Jacktars & Landlubbers: Day 1
Friday 23 May 2025
1pm – 6:30pm
Linear Route: Shoeburyness → Westcliff via Southend Pier
How does Thameside living connect land, river and sea?
Join us for an unforgettable 4-day journey through the Thames Estuary, where walkers and sailors move side by side, tracing the footsteps and wake of those who shaped this historic waterway.
From boat decks to riverbanks, Jacktars and Landlubbers will immerse you in the landscapes, industries, and communities that have thrived along the Thames. Explore historic routes, uncover maritime and industrial heritage, and hear the untold stories of the Jacktars (sailors) and Landlubbers (labourers) who built the estuary’s rich history.
Whether on foot or by boat, be part of this unique adventure and rediscover the Thames in a whole new way.
Day 1: Kick off your journey at Shoeburyness, where the Thames meets the North Sea and history runs deep. Follow the shore past military remnants and shifting tides to Southend Pier, the world’s longest pleasure pier, once a bustling hub for sailors and traders. Stroll its length, take in the vastness of the estuary, and enjoy a special performance on the pier from locals Fitz & Sons that echoes the river’s rich past. Ending in Westcliff, with sweeping views over the water, you’ve traced the footsteps of Jacktars and Landlubbers – just the start of an unforgettable adventure.
Walk Information:
- Duration: 5.5hrs (including stops for activities along the way)
- Distance: 8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walk Team: Phil Easteal & Graham Mullender
Please note this is a linear walk, meaning the start and end-points are not the same. We ask that you bear this in mind as you plan your travel to and from the event.
At T100 we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint at every level and would like to encourage all people attending our events and walks to use public transport if they are able to. If you need to drive, please let us know if you would consider car-pooling or car sharing.
By train:
Start point: Shoeburyness Train Station, Station Approach off the High Street.
End point: Westcliff Train Station is 10 mins walk (0.4 miles) from the walk end-point
By car:
Limited pay and display parking available at Shoeburyness Train Station
Generally, the walk is accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs, but there are road crossings and kerbs we will encounter on the walk and boardwalk to be traversed on the pier. For more detail on the accessibility of Southend Pier, see the website: https://www.southendpier.co.uk/accessibility
T100 walks are of different lengths and on varying terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven. We have designed our programme with accessibility in mind so we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to discuss this please contact hello@t100festival.co.uk
Everyone needs to choose walks within their capabilities. The walk leaders are experienced but must take people’s word that they will be ok undertaking the walk they have chosen to join.
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, especially unsupervised. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing, sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for all weather!
Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but if you don’t have these please wear suitable and comfortable footwear such as trainers – it’s best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home. Make sure you bring snacks and a packed lunch with you, if necessary, and plenty to drink.
Public toilet facilities can be accessed along the the walk, including on Southend Pier.
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 T100 team know on the day.
