Jacktars & Landlubbers: Day 2

How does Thameside living connect land, river and sea?

Route: Westcliff → Benfleet, via Old Leigh

Join us for an unforgettable 4-day journey through the Thames Estuary, where walkers and sailors move side by side, tracing the footsteps and wake of those who shaped this historic waterway.

From boat decks to riverbanks, Jacktars and Landlubbers will immerse you in the landscapes, industries, and communities that have thrived along the Thames. Explore historic routes, uncover maritime and industrial heritage, and hear the untold stories of the Jacktars (sailors) and Landlubbers (labourers) who built the estuary’s rich history.

Whether on foot or by boat, be part of this unique adventure and rediscover the Thames in a whole new way.

Day 2: Step into the past as you leave Westcliff behind, following the shoreline to Old Leigh, a timeless fishing village where salt-worn boats, cockle sheds, and weathered taverns tell tales of hard graft and high tides. Wander its narrow lanes, soak up the briny air, and hear echoes of the Jacktars who once ruled these waters. A visit to the Leigh Heritage Centre offers a deeper dive into the village’s rich maritime and fishing history.

From here, the path winds through salt marshes and creeks toward Benfleet, where the estuary’s wild beauty meets its storied past – Viking battles, industrious boatyards, and the ever-present pull of the tide. Walkers on land will be joined by boats sailing parallel part of the way, moving in step with the tide, with support from Leigh Sailing Club and Thames Estuary Yacht Club cadets bringing land and water together once more.

Walk Information:

• Duration: 5.5hrs (including stops for activities along the way)
• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walk Team: Phil Easteal & Graham Mullender
  
  

Travel Information:

At T100 we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint at every level and would like to encourage all people attending our events and walks to use public transport if they are able to. If you need to drive, please let us know if you would consider car-pooling or car sharing.

Please note this is a linear walk, meaning the start and end-points are not the same. Please bear this in mind as you plan your travel to and from the event.

By train:

Start point: Westcliff Train Station is 0.4 miles, 10 mins walk from the walk end-point

End point: Benfleet Train Station

By car:

There is limited pay and display parking at Westcliff Train Station and Benfleet Train Station

Accessibility:

The walk from Leigh Old Town along the creek sea wall isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and steps and slopes.

However, the starting stretch, between Westcliff and Leigh Old Town is is accessible, including for wheelchairs and large pushchairs.

T100 walks are of different lengths and on varying terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven. We have designed our programme with accessibility in mind so we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to discuss this please contact hello@t100festival.co.uk

Please note:

Everyone needs to choose walks within their capabilities. The walk leaders are experienced but must take people’s word that they will be ok undertaking the walk they have chosen to join.

Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes, especially unsupervised. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring:

Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for all weather!

Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but if you don’t have these please wear suitable and comfortable footwear such as trainers – it’s best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home! Make sure you bring snacks and a packed lunch with you, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Toilet facilities can be accessed at Westcliff and Chalkwell Esplanades and at Old Leigh and Leigh Sailing Club at the end of the walk.

Photography & Filming:

We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the project in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed, that’s absolutely fine. Please let a member of the T100 team know on the day.