The short walk follows the Essex shoreline to Leigh Folk Festival Once there, you'll find free stages along the waterfront as well as artists in other venues. Athough free, there will be collection buckets and merchandise. We usually detour to Hadleigh Castle on the way.
Anyone averse to frivolity and crowds can follow the circular walk via Benfleet Down instead. Or use the morning section for a more energetic approach to the festival.
The walks follow different directions from the station so don't tag on to the wrong group. We wouldn't want you accidentally enjoying yourself.
Trains. Get a return to Leigh-on-Sea.
The 09:53 Benfleet train from Fenchurch Street is suggested for both walks, arriving Benfleet at 10:55. This allows time for picnic at the castle or the circular. The back entrance to Fenchurch St station is not far from Tower Hill underground - follow the signs. It's a half-hourly service - you could get a later one if you're going straight along the creek - no castle, no picnic - but you'd miss all your little friends :(
Return trains from Leigh on Sea are at xx:00, xx:30 to Fenchurch Street, with a faster one to Liverpool Street at xx:42. Trains leave Benfleet 4 or 5 minutes later. The last train is at 22:56 arriving Fenchurch St at 23:46.
• Directions for the short walk: here. Most of it is through Hadleigh Castle Country Park. Along the way you have the option to turn left in the direction of the castle ruins, a good place for a picnic (you can get food in Leigh but things get busy). Note the railway station on your way into Leigh – that’s where you will be leaving from.
• Directions for the circular walk: here. This shares the same picnic spot as the short walk (Hadleigh Castle). The Rare Breed Centre at Hadleigh Farm is close to the walk route and their tea room is open for lunches. The notes suggest Leigh-on-Sea for lunch but Leigh’s waterfront will be busy today. You could explore uphill, however, away from the festival, round the Broadway area.
On the return to Benfleet, you pass a possible tea stop on a boat, the Barge Gladys. It serves simple meals, craft beers - and tea and coffee on request. The Hoy and Helmet in Benfleet High Street has received good reviews.
2 comments:
Only 3 on the appointed train but there were others on later trains, some of whom caught us up. Others were spotted during the day but, not having a clipboard with me, I didn’t check if they walked or got the train. I’m going to say n=7 As far as I know, no-one did the circular, except maybe the CLOG group who were on the same train. Weather was W=hot-sunny. The castle was still there but the hill it’s on has got higher. The festival was crowded, as expected. Less illustrious names than in previous years but that didn’t detract from the quality of the performers. Not having had a clipboard with me, I didn’t check if everyone enjoyed themselves. I'm going to say they did.
I have heard that 4 more latecomers dis the walk That makes the number n=11
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