Leigh On Sea and Hadleigh Castle Circular (with pub and cockles stop)

This circular walk starting at Leigh-on-Sea railway station, includes a climb to see the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, a walk along Benfleet Downs and a return walk along Benfleet Creek alongside Hadleigh Marsh. From the top of the Castle and the Downs there are good views along the Thames and across to Canvey Island. There is a little road walking involved. 

The walk is based on Leigh-on-Sea railway station on the London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central and Shoeburyness line. There is ample parking at Leigh-on-Sea Station if you are driving.

Going: Approximately half the route is on the flat but there are two sets of long, but gradual, ascents and descents.

Distance: 7.2 miles (11.5 Km).

Places of Interest:

• The ruins of the 13th & 14th century Hadleigh Castle and Hadleigh Country Park.
• The Crooked Billett Pub
• The Old Leigh cockle sheds