Castle Point

'Overlooking the Thames Estuary, near Southend on Sea, Hadleigh Country Park offers unrivalled opportunities for countryside recreation and wildlife watching, as well as magnificent views over the estuary to Kent. Extending to 152 hectares (387 acres) it is one of the largest country parks in Essex and comprises an intimate mix of woodland, pasture, hay meadow and marsh with old hedgerows and ponds.'

'We are a friendly, informal group established in 1994 with approximately 250 members. The area we cover surrounds Southend-on-Sea in south-east Essex and includes the Rochford and Castle Point districts, the Roach and Crouch estuaries and creeks with lengthy sea wall paths amid the abundant wildlife of the marshes ...'

'Our Group organises a full programme of walks including weekend, mid-week and in the summer, evening rambles. We meet locally then share cars driving to the start of the walks which range from about 4 miles at a leisurely pace to more energetic walks up to 15 miles, so there is something for everyone. We walk mainly in Essex but also go to Kent, Surrey and Suffolk.'

'Rochford District Council coordinates the health walks programme for both the Rochford District and the Castle Point Borough. Our Health Walks programme is designed for anyone wishing to improve their health, meet new people and take part in some fun physical activity ... For a full list of walks in the local area please visit the Walking for Health website.'

'West Canvey Marsh is the largest single area of green space on Canvey Island. This wonderful wetland reserve includes nearly two miles (3 km) of new nature trails, three viewing points, a picnic area and children's adventure area.'

'I did this walk on Sunday 23rd September 2007. I had been going to walk along the Medway Valley from Strood to Maidstone but I had got up a bit too late (again) to get a suitable train and thus drove to Canvey Island instead to continue my series of walks on the Essex coast. It was a fine day with plenty of sunshine and felt quite warm for the time of the year despite a fairly strong breeze ... '

Daws Heath Woodland  Three ancient woods beside the A127

Thundersley Common One of the finest surviving heaths in Essex

Shipwright’s Wood Discover the beauty of this hidden wood.

Thundersley Glen  An open woodland once used for charcoal burning.

West Wood  Explore this ancient wood which once belonged to the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Healthy Life Essex 'Nine Walks of Discovery around a Suburban Essex Village.'

Copies of the Booklet should be available at outlets in Thundersley: See Healthy Life Essex Blog