Jacktars & Landlubbers: Day 3
Sunday 25 May 2025
9am – 6pm
Linear Route: Benfleet → Thameside Nature Discovery Park, via Pitsea
How does Thameside living connect land, river and sea?
Day 3 of 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 3: Leaving Benfleet, the route shifts from estuary industry to wild, open landscapes. Skirt the edges of Pitsea and across into Thurrock, where marshland meets modern life, before stepping into the sweeping expanse of Thameside Nature Discovery Park. Once land claimed by industry, now a thriving habitat, this stretch offers a different view of the Estuary – teeming with birdlife, wind-rippled grasses, and panoramic river views. The day will finish with a specially-devised Morris dancing performance from locals Hands Around and a conservation talk by Thameside team members.
Walk Information:
- Duration: 9hrs (including stops for activities along the way)
- Distance: 13 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Walk Team: Phil Easteal & Graham Mullender
For anyone wishing to join at Thameside Nature Discovery Park for the Morris Dancing Performance and Talk, there is no need to book.
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: Benfleet Train Station
End point: Stanford-le-Hope Train Station is 40mins (2 miles) walk from Thameside Nature Discovery Park
By car:
Limited pay and display parking at Benfleet Train Station, Thameside Nature Discovery Park and Stanford-le-Hope Train Station
The walk isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the length, mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and steps and slopes.
However, the end-point at Thameside Nature Discovery Park where we’ll gather for refreshments, enjoy the Morris dancing performance and a talk from the site’s team on the conservation work being done in the area is accessible, including for wheelchairs and large pushchairs
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 nicole@kinetika.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.
Limited toilet facilities can be accessed along the way, including at Thameside Nature Discovery Park at the end of the walk.
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.
