Map: Thurrock100-Walk6 14 July
This is a circular walk beginning and ending at the historic site of the Bata Shoe Factory. After setting off from Stanford House (previously the Bata Hotel, built to accommodate single factory workers), you will walk past East Tilbury Primary School and the local modernist movement houses.
You then head across the marshes and along the river to Coalhouse Fort, built in the 19th century to defend the River Thames from the threat of invasion, passing migrant birds and industrial landmarks on the way. You pass Coalhouse Battery before heading towards West Tilbury village, passing Holford Farm and then East Tilbury station and back to the starting point at Bata.
You don’t need to walk the full 10 miles if you don’t want to – pick up/drop off points are clearly indicated for each walk in green below. The original approx walk timings are below for your reference. The main points are:
- 12.00 Set off from Stanford House and hear about the history of Bata in the area.
- 12.45 Pass East Tilbury Primary school and walk through East Tilbury marshes, with views of the Thames, and the Bata factory and estate.
- 15.00 Arrive at Coalhouse Fort (tours of the fort and the park are available) (4 miles). You can picnic here or visit The Ship in the village.
- 16.15 Leave Coalhouse Fort.
- 16.20 Visit the Grade 1 listed St Catherine’s Church (5 miles)
- 17.45 Arrive at West Tilbury (7.5 miles), with a potential refreshment stop at the King’s Head.
- 18.15 Leave West Tilbury.
- 19.30 Arrive back at Stanford House, East Tilbury.
Download our original day’s schedule and map here so you can follow it yourself:
Meeting Place
Stanford House (the old Bata Hotel).
Parking
Free parking available around Stanford House.
Accessibility
Please download the map above for more detail on which parts of the route are most accessible. Blue routes have been identified as most likely to be suitable for wheelchairs users and buggies, taking into account the quality, gradient and availability of dropped kerbs on the path.
Disclaimer
Whilst we endeavour to make all our walks as safe and enjoyable as possible, any walk attended is done so at your own risk. Due care has been exercised in organising the walks however Thurrock Council and associated sponsors accept no liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes.
You need to choose walks within your capabilities; and if not on one of the Thurrock 100 guided walks, you should consider walking with a friend.
Equipment and Clothing
This walk originally took place on Tuesday 14 July 2015