Sunday Walk: South Woodham Ferrers Circular (or to North Fambridge)

Circular: 11.9 miles 19.2 km Difficulty 4/10
To North Fambridge: 14.1 or 15.9 miles (22.7 or 25.5 km). Difficulty 5/10.
This varied -and for Essex, fairly hilly - walk offers splendid views of the Crouch Valley. It winds its way out of South Woodham Ferrers, through fields, over rolling hills, past an RHS Garden, and through more fields to lunch. The afternoon takes you back in the direction of South Woodham Ferrers and a choice of endings;
The circular seems the most amenable length for a Sunday. However there are compelling reasons for pushing on to North Fambridge. One is the CAMRA award winning Prince of Wales in Stowe Marie. Another is the serene finish, along the tidal River Crouch and through the salt marshes of a nature reserve.
Trains: Get the 10:22 Southend train from Liverpool St (Stratford 10:29) changing at Wickford (arr 11:00, dep 11:06) onto the Southminster train (platform 1), arriving South Woodham Ferrers at 11:14
Trains return from South Woodham Ferrers at xx:26, changing at Wickford.
Trains return from North Fambridge at xx:21, also changing at Wickford.
A return to North Fambridge (the furthest station) isn’t much more than one to South Woodham Ferrers and would cover both endings.
Lunch:  The Folly Bistro. in East Hanningfield 01245 400 315
Tea places in South Woodham Ferrers:
Shaw Farm, Old Wickford Road,  01245 320916,  Ex farm building with front rose gardens, huge back garden and lake.
The Whalebone Inn/Scrimshaw’s Restaurant Old Wickford Road, 01245 320231,
The Railway, Hullbridge Road, 01245 320262
Tea Places for North Fambridge
The Prince of Wales, Stow Maries, 01621 828 971 An early stop, renowned for its beer.
The Ferry Boat Inn, Ferry Road, North Fambridge, 01621 740208, 500 year old riverside pub.
Directions here
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