Southend to Old Leigh Coastal Walk | Make New Friends Along the Way

Southend to Old Leigh Coastal Walk | Make New Friends Along the Way

Sea air, an easy coastal walk, new people and a cosy finish by the water.
📅 Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
⏰ Meet: 10:00am
📍 Meeting point: London Fenchurch Street Station
🚆 Train: Direct c2c train to Southend Central
🥾 Route: Southend → Westcliff → Chalkwell → Old Leigh
📏 Distance: Approx. 6.5 km / 4 miles
🟢 Level: Easy
🛤️ Terrain: Mostly flat and paved
🚶 Pace: Relaxed and social
🐟 Finish: Old Leigh
🍴 Afterwards: Optional food/pub
🚆 Return: Leigh-on-Sea → London
💳 Travel: Contactless bank card/Apple Pay or your own train ticket
💷 Cost: Your train fare + anything you choose to buy
👋 Coming alone: Absolutely. Most people do.

🌊 ABOUT THE DAY

Sometimes it's nice to get out of London, walk beside the water and spend a few hours somewhere that feels a little slower.
We'll spend the day walking from Southend-on-Sea to Old Leigh, following the Thames Estuary through Westcliff and Chalkwell before finishing in the old fishing village of Old Leigh.
This isn't a race and it isn't a strenuous hike.
We'll walk, stop, take photos, talk, explore and enjoy the coast together.
And as always, most people come alone, so please don't worry if you don't know anyone. ❤️

🚆 MEETING & TRAVEL

We'll meet at 10:00am at London Fenchurch Street Station.
Once everyone has arrived, we'll tap in and take a direct c2c train to Southend Central together.
If you're using contactless, you don't need to buy a ticket in advance. You can use your contactless bank card, Apple Pay or another accepted contactless device.
Please use your own card/device and use the same one to tap in and out.
If you have a Railcard or find a cheaper advance fare, you're also welcome to buy your own ticket instead.
We'll confirm the train and check for any engineering works closer to the day. If c2c changes the departure station because of planned works, everyone attending will be updated.

🥾 THE WALK

Once we reach Southend, we'll head towards the seafront and begin our walk:
Southend → Westcliff → Chalkwell → Old Leigh
The main route is approximately 6.5 km / 4 miles and is predominantly flat and paved.
We'll take it slowly. This is a social walk, so expect conversations, photographs and little stops along the way.

⚓ OPTIONAL SOUTHEND PIER

Depending on the weather, timing and what everyone feels like doing, we may spend some time around Southend Pier before beginning the main walk.
We won't necessarily walk the entire pier because that would add considerably to the distance. We'll decide together on the day.

🐟 OLD LEIGH

Our walk finishes in Old Leigh, the historic fishing part of Leigh-on-Sea.
We'll have time to explore and find somewhere for food, a drink and a good chat.
Staying afterwards is completely optional. If you're ready to head home after the walk, that's absolutely fine.

🚆 GETTING HOME

You don't need to walk back to Southend.
We'll finish near Leigh-on-Sea station, where we can take a c2c train back towards London.
If you're using contactless, simply tap in at Leigh-on-Sea and tap out at your destination.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable walking shoes or trainers, water and a waterproof layer are recommended.
It's October and we'll be beside the estuary, so please check the weather before leaving home and dress appropriately. It could be sunny, windy, chilly or all three within twenty minutes. 😂

❤️ COMING ALONE?

Please do.
You don't need to already know someone to join a NuCircle walk.
We'll make introductions at the beginning and encourage everyone to mix throughout the day.
Talk a lot. Talk a little. Stop and look at the water. Meet someone new.
Just come as you are.

⚠️ PLEASE READ BEFORE JOINING

This is an informal social walk organised by NuCircle, not a professionally guided hiking or travel service.
You are responsible for your own safety, travel arrangements, belongings and personal wellbeing throughout the day.
Please assess whether the distance and activity are suitable for you and wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Coastal conditions and weather can change, and the route or plans may need to change on the day if necessary.
Participation is at your own risk. NuCircle and the organisers cannot accept responsibility for personal injury, loss, damage, travel disruption or costs arising from participation, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.
Please follow any safety instructions given during the walk and be considerate of other members of the group.

By joining the event, you confirm that you understand the nature of the activity and take responsibility for deciding whether it is suitable for you.