Little Burstead circular walk
Walkers are rewarded by fine views over the Thames Valley and glimpses of hedgerow wildlife.
The walk follows the old footpaths once used by farm labourers on their way to work, the walk travels three-and-a-half miles through common land, farmland and country lanes. It passes hedgerows, ponds, the parish church of St. Mary's and the source of the River Crouch.
Using Public Rights of Way
Some Circular Countryside Walks and Nature Trails incorporate Public Rights of Way in their routes. Public Rights of Way most often follow ancient footpaths and should be clearly marked. Where a Public Right of Way crosses privately owned land, walkers are expected to stick to the path and exercise due care and consideration.
See Public rights of way enforcement for further information and to report any problems encountered when using a Public Right of Way.
Planning your walk
By car turn off Noak Hill Road (A176) into Laindon Common Road and car park is signposted.
Trail Map - Little Burstead circular walk (PDF) [108KB] (opens new window)
The Trial
- From the car park, cross Laindon Common Road, follow the Footpath way markers. Walk through the grassland of Laindon Common.
- Walk past the houses - the south-facing hedgerow to your right consists of haw-thorn, oak, elder and snowberry. You will come to a car track leading to the cottage. Cross this and walk through the small gate on your left, passing through a thicket of gorse and broom.
- Join bridleway 48 and turn right - soon on the left you will cross a bridge over a stream (the River Crouch) FP46 walk straight ahead through Golf Course.
- The remains of the hedgerow on the right is rich in plant and animal life - estimated to be at least 600 years old
- At the centre of the Golf Course is a lake enclosed by trees, including the rare wild service. This is the source of the River Crouch - turn right and head for a gate.
- At the path's junction with Wiggins Lane you will notice large sycamores facing you. Once a roadway between Hatches Farm Road and lye Common, Wiggins Lane is now a green lane used as a bridleway and for access to fields.
- At the end of Wiggins Lane, carefully cross the road, following the path down Hatches Farm Road. You can now walk down the road or through the common, but this is usually marshy for most of the year.
- At the bottom of the hill, cross the road and turn left. You'll see a fine view of South Essex. Please walk along the grass verge during peak hours; on weekdays the traffic can be busy here.
- At the T-junction you will see Stockwell Hall or the Clockhouse. Turn right at the junction and walk towards Little Burstead village green. Enter the corner of the field by the Rectory and walk parallel to the road, inside the field.
- St. Mary the Virgin Church, the mid-l4th Century Parish Church of Little Burstead. From the church, cross Rectory Road before the corner, taking care to cross quickly and safely.
- Walk through the gap in the hedge, turn right and walk over the bridge beneath the next hedge. Facing you is Broomhills Farm and to the left Broomhills Chase.
- Follow the arrows through the residential area of Broomhills until the River Crouch bridge is reached
- The path goes through pasture land where the countryside's character has subtly changed, with a more attractive landscape. The path returns to Laindon Common car park via the cricket ground and Burstead Village Inn.