HIKE 14km BEGINNERS Fishing Towns & Nature Reserves of the Thames Estuary

This is one of our later start hikes - ideal if you're going out Friday night or have to make a journey into London

Join us along arguably Essex’s most captivating coastal hiking trail, combining natural beauty, history, and panoramic views of the Thames Estuary. This hike takes us through the heart of Hadleigh Country Park, past the atmospheric ruins of Hadleigh Castle, and onto the birdlife-rich Two Tree island. From historic landmarks to thriving wildlife and charming coastal vistas, this hike is an ideal escape for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and coastal explorers alike.

Along the way, we’ll marvel at sweeping views over the estuary and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Essex’s coastal heritage. Culminating in Leigh-on-Sea, a charming fishing town with a rich history and vibrant present, this hike is a perfect blend of serene landscapes and cultural highlights.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Hadleigh Country Park - one of the largest in Essex.
• Visit the enchanting 13th-century ruins of Hadleigh Castle.
• Discover the Estuary island of Two Tree Island Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for birdlife and marine species.
• End the hike in Leigh-on-Sea, often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK.
• Relish the coastal charm of Leigh-on-Sea, a historic fishing town famous for it's freshly caught cockles - a local delicacy.
• Enjoy sweeping views of the River Thames estuary throughout the trail.
• Spot iconic bird species like herons, kestrels and peregrines, for all full list of birds you can see and seasons - LINK
• Discover remnants of local fishing traditions at the "Graveyard of Lost Species"

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our hike begins as we follow scenic trails into Hadleigh Country Park, a sprawling 387-acre area of meadows, marshes, and woodlands recognized for its natural beauty and biodiversity.

We ascend toward Hadleigh Castle, perched atop a ridge with captivating views over the Thames Estuary. Built in the 13th century, the castle was a strategic defensive position and later immortalised in a painting by John Constable. We pause to soak in the panoramic views and immerse ourselves in Essex’s medieval past that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Continuing along the Thames Estuary Path, we journey toward Two Tree Island, a 634-acre nature reserve surrounded by saltmarsh and tidal mudflats. This peaceful island is crucial for various bird species, providing winter refuge for migratory birds. It is a haven for birdlife, including avocets, brent geese, and Mediterranean gulls.

Finally, we arrive in Leigh-on-Sea, a charming seaside town with a proud fishing heritage that still continues today. Known for its vibrant maritime culture and delicious cockles and often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, Leigh-on-Sea offers the perfect end to our hike, we have time to explore and also enjoy a drink in a coastal pub.

MEETING POINT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY before leaving home - you need to enter on the correct main entrance to the station, only this entrance leads to our meeting point, we advise allowing 10 minutes to find it:

Fenchurch Street station inside the main entrance at the front of the station 8:40am, leave at 9am for the 9:18am train. Meet at the top of the escalators in front of the platform ticket barriers - PHOTO. Please note - you must come in the main entrance at the front of the station, not any of the other station entrances. The main entrance is on a street called "Fenchurch Place", you can see it here on this Google Maps LINK
Planned arrival back into London is 5:37pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - GRAHAM 07796 098487 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Grading: Beginners
Ascent: 140m
Hiking time: 4 to 4.5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£31 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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