Cliffe Pools - North Kent Walk

 

Sharing a picture from a wonderful recent walk around the Kent Thames Estuary. Just about 50-ish minutes by car from East London, it was so quiet and peaceful. The following day, we went in search of Pip and Magwitch.

Shoeburyness to Westcliff – Essex Coastal Walk

 

Last Sunday, Gill and I took the trains from Forest Gate out to Shoeburyness for another stretch of the Essex Coast. After the relative freshness of the previous weekend’s walk, we thought the sea breeze might offer a cooler alternative to an inland route. It turned out to be a perfect choice.

The King Charles III England Coastal Path is now the longest coastal trail in the UK — a national route that winds around the entire English coastline. We’ve been toying with the idea of completing it in stages over the coming years. Whether we’ll ever manage the whole thing is another matter; there are so many brilliant paths across the UK (and beyond) competing for attention. But who knows.

Shoeburyness itself was full of surprises. I hadn’t realised it had been home to a major Army base for many decades, specialising not only in the coastal defence of the Thames and London but also in gunnery and weapons testing. As we followed the coastal path, the military history was everywhere: former forts, barracks, memorials, bunkers, gun emplacements — each one a reminder of how strategically important this stretch of coast once was.

The walk towards Southend‑on‑Sea was glorious. Big Essex skies, bright weather, and that wide estuary light that always feels a little cinematic. By the time we reached the Pier, the day had settled into that perfect mix of warmth and sea breeze.

One great advantage of a coastal walk is that it’s harder to get lost — just keep the sea on your left  — and with excellent local rail links you can easily do a linear walk and decide your finishing point as you go.

Lunch was at 140 Eastern Esplanade Café, found via Google Maps — highly recommended for good food and very Essex. 

We carried on as far as Westcliff, roughly six miles in total, before deciding to head home. The return was easy: c2c to Barking, then the Overground to Wanstead Park. With a railcard, it’s incredibly cheap, and if we’d booked a return a few days in advance it would have been even cheaper — around a third off.

Another great coastal section completed, and a lovely day out. Plenty more of the Essex coast still to explore.

🌤️ A Post‑Conference “Recovery Walk” on the Benfleet Downs & Hadleigh Marsh

Hadleigh Castle, marshes, detours and a bit of social history

After a full-on UNISON conference week & then a Newham Council Saturday, I escaped to Essex with Gill for what we optimistically called a “recovery walk” — the familiar 6.5‑mile circular route from the Essex Pathfinder Walks guidebook. We’ve done this one several times over the years, including back in 2021.

You’d think by now we’d know the starting point. You’d be wrong.

🚗 The Wrong Car Park (Again)

In true tradition, we parked at the car park near Hadleigh Castle rather than the actual start point in Hadleigh Country Park. No matter — the beauty of this walk is that you can easily join it from the Castle and adjust the route. It’s one of those forgiving circuits where a bit of improvisation doesn’t spoil the day.

For anyone planning it:

• Official start: Hadleigh Country Park car park

• Our start: The Castle car park (scenic, but technically wrong)

• Verdict: Still works perfectly well

🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Downs, Marshes and a Closed Crossing

The route across the Downs and marshes is as enjoyable as ever, with big skies and wide estuary views. You can also do this as a linear walk using the C2C line — station to station across the Downs is a cracking option if you don’t want to loop back.

One hiccup:

• The railway crossing at Point B was closed, forcing a about turn detour (remember we were going opposite way around to suggested route).

• And later, at Point D, we looked at the hill climb… and decided that due to the heat discretion is the better part of valour. So we headed straight back to the Castle for lunch instead of the full ascent. No regrets.

🏰 Lunch with a View

Hadleigh Castle remains one of the most atmospheric spots in Essex — ruined, windswept, and perched above the estuary. A perfect place to sit, decompress, and enjoy the breeze.

🧵 A Bit of Social History: The Salvation Army “Labour Colony”

Nearby sits the site of the former Salvation Army Labour Colony, now a training centre and rare breeds farm (and we used its paid for car park). The history is fascinating — part Victorian social reform, part moralistic experiment, part cautionary tale. Source: https://www.workhouses.org.uk/labourcolonies/

While these colonies were often framed as benevolent attempts to “rehabilitate” unemployed men, they also reflected the harsh attitudes of the era. And when you look at some modern international equivalents — forced labour camps, coercive “work programmes”, or exploitative migrant labour systems — the parallels are uncomfortable. Today we’d call many of these practices modern slavery, and in some cases, worse.

It’s a reminder that good intentions don’t excuse systems that strip people of agency or dignity.

🌿 A Good Walk, Even with Detours

Despite the wrong start, the closed crossing, and our tactical retreat from the final hill, it was a lovely day out. Fresh air, lots of sunshine, familiar paths, and time away from everyone - exactly what a post‑conference Sunday should be.

🚶‍♂️ A Return to North Weald: Forgotten Paths, Hidden Forts and a 450‑Year‑Old Pub

 

After finishing my Councillor surgery yesterday, Gill and I drove out to North Weald for a 4.7‑mile circular walk — a route we first did in 1998, again in 2011, and then somehow managed to forget entirely. It begins near the historic North Weald Railway Station and winds through quiet, open countryside that feels far more remote than its distance from London would suggest.

One stretch follows the line of a long‑lost Roman road. As we walked, we spotted deer pretending to be statutes, red kites circling overhead, and one particularly assertive hare who sat bolt upright within 50 metres of us, fully aware of our presence but entirely unimpressed by it. He held his ground until we passed, as if he owned the area.

What truly astonished me, though, was stumbling across the site of the "North Weald Redoubt" — one of 13 late‑19th‑century forts built around 1896 to defend London from invasion. Despite my strong interest in local history, I am slightly ashamed to admit that I had no idea these forts existed. The main site is shut off as "dangerous" for whatever reason but it is a reminder of a period when Britain feared attack from continental Europe long before the world wars reshaped those anxieties. (Reference: https://www.visiteppingforest.org/things-to-do/north-weald-redoubt-p1833191 )

Nearby fields were also dotted with dozens of seemingly random concrete blocks. I have never seen anything like it? At first I assumed they were part of the Victorian defensive system or perhaps connected to the nearby "Battle of Britain" airfield. But it appears they may have been anchoring points for very early post first world war Marconi telecommunications masts — though information is sparse and the truth remains a little unclear. A small mystery for another day.

We ended the walk in the rear garden of The Kings Head, one of the oldest pubs in Essex. Parts of the building date back nearly 450 years. The main structure — a beautiful half‑timbered building — was constructed in the 17th century using old ships’ timbers. Sitting there with a drink in the late afternoon sun felt like the perfect way to finish a walk steeped in layers of history.

A forgotten route rediscovered, and a reminder that even in places we think we know, there is always more to learn.

🌿 A Spring Walk from Studham: Quiet Paths, Red Kites and Friendly Faces

 

After a morning of political meetings, Gill and I finally managed our first proper country walk together in a while. We drove up to Studham — a beautiful, quietly tucked‑away village in Bedfordshire — with the route taken from the More Great Walks in the Chilterns guide by the Chiltern Society.

Google Maps did its best to sabotage us by directing us to the wrong starting point, which caused more confusion than either of us needed. A lesson learned: always enter the full address when heading somewhere rural.

Once we were on the right path, the walk was wonderfully peaceful. The only real noise came from aircraft lining up to land at Luton Airport. This was only for a short section of the walk. The hedgerows and trees were still full of lovely spring blossom, and we were treated to plenty of Red Kites circling overhead. At one point we spotted a really tiny muntjac deer before it ran off.

A stretch of the route runs alongside Whipsnade Zoo. We couldn’t quite identify the animals in the distance, I must get some proper binoculars.

We stopped at St Mary Magdalene Church, where a group of very friendly parishioners were preparing for a service. They were more than happy to share the history of the church with us — one of those small, unexpected encounters that make a walk memorable.

We finished, as all good walks should, with a well‑earned drink at the Red Lion.

A simple day out, but a lovely one. Political conversations continued in the evening.

Albury & Patmore Heath Walk, Herts

 

Off-topic, but Gill and I enjoyed a lovely circular 5.38-mile walk in Hertfordshire earlier this month (we also did it a couple of years ago).

The route starts and finishes at Patmore Heath, a rare example of acid grass heathland in South East England. We managed to get lost a couple of times, but it was well worth it for the great views, peaceful surroundings, and gently rolling countryside. Along the way there are historic churches, thatched cottages, and even a few Tudor mansions.

It was a little muddy after the recent rain, but honestly, what’s not to like?

The route is available via the OS/Country Walking app. Recommend OS but you may have to pay to subscribe.

More photos coming soon on Facebook 📸

Epping Green Walk 14.2.26

 

Went for a lovely 5 mile circular walk with Gill last Saturday in Essex only 30 mins drive from East London. Some nice views, different terrain and somewhat stretching climbs (for Essex). Wet and muddy in parts after recent rain. 

We have done different versions of this walk a few times now but the new sign saying there was iron age pig roaming free was very exciting but alas none were seen on this occasion. 

Stopped off at The Travellers Friend on way home for a pint of London Pride. Hat tip route OS site and Country Walking magazine

Boxing Day walk 2025: Duton Hill, Essex circular 6.5 miles

Went for the traditional Boxing Day walk with Gill, starting at Duton Hill, Essex (near Dunmow), about 40 minutes from East London. Only when we arrived did we realise we’d already done this route earlier in the year (April 6), but it’s a lovely walk, soon passing the ruined remains of a 12th-century medieval abbey overlooked by its former gatehouse, now a church. 

The route offers plenty of other and more modern history too, with three historic and attractive churches along the way. In Little Easton, displays and stained glass windows commemorate the many American Air Force personnel stationed nearby during World War II who lost their lives on bombing raids against Nazi Germany. 

We also passed pillboxes and mortar positions, reminders that this area was once part of a defensive line in case of a Nazi invasion threatening London. 

The terrain was gently undulating, the weather was kind, though there was some noise from planes taking off from Stansted Airport. 

I finally figured out how to use the Ramblers.org site to download a GPS map and upload it to the OS site. I tracked steps and mileage using the Zepp app, which tends to overestimate distance—this walk is closer to 6.5 miles than the 7.81 recorded. For once, we didn’t get lost. 

Apart from the planes, it was peaceful, with only a few dog walkers, beautiful winter sunshine, and the vast East England skies. We spotted muntjac deer, a large herd of fallow deer, and red kites. Finished with a drink at the Three Horseshoes, where a roaring fire warmed the bar, though we sat outside enjoying the rear garden.

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes/eastons-and-tilty-essex (may need subscription to view?)

Blackheath & Greenwich Park Walk 2025

 

Off message but this photo college is from an amended 5 mile walk, Gill and I did on Sunday 30 November 25. 

It was a walk we have sort of done before but we started in the Isle of Dogs, then took the free foot tunnel to Greenwich (always an interesting experience) then walked up past the Cutty Sark and the old Royal Observatory, through the park and out of Blackheath Gate (see plaque to Cornish rebels defeated by Henry VII forces in 1497) and came back to do circuit of the park. 

Past the deer park (see plaque to former slave and the first black man known to vote in a British election, Ignatius Sancho) and returned to Greenwich by the Royal Naval College buildings for lunch. Afterward back to Island Gardens via the tunnel.

The weather was glorious. Cold but blue skies and plenty of sunshine. When the weather is so good, I don't believe you can have a better walk inside London. 

Pleshey, Essex Walk

On last Sunday 16th Gill and I did a 5.5 mile circular walk around the ancient village of Pleshey. Home to a famous medieval castle (now long gone) mentioned in Shakespeare's "Richard II". We have walked in the area a number of times but used this time a route from Country Walking magazine.

We saw near a lake, a much smaller bird repeatedly appear to attack and drive off a much larger Red Kite. I assume competition over food/territory?  

Mostly easy going, flat countryside, with a very muddy/clay final stretch. The weather was dry but overcast but there was still plenty of big Essex skies. We stopped for lunch outside the Great Waltham Guildhall. The former home of Sir William Wade who at the Tower of London interrogated (tortured?) Guy Fawkes over the Gunpowder plot.

Great Waltham is also known as the home of Elizabeth Lowys who was executed as a supposed "Witch" in 1565.

On the "listening bench" we sat upon for lunch, next to the war memorial, there was a QR code that you could use to download personal accounts by local residents of life in the village during World War 2, with reminisces of German bombing raids, the arrival of American servicemen and singing Italian prisoners of war. 

We drove from East London in around 50 minutes but you can use public transport via train to Cheltenham then bus 48 or X10. We stopped off on the way home for a drink at the George and Dragon pub in Wanstead. 

Portsmouth and the Wayfarers' Walk

 

To try and prove that I have a hinterland outside politics, unions, housing and pensions, below is another countryside walking post. While away for the weekend, Gill and I did this 6.5 mile circular route, in the rolling Hampshire countryside. 

It was a blue walk ("modest length, likely to include some modest uphill walking") from Jarrold, Ordnance Survey, Pathfinder series: book 12 "Hampshire and the New Forest". The weather was very kind and it was a lovely quiet walk through fields, lanes, woods, streams and a Roman Road. Overlooking Portsdown Hill and the historic "Palmerston's folly" Fort Widley.  

There was also the largest "Solar panel" farm I have ever seen and we even walked past a "Wanstead Farm" (many, many miles away from Wanstead flats which starts across the road from us). 

Very good free parking, benches to change footwear and WC facilities at the start in the car park at Purbrook Heath. Nearest public transport Purbrook. 

Check out further photos on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=732243433&sk=grid

Thundridge Walk

 

It’s been a while since I last shared a post about a walk, but today Gill and I drove to Thundridge, Hertfordshire (just 40 minutes by car from East London and 2 miles from the railway station in Ware) and enjoyed a beautiful 5.5-mile circular walk under big open skies, following a route from the OS website and Country Walking magazine.

The walk was gentle with a few ups and downs, mostly on good paths. Along the way, we spotted herds of deer, plenty of red kites, and lots of unseasonal ladybirds! There was a cafe at the start and a pub waiting for us at the end.

I’ll share more pictures on Facebook. Check link for route

Surgery, Canvass then Forest Walk

Busy day. Cycled down to my Newham Council advice surgery in Stratford Library then joined Forest Gate North ward colleagues for a local door knock. Which went well, I experienced a mostly very positive approach to Labour, which I think is down to the excellent local Councillors, Rachel and Liz. It was nice to get back campaigning after a couple of weeks off due to Conference and annual leave. The cleaning and communal repair standards of the housing blocks we visited was mostly good. 

Afterwards, since it was such a pleasant, warm and sunny day, Gill and I walked from home to Chingford through Epping Forest. We took the train back home and then had delicious pub grub at the nearby Holly Tree, where we came across other Labour folk including the very quiet and retiring, Cllr Alan Griffiths. 

A good day. 

Crossthwaite Common, Rake Gill and Holwick Walk: Is this really an overcrowded Island?

 

Off message. Just been sorting out photos from recent holiday in Country Durham and created college from a tough but magnificent 9.5 mile circular solo walk, I did starting from Middleton-in-Teesdale. This was an orange Pathfinder walk. 

The weather going up was damp and very, very windy. I saw 2 other walkers while going along the Pennine way path, then when I left it for the moors, I saw no other person at all for over 3 hours, until I came down the other side.  I got lost a couple of times since the paths were often unclear but it was a fantastic walk.  It ended in sunshine, while I returned by the river to Middleton. Again, hardly a soul to be seen. 

View from my seat - High Cup Nick

 

I came back Saturday from a fortnight holiday in the Pennines walking and sightseeing with Gill. Picture is from a solo "there and back" 8 mile walk along the Pennine way from Dufton to High Cup Nick. A fantastic walk with superb views. 

Off message but love this picture.

Check out Pathfinder Guide 39. Orange Walk 26. https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/durham-north-pennines-and-tyne-wear-pathfinder-walks-guidebook/

RAF Hornchurch & Rainham Hall Walk 5 May 2025

 

Last Monday 5 May 25, Gill and I went for a 6.52 mile walk around Hornchurch Country Park and a visit to the National Trust property, Rainham Hall. 

The country park used to be the site of a First World war and then Battle of Britain airfield called RAF Hornchurch. There are a number of physical reminders of the war including defensive bunkers and gun emplacements. The airfield was attacked 20 times by German aircraft and there was numerous casualties not only of pilots in combat but also of ground crew. 

We had hoped to also see the RAF planes flying overhead to the VE Day celebrations outside Buckingham Place but the weather was mostly cloudy and a little wet so missed seeing this. 

The Country Park route was on the OS website and we extended the walk to visit the nearby 18th century House, Rainham Hall. Which also had lots of history, as well as lovely gardens. 

Rainham Marshes Walk

 

Off message but last Sunday Gill and I finally went for a walk in nearby Rainham Marshes alongside the River Thames. This was a circular route about 7 miles long. We had walked East alongside the Thames in June 2017 in the very last leg of the London Loop walk- Harold Wood to Purfleet. 

However, that had been a warm and sunny day and now it was very different. It was cold, fresh and mostly overcast but the sun did make brief appearances and it brightened up near the end. The light was fantastic and the views across the marshes and the river was spectacular. We parked at the RSPB site near Purfleet where sadly, the café has recently closed (also walking distance from the station?) and walked west alongside the river towards A13. 

It was a "seriously weird" and unusual walk. Some unsightly decaying industrial sites and bright modern industrial estates. Despite some noise from the A13, it was quiet and peaceful with only small groups of bird watchers and occasional dog walkers. There is definitely, something very special, about walking alongside water. 

Main picture is of World War 2 era steel and concrete barges dumped in 1950s but no apparent evidence that they were used on the D Day landings in 1944 that some claim. 

Just before the A13 (walking distance from Rainham Station) we turned back and walked through the marshes alongside the watercourse back to RSPB site. This area was once a British army shooting range. The remains of old shooting butts and wartime anti aircraft ammunition bunkers are still there. 

We will come back again in a different season for sure. We will also investigate the RSBP reserve trail and hides, which we ran out of time to visit. 

Check route below and my other walks www.facebook.com/walksinandaroundlondon/

Lambourne End Walk

Off message. For various reasons (winter lergies, holidays, work, rotten weather etc) I have not been on any walks for a while. Two weeks ago was the first proper local walk, Gill and I, had been on this year - and it was marvellous. Blue skies, sunshine and pretty countryside. A little cold, some ice and mud but nothing too difficult. 

The start of the walk is only just over 20 mins by car from East London (Public transport links not great). You can find the walk and download a map via the Ordinance Survey site https://explore.osmaps.com/ (subscription needed but well worth it). 

It is a circular route about 5.19 miles (my Zepp app recorded 6.14 miles but it does overestimate). Mostly flat or gentile up and downs, with fine views. Nothing too strenuous. Very few other walkers. Peaceful apart from occasional planes. 

We stopped off at the historic 12th Century Church in Lambourne. There was an a Sunday service going on at the time so we could not look around. Next time. It is telling that this church was built next to the local landowners hall but some distance away from the nearest village in Abridge. 

Sunset over Leyton Flats

 

Walking back home this evening with Gill along Leyton Flats, Epping Forest. The weather forecast for tomorrow is pretty dire, so not sure about "shepherd's delight". 

Chiltern Way: Hemel Hempstead to Chorleywood West

 

Off message. Due to Conference season I have not been posting on any walks lately but this is from last month when Gill and I started on the long distance linear walk, The Chilterns Way. We are planning to do this in stages (as well as other walks such as London Ring) and hope to only use public transport to get there and back. 

We used the guides provided by the Chiltern Society and their latest book on the walk as well as the Ordinance Survey app on my phone (subscription). We did about 10 miles in beautiful rolling countryside. Only 167 odd miles to go. Nothing too strenuous. Mostly very quiet with hardly any other walkers. 

We took train to Hemel, had breakfast at the Harvester outside the station and cut short route at the end to go back via Metropolitan Line from Chorleywood. 

Will post pictures on Facebook here.