Canvey Island
15 intrepid soles and one dog met at Fenchuch Street station to set out to explore the mysteries of Essex. We were swiftly transported to Benfleet where we were greeted by a mixed vision of large threatening grey open skies, mud flats bespeaking of receding tides and the chimneys and containers of oil refinerys. A modern take of the vistas painted for us by geniuses such as Turner and Dickens Indeed I very much felt that they were accompanying us as we set off to walk around the island and I think they would have enjoyed the walk as much as all of us
An excellent lunch at The Lobster Smack -alas no lobster - but cheerful swift service
The afternoon took us onto beaches with alluring glimpses of Southend ahead where despite low temperatures, many good folk were enjoying a traditional English sea side - crabbing fishing swimming digging sandcastles etc ( Who says you have to travel abroad to have fun) and around the end of the island with a final treat for the bird fanciers of a large flock of oyster catchers enjoying their own version of an English seaside
So thank you Martin for a lovely walk and allowing us to sharre your enthusiasm for this unique part of England
9.10 from Fenchurch Street, arrives Benfleet9.52 (no works planned) Return to Fenchurch street; 4 trains / hour.
Driving not recommended, but there is parking, both NCP (£2) and council (?free) accessible from high street immediately to the north of the station
A walk for connoisseurs ( and would be converts) of the Thames Estuary, it's marshes, oil refineries, wide open skies and dereliction - and (editor's note) a twitchers paradise. Morning 6 miles following round East Haven and Denge Creeks forming the western boundary of Canvey Island until we reach the Thames, with views across to Kent and Egypt Bay and Allhallows-on-Sea. Afternoon 5 miles, following along the sea wall eastwards to Canvey Island Esplanade with some of the things you might hope an Estuarine resort would offer, including stretch limos and tea; then along the sea wall to the salt marsh again at the eastern tip of the island with views along the coast to Southend and its mile long pier and far beyond. Then back to Benfleet station by bus
Lobster Smack,, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0NR, a pub once famous for prize-fighting