WALKING

Benfleet to Chalkwell with brunch at Salvation Army Tea Rooms/ ice cream at Belfairs Woodland Centre

This walk happened on Sat 13th July 9.15am-2.30pm but you can follow the walk yourself using the information below.

Walk 8 of T100 Welcome to the Kitchen Table

A panoramic estuary path walk from Benfleet to Chalkwell, viewing the nature reserves created to help protect this extremely diverse, but scarce natural environment.
The route passes Barge Gladys and then continues along towards Hadleigh Castle where a break can be enjoyed.

If you stop for brunch at the Salvation Army Tea Rooms, the food is prepared, cooked and served by their trainees. Much of the produce used is grown on site by the Horticultural teams relating back to William Booth, founder of this self-sufficient colony 1891.

The walk then continues on through Hadleigh into Belfairs Nature Reserve, though to the Woodland Centre. Finally, follow the Prittle Brook Greenway, up to Leigh High Street and re-join the Thames Estuary Path to Chalkwell Beach.

Schedule

  • Meeting point: Benfleet Train Station, South Benfleet, Benfleet SS7 1NE
  • 9.15 am: Registration
  • 9.30 am: Walk starts
  • 11am – 12.30pm: Brunch at Salvation Army Tea Rooms
  • 1.15 – 1.30 pm Comfort break /ice cream stop at Belfairs Woodland centre
  • 2.30 pm:  Walk ends at Chalkwell Station, The Ridgeway, Chalkwell, Essex, SS0 8PX

Walk Info

  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: Approx 8 miles
  • Grading: Moderate with difficult parts.
  • Terrain: The walk is very varied including public road, pavement and steps. There is uneven marshland terrain, managed footpaths of sand, stone, gravel and woodland trails. This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Many thanks to our original walk leaders: Sally Chinea and Hazel Huber

Route Map
https://www.wikiloc.com/walking-trails/t100-south-benfleet-chalkwell-33224121

Travel

Train

Nearest train station at the start: C2C Benfleet, South Benfleet, Benfleet SS7 1NE
Nearest train station at the end: C2C Chalkwell, The Ridgeway, Chalkwell, Essex, SS0 8PX

Parking

Car park at the start: Benfleet Station £3.00 all day, closes at 17:00
JustPark is available.
Car park at the end: There is no parking at Chalkwell Park Station.

Roadside parking a distance beyond the double yellow lines around the station.
Seafront £2.30 – 2hrs free after 18:00
JustPark is available.

Car parks en route:
Hadleigh Tea rooms – Car park here £6.00 all day, closes at 4.30 p.m.
Belfairs Woodland Centre – free parking all day
Leigh station- open 24 hrs, £3.00 all day parking
Leigh to Benfleet £2.80 single fare
Chalkwell to Benfleet £3.00 single fare.

Accessibility

This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It encounters uneven surfaces, a steep hill climb, path furniture including cattle grates, stiles and a footpath rail crossing. Within the walk there is a long flight of steps, down (St. Clements Church). NB there is no lift.

Thurrock 100 walks are of different lengths and on different terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven.  If this walk doesn’t suit you, there is probably another one that will.

Please note:
You need to choose walks within your capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced but must take your word that you are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk you have chosen.
Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes.  Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring

Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for everything!
Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but otherwise please wear suitable and comfortable footwear- best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home.  Make sure you bring a packed lunch, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Flyer

Download the flyer here:  T100 2019 FLYER

Thurrock100 T100 2019 walking festival flyer


Thurrock 100 would like to extend a huge thank you to its funders and delivery partners.

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