Jacktars & Landlubbers: Day 2

Join in 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