elstree to Cockfosters Hamsey Green to Banstead Downs West Wickham Common to Hamsey Green Cockfosters to Enfield Lock Enfield Lock to Chigwell Chigwell to Harold Wood Harold Wood to Purfleet Jubilee Park to West Wickham Common Old Bexley to Jubilee Park Erith Riverside to Old Bexley

(Mouse over the picture for further details, links to Google Earth and click on Logos for photos when available)

 

    Philippa Chaplin

Philippa Chaplin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As this task was a challenge for me I thought it would be worthwhile getting sponsorship to raise money for Depaul UK (previously Depaul Trust), which supports young people across UK who may find themselves homeless and vulnerable. All proceeds will go to one of their local projects. The charity was chosen in memory of Ella O’Connor, a friend from our parish of St John Fisher RC Church in Bexley, who for many years supported and guided young people in the parish, and who was also involved in work with homeless people.

 

to photos Photos to photos

 

Amount pledged so far = £1550.00
Additional donation on behalf of Ella O'Connor = £2500.00

 

Justgiving - Sponsor me now!

 

Final note: This has been a memorable experience and I’ve been amazed by the support and enthusiasm I’ve had from everyone. What started as a small idea seems to have grown and grown. It’s surprising how much lovely countryside London has, and some wonderful views. I have been extremely fortunate with the weather, and can only recall a couple of occasions when there were short showers. Although at times the journeys before and after each section could take up to two hours each way, I always finished the days’ walking with a sense of achievement. And it didn’t end there, because photos and comments then had to be put on the website.

 

I would like to thank my husband, Martin, whose expertise and patience has made this website possible. Every evening after my walk he would ask me to choose no more than 12 photos… well I just got carried away. But he didn’t complain about the extra work I gave him.

 

Thanks also to the friends and family who joined me on parts of the Loop, and to Chris who organised the publicity in our parish, and to Depaul UK for their support (and T-shirts). And a big thank you to all my sponsors, both off and on-line. You have managed to raise over £1500 for Depaul UK. The money raised will go to support one of their local projects, Outside Link: Rochester, which helps young prisoners from the Young Offender’s Institution in Rochester to obtain accommodation prior to release from prison, in order to prevent them from becoming homeless and re-offending. It also aims to set up support networks into the community where they will be living on their release.

 

I hope everyone has enjoyed following this journey with me, and possibly feel inspired to discover the London Loop for yourselves.

 

This page was last updated by Philippa Chaplin on 29 June, 2009