Length: 15.2 km (9.5 miles) or 18.6 km (11.6 miles) including One Tree Island. 4/10
A walk of contrasts - first through the hilly woodland of the Benfleet Downs, then through Hadleigh Country Park with the magnificent vantage point of Hadleigh Castle, then down to Leigh-on-Sea and back along Benfleet Creek, passing One Tree Island (possible interesting out-and-back circuit) and Barge Gladys (quirky tea stop).
There is a (very) small beach at Leigh-on-Sea about 1 km beyond the station. The sea only reaches the beach at high tide but I think swimming will be possible today.
Travel: 1004 from Fenchurch Street (West Ham 1013) arriving at Benfleet 1046. Around 5 return trains an hour.
Lunch: various places in Leigh-on-Sea; the Crooked Billet (01702 480289) is regarded as the best pub but is very popular. For a picnic, Hadleigh Castle is a fine spot.
Tea: as mentioned above, a quirky establishment called the Barge Gladys is about 400m before Benfleet Station. This is a converted barge with a pub garden, moored on the north side of Benfleet Yacht Club. It is popular with walkers, cyclists and boating people. NOTE BARGE GLADYS IS CASH ONLY
There are other refreshment opportunities in the High Street beyond Benfleet station. The Hoy and Helmet (01268 792307) has received good reviews but I haven't been there.
Short walk option: You could just walk the morning section of the walk to Leigh-on-Sea (8.9km, 5.6m), have lunch there and then spend the afternoon exploring Leigh-on-Sea or going to the aforementioned small beach. You will need a return to Leigh-on-Sea.
L=swc.268
#2026-07-01T10:00
No comments:
Post a Comment