A designated SSSI. Initially grazing land with ancient (mainly willow) trees. The River Darent is reached at Dartford Creek where the path should be followed towards the Thames estuary. (In spring/summer make a short detour to the right here to look for warblers in the small reedbed.) At low tide mud is exposed providing rich feeding ground for birds. From Dartford Creek there are good views across the ancient landscape of Crayford Marshes which is bounded by industrial outlets and across Dartford Marshes looking towards the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. In winter there are flooded areas here that provide high tide roosts for waders. The Darent Barrier at the river mouth is surrounded by areas of mud particularly popular with waders and wildfowl. From here the route can be followed along the Thames for a short distance with the scrapyard on the left towards Crayford Ness. This section gives good views over the Thames towards Rainham and Aveley Marshes.

At Crayford Ness check birds on foreshore near Erith yacht club before retracing steps to Slade Green.