Cycling from Essex to Kent...

[Mabelcat]

I'm going to cycle from Chelmsford to Ashford some time this summer. Where is the best place for me to cross the Thames. I know the QE2 Bridge at Dartford will transport cyclists across but is there another bridge area I can use without going too far out of my way?

[Gary-ET]

Well after the QE2 bridge you have Tower Bridge, that would take you to the southside of the Thames, then you could get to Ashford through south London, either that or London or Westminster Bridge. To be honest (I am a keen cyclist) if you stay North of the Thames, you could go vis West London which is probably easier.

Gary-ET

[Gary-ET]

Sorry, Ashford there is an Ashford in West London! My bad. Yeahh, the QE2 or Tower Bridge would do you nicely. Gary-ET

[Mabelcat]

Thanks Gary. I'll go for the QE2 Bridge then.

[sddsddean]

According to how much out of the way it is, the next crossing is the Woolwich Ferry (which is free) and takes about 10 minutes. Actually, thinking about it, the Woolwich Foot Tunnel is actually just downstream of the Ferry, but I can't remember if you can take bikes through.

[Buenchico]

If you'll be cycling on a Sunday, the QE2 bridge will be your best route.

From Monday to Saturday, however, there's a much better option: You can take your bike on the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry. This runs roughly every half hour from 0600 to 1900.

You can avoid heavy traffic (and cut down the distance) by riding through Stock and Billericay. From Gravesend, you've got a fairly flat route to Ashford, via Rochester and Maidstone.

To confirm the arrangements for bikes on the ferry you can phone the Lower Thames & Medway Passenger Boat Company on 01732 353448 (or phone direct to the ferry: 0797 339 0124).

Chris

[-scrumpy-]

I think there's also a passenger ferry fro Tilbury across the Thames (across to Gravesend I think). I'm not sure whether it takes cycles though.

[-scrumpy-]

doh! should have read all the replies before replying. sorry...

[Mabelcat]

Thanks for everyone's help. I plan to do the Tilbury - Gravesend route now...as it's the most direct. I'll either end up with family near Ashford or make it all the way to family in Broadstairs!!