The Thames: The M25 of Its Time
Sunday 4 May 2025
1pm – 5pm
Linear Route: Davy Down → St. Clement’s, West Thurrock
How do the stories of the Pilgrim route resonate today?
Join Sue Yates, Chair of Thurrock Local History Society, for a walk along the ancient Pilgrim route from Davy Down to St Clement’s West Thurrock. Discover historical gems along the way, including the 14-arch viaduct, Stifford Pumping Station, and St Clement’s Church, where pilgrims once prayed before crossing the river to Canterbury. After the walk, enjoy refreshments, and a talk inside St Clement’s Church, of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame.

Walk Information:
- Duration: 1.5hrs
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walk Leader and Backstop: Sue Yates, Nicole Artingstall, Lesley Robinson
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 bus:
To start point at Davy Down:
- 22 from Aveley/ S Ockenden
- 370 from Grays
- Get off at Pilgrims Lane
From end point:
Lakeside is a 5-minute walk from Chafford Hundred Train Station.
Travel back to Lakeside:
- Take bus 22 towards Aveley (departs outside The Ship, which is 0.5 miles/10-minute walk from the church)
- Get off at the Costco roundabout
- Walk to Lakeside (0.4 miles/8-minute walk)
By car:
Free parking is available at St Clement’s. Due to works, access to St Clement’s can only be made via the Car Park (not from road and front gate).
The walk from Pilgrims Lane, Davy Down isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and steps and slopes.
However, the end-point at St Clement’s where we’ll gather for refreshments and a talk from Thurrock Local History society on the site’s connection to Pilgrim routes through Thurrock 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 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.
Toilet facilities can be accessed at St Clement’s at the end of the walk.
We will be taking photographs and video 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.