Wednesday, 26 January 2022 - BENFLEET TO SOUTHEND - 10 miles - Leader: Martin F

A great estuary river walk taking in the hilly environs of Hadleigh castle in this ancient landscape, where a former brick works is the place to have a coffee and comfort stop. Be warned, the descent to Leigh on Sea can be fraught with mud-laden fields before tasting the delights of fish and chips at Leigh. If Southend does not beckon after lunch, many have succumbed to return to London from the rail station. Chalkwell and Westcliffe rail stations, on the way to Southend and near ice cream parlors, are conveniently placed as drop out points too.

Lunch: Picnic /lunch in the cafes and pubs in Leigh on Sea.

· Benfleet: arrival timed with wheelie bin collection

· Path giving view of marina

· As promised, an early climb uphill

· Rewarded by a stop for coffee

· Site of Hadleigh castle – we’re briefed on Hubert de Burgh and Edward III

· Hadleigh Castle

- And Constable’s painting (he managed more river…)

· The inevitable mud

· Leigh for lunch

· And then the thrills of the seaside on the way to Southend

· Including funfair

· And of course the pier.

Photos: Ruth