This walk is now over but we have left the walk info below in case you wish to replicate it yourself.
The original walk happened on: Saturday 7 July 10am-3.30pm
Walk Description
A panoramic walk with estuary views from Benfleet Station to Old Leigh through the Benfleet Downs, (crossing a section of the Olympic cross-country mountain bike areas) and along to the Salvation Army Tea Rooms in Hadleigh where tea and cake was available to buy. 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 the original self-sufficient colony estate here in 1891. A member of their staff spoke to the group of walkers about their work.
Leaving Hadleigh Castle we walked downhill to Leigh on Sea. Entering the old town we stopped at Osborne’s stall and were offered samples of their beautiful fresh cockles while a member of the family spoke to our group. Walkers had the option to buy from the shed or walk a little further along and purchase from their outside counter and sit at their cafe tables, followed by a drink from the Crooked Billet.
Huge thanks to all the businesses we visited along the way and to Sally Chinea and Hazel Huber for leading this walk.
Map
See the route map here:
https://www.wikiloc.com/walking-trails/benfleet-to-leigh-on-sea-via-hadleigh-castle-25154138
Original schedule/ info for walkers:
- Registration: 9.45 a.m.
- Walk starts: 10.00 a.m.
- Meeting point: Benfleet Station – High Street Exit, South Benfleet, Benfleet SS7 1NF
- Stop for tea, cake and a talk at Salvation Army Tea Rooms: 11.45 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
- Walk ends: 2.00 p.m.
- Lunch ends: 3.30 p.m.
Duration: 4 hours plus cockles at Leigh
Distance: 5.25 miles
Grading: Moderate to difficult
Walk Leaders: Sally Chinea and Hazel Huber
Travel
Train
Nearest Train Station: C2C Benfleet Station.
Train station at the end of the walk: C2C Leigh Station
Parking
Benfleet Station, (High Street Exit, South Benfleet, Benfleet SS7 1NF) £3.00 all day. This car park closes at 5.00 p.m.
Alternatively, park at Leigh station (Belton Way,Leigh on Sea,Essex, SS9 2ET) which is open 24 hrs. (£2.50 all day) and 1 stop fare (£2.90) to Benfleet to join walk start. The car will be at end.
Accessibility
This walk is initially road then enters Benfleet Downs with managed footpaths of sand, stone and gravel. There are some hill climbs and uneven surfaces. The walk is not accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. 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.
Walk leaders will be at the start of the walk regardless of the weather. In the unlikely event of any unforeseen circumstances, Kinetika reserve the right to change or cancel a walk and/or performance. Please check the website regularly for any updates or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
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.
Photos/ filming
We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the project in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed, that’s absolutely fine, please let a member of the Kinetika team know on the day.
Flyer
Download the flyer for Thurrock 100 Recipes 2018 here: Thurrock 100 Recipes 2018 flyer
