This circular walk includes the Mardyke woods, Davy Down and the remnants of the 18th century Belhus Park, laid out by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and Richard Woods, taking in the Shrubbery and the Long Pond created in 1770 as well as an Ice House and a stench pipe built in the same century.
You don’t need to walk the full 10 miles if you don’t want to – pick up/drop off points are indicated in green below. The original approx walk timings are below for your reference. The main points are:
12.00 Set off from Belhus Park Leisure Centre.
12.30 Walk past Aveley School (1 mile).
13.30 Visit the Mardyke Woods in South Ockendon (2 miles) and see recent improvements funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
14.30 Visit Aveley Community Forum (4 miles).
15.00 Visit Kennington Park (5 miles), a woodland and lake created from a quarry and landfill site in the 1990s.
15.30 Walk through the historic wooded landscapes of Belhus Country Park designed by Capability Brown, and see remnants of Belhus Park and House.
16.00 Refreshment stop at Belhus Woods Visitor Centre (7 miles).
18.00 Cross the M25 footbridge to Long Pond and other historic highlights of Belhus.
18.45 Arrive back at Belhus Park Leisure Centre.
Download the map and full schedule here.
9. 150630 Aveley & Belhus schedule v3
Meeting Place
Belhus Park Leisure Centre. Look out for the Thurrock 100 flag at the start!
Parking
Belhus Park Golf and Country Park (charges apply)
Accessibility
Please download the map above for more detail on which parts of the route are most accessible. Blue routes have been identified as most likely to be suitable for wheelchairs users and buggies, taking into account the quality, gradient and availability of dropped kerbs on the path.
Disclaimer
Whilst we endeavour to make all our walks as safe and enjoyable as possible, any walk attended is done so at your own risk. Due care has been exercised in organising the walks however Thurrock Council and associated sponsors accept no liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes.
You need to choose walks within your capabilities; and if not on one of the Thurrock 100 guided walks, you should consider walking with a friend.
Equipment and Clothing
This walk originally took place on Friday 17 July 2015.
