The Thurrock Story Walk with Man About Country
Saturday 23 May 2026
10am – 5pm
Join James Lawrence, storyteller and Man About Country, on an immersive walk through Thurrock’s layered past.
Travelling through landscapes shaped by land, water and labour, you’ll hear stories of Saxons, soldiers, workers and WRENs – people who lived, worked and passed through this often overlooked but deeply distinctive place.
Along the way, James weaves history, folklore and place-based storytelling to reveal how Thurrock became what it is today. Participants can choose to complete the full route or join and leave at designated points along the way.
Suitable for: All ages
Walk Information:
- Start and end point:
Start point 1: Stanford-le-Hope Train Station
Start point 2: Thameside Nature Discovery Centre (2.17 miles from start point)
Start point 3: Coalhouse Fort (7.77 miles from start point)
End point: East Tilbury Train Station
- Duration: Approx 7 hours
- Distance: 9.5 miles / 5.3 miles alternate route
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walk Team: James & T100 Team
James, or otherwise known as Man About Country is an Essex born walk leader, storyteller and land raver with a dream – inspiring you to spend more time in the Great British outdoors.
With over 5 years of roaming and walk leading under his belt, James shows that there is wonder beyond the beaten path.
Follow along to find out more.
@man_about_country
www.facebook.com/manaboutcountry
www.manaboutcountry.co.uk
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 bus: The 375 connects Stanford-le-Hope to East Tilbury Station, passing by Coalhouse Fort. The 200 operates between Grays and Basildon, passing through Stanford-le-Hope and Tilbury.
By train: Both Stanford-le-Hope and East Tilbury are on the C2C line.
Parking: Free parking is available on-street nearby East Tilbury Station or at Coalhouse Fort Car Park, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB
The walk isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and slopes.
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 and/or 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 – 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.
Toilet facilities can be accessed at Thames Nature Discovery Centre near the beginning of the walk and Coalhouse Fort towards the end of the walk.
We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the event 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.
