Walks from West Horndon

Time: 3h–6h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A long route, the first half not recommended: field-edge paths and bridleways choked with giant hogweed and tall summer vegetation, blocked paths and around 2km of intense, boot-clogging mud across ploughed fields. The eastern half is far better, through country parks, nature reserves, woodland and meadow with long views across Basildon. Kissing gates and long shallow steps and some uneven ground. Passes through Langdon Hills Country Park and Willow Park Nature Reserve. A shop and pub at Bulphan (off route); toilets at the country park with a nearby Harvester.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 4h–8h

Lunch: A shop and pub at Bulphan and a pub on Brentwood Road (both off route), plus toilets and a nearby Harvester at Langdon Hills Country Park.

Warnings: Dangerous thickets of 3-4m giant hogweed fill and block the bridleway from Parkers Farm Road and recur on later field-edge paths; avoid these sections. Around 2km of severe, sticky mud; blocked paths; a clay-pigeon shoot nearby.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A mix of countryside and urban paths through woods, fields and a burial ground, with residential streets, a stretch of the London Loop and some rough, rocky and rooty ground. Several field paths are pathless or badly overgrown, with one stretch effectively impassable. Stiles and steps to bridges and a steep gradient near Avon Road.

Time: 4h–8h

1 end-of-walk reward: the Railway

Warnings: Both ends are blocked as plotted: a locked alleyway at the Romford start (detour via the main road and crossings) and fencing around the West Horndon industrial estate (a gate to the left gives access). Warley Street is narrow, very busy and has no verge. Field crossings can be pathless and some sections so overgrown as to be impassable. Stiles, steps and a steep gradient near Avon Road.

Walk details: Slow Ways.