5 on this outing in dense fog with no views

A decent pace was possible as there wasn't THAT much mud around, the notoriously unkempt and overgrown paths were manageable and the walkers were up for it.

A very pleasant lunch was had by 4 of us at The Bell, while the 1 picnicker read a book at the bar. 1 then shortcutted to Stanford-le-Hope station, claiming an early evening 'do' to get to, so the remaining 4 strode on into the murk. 16.27 train.

An all-male Gang of 4 convened for this drencher of a walk.

The rain was heavy and consistent until noon, but we were all appropriately dressed for the occasion, so no moaning. Then a dry period erupted, most of which though we spent at the lunch pub, after which we had rain again! At a quarter past three though, it stopped for good, just as we were nearing the stretch where you get panoramic views of London's skyline. Perfect timing. A little later we were even bathed in sunshine, for about 10 minutes or so. Oh, the luxury!

The rest was overcast, so all in: lots of rain with some breaks and even a little sunshine .

1 cut out the bottom part of the figure of 8, 1 other walked the pm shortcut, 2 all of the route. Lunch at The Bell was as good as ever (they had one small table left in the bar area, which is exactly what we needed). The arable field crossings were of the ploughed-London-Clay variety so, as the boots had just returned to some semi-presentable state at the time, we skirted the last field before lunch. Else: lots of slippery stiles and very slippery footbridges (I tried leaf-skating, it works), one stretch of very overgrown footpath (I will send a mail to the Essex r-o-w Officer) and some very fine conversations along the way.

A very good day out. It definitely blew away any cobwebs there might have been...

Oh: plenty of fascinating mushrooms.

Yes, it was a very good day out. Must be something wrong with me as I enjoyed the rain.

Also, great to see the Essex hills, 40 metres above sea level.

No Circle or District line trains to Tower Hill (for Fenchurch Street) this weekend

For those in South London with access to the DLR, Tower Gateway is a stone's throw from Fenchurch Street.

It is also not that far from Bank and Aldgate

Or as I've just found out, Jubilee Line to West Ham.

The most recent comment on this walk from someone who did the walk in June said the middle section was impassible, as did some previous comments, due to nettles and brambles. Is this something to worry about/ take seriously?

Five familiar faces and one newcomer assembled at Laindon Station for the usual formalities and set off under initially perfect bright blue autumnal skies . The route is actually quite hilly and explores a number of wooded nature reserves -- all showing some nice autumn color. The morning was particularly nice with the sunshine through the trees in the light woods....On the approach to Horndon-on-the-Hill, we caught-up with another familiar face having taken an earlier train....making for 7 in total. Some dined at the Bell and others had sandwiches, but all regrouped for the afternoon stretch, again through some nice wooded countryside with views back to London -- though, the weather had become a bit misty by then...

It is a very enjoyable walk at this time of year with nice woods and some rolling hills -- all fields/path passible (though some a little overgrown) -- the only draw back being the close approach to the A13 just before lunch....

anyone going on this one please?

I am going

9 off the train, 1 by car, plus a late entrant by the following train. So 11 in beautiful late summer sunshine . Lovely views out over the estuary and back into the great Wen on the morning trek, a little less than perfect due to the heat haze. Everyone opted for the Bell, perhaps dissuaded by the ads outside the Swan for Ladies night, and Cockney night! The Bell was very busy, but all were served outside with excellent quality food at reasonable prices, though the same couldn’t be said for the lime and soda at £2.65.

Most opted for the afternoon extension and reached the Plotlands with its excellent cafe before its summer closing time of 5pm. Tea, coffee, ice cream and superb home made cakes were served by the mostly senior citizen volunteers. These lovely people have been forbidden by Health and Safety from refilling water bottles, and don’t try the loos, as they are all converted to hot water only. All they could do was to sell plastic bottles of water, adding to the woes of planet Earth. A marvellous walk over hills and through woods in an atmosphere pregnant with autumnal possibilities.

Thanks AD, who is going on this walk ?

Shoreham is wetter than Laindon tomorrow anyway. Sadly a bit of a mission for me to get to Essex but have a good time.

i'm working today so not going and the weather forecast is really no better although Essex is classified in met terms as arid! Never seems that way when I lived there for 26years unless around the Beth Chatto garden.

Intend going.

Hello everyone, Can someone who is coming meet me at Laindon? I am coming with the train, my first time and would be good to join someone who knows the route.

Thank you,

Marti

The group will be obvious when you get off the train (if not before! Look for a bunch of walkers while on the train, if you like).

Otherwise you will see them easily on the platform on arrival at Laindon and I am sure they will make you very welcome. At least one person (see previous comment) has already said they are going, and it sounds like the walk poster is going too. And I am sure there will be others.

So don't worry: it all works.

Now I might do that walk on Saturday. But I can't Guarantee I will.

thanks all. very much look forward to it.

9

warm and damp until lunch then a brighter afternoon

Despite being a little soggy it was a lovely morning meandering through pretty woods and fields.

Lunch was a delicious restaurant-quality affair at the well-renowned Bell Inn at Horndon-on-the-Hill. Service was a little on the slow-side but the food was well worth the wait and it also gave a chance for the rain to pass!

The weather brightened up throughout the afternoon, so we were able to enjoy the stunning views across the London skyline. Afternoon tea and cake was devoured at the Langdon visitor centre before a quick jaunt around the Plotlands and back to the station with plenty of time for a couple of beers back in London.

A lovely (slightly soggy) day.

anyone done this walk? tell all pls

It is a mice walk, worth doing. First and last quarter are very un-Essex-y, gentle hills and varied landscape. Before and after lunch some big arable field and pylon country but a gorgeous lunch pub, a real highlight (leastways, it was two or three years ago. Minimal to no tea options. Late tea at Fenchurch Street perhaps?

Hoping to attend but have gone a little weak after having flu.

jfk

13 sunny with a breeze

11 off the posted train, 2 off an earlier one, who then took "shortcuts", yet got to the pub after the main group...? Nice walk, good views into the Thames Valley and later back to London, mercifully dry and therefore easily walkable arable fields, a scattering of fine woods and rolling hills, and a superb lunch pub (Michelin recommended, therefore near full).

The directions largely held up despite being only skeletal and a few years old, bar the odd change in fencing, gates, field shapes, re-aligned right-of-ways, overgrown paths etc.

2 walkers explored a potential variation near the end to Dunton Plotlands NR (incl. a fine info centre with refreshments). More alterations are possible in the morning part to integrate more of the woods and Nature Reserves in the area. Expect a re-write of the walk sometime soon...

Towards the end of the walk there is a nice variation to the main route and I'll wtite something in the walk comments.

Thanks for your walk reports guys. Sadly i was unable to join you due to an injured knee which requires a rest from hills and climbing stiles. Pulled ligaments. It would be good to have the walk directions written up in Club format which I could walk check in due course with walking friend who lives in Essex.