Best walks to or from Rochford
Essex · South East England | Walks by train
MapBeautiful walks starting or ending at Rochford Station.
Rochford Station to Southend Central Station
A short route that begins on a footpath between the River Roach and Tinker's Lane, then becomes increasingly urban on pavemented streets and quieter side roads and finishing along a pedestrianised high street. Southend Victoria station is passed near the end, so the route can be shortened.
Easy: 6km, gentle ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Rayleigh Station to Rochford Station
A very quiet, green route between the two towns, with some urban sections at either end and nothing strenuous. It crosses clear, easy-to-follow field and woodland paths, with Hockley Woods a real highlight and full of tantalising off-route paths so you need to be determined to head straight through. One stretch is a bit traffic-y at the Rochford end. Hockley Woods has a bench for picnics.
8km.
Lunch: No refreshment opportunities on the way, but plenty of cafes and pubs at either end.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Leigh-on-Sea Station to Rochford Station
Easy: 8km, moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Rochford Station to Burnham-on-Crouch Station
the walking part is 5 superb; really it's lovely - big skies, creeks, Paglesham church - very enjoyable. A walk through increasingly rural, remote Essex marshland: big skies, creeks and sea-wall paths and with some exposed stretches and a few narrow nettley paths. The route depends on a seasonal ferry across the River Crouch. Crosses the River Crouch by seasonal ferry; check times and confirm with the ferryman before travelling. Paglesham Church is open and welcoming with an eco-toilet. A loop diversion via Paglesham East End is possible.
14km. Gentle ascents.
The route crosses the River Crouch by a seasonal on-demand ferry (Good Friday to end of September, weather permitting); outside this period it cannot take you the whole way, and the ferry has proved unreliable, so call ahead to confirm. Long exposed stretches need sun protection. Wallasea is an island that can be cut off by very high tides covering the path.
Lunch: There is also a pub at Great Stambridge for refreshment.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
South Woodham Ferrers Station to Rochford Station
A rural route with some lovely countryside sections and a passage through woodland and let down by busy road crossings and a stretch of road walking. Patchy waymarking in places. Approved sections of the England Coast Path will in future remove the need for the A132 crossings.
18km. Moderate ascents.
Busy crossings of the A132 (Burnham Road) just west of South Woodham Ferrers, and perilous road walking on Beeches Road east of Battlesbridge. Waymarking is patchy between Watery Lane and Hullbridge Road.