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).
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.
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 small beach which is about 1 km beyond the station. You will need a return to Leigh-on-Sea.
For walk directions, map and GPX click here
PS . . . I'm going to be away for my slot on 16 August so would particularly welcome any requests if someone has an idea for that day. Please add to the Walk Requests thread.
T=swc.268