8. Railway Footbridge

Defence of the Realm

Defence of the ‘narrow’ Thames Estuary has always been essential: you can see Essex on the far side. Out to sea, among the wind turbines, are the Maunsell anti-aircraft forts built early in WW2.

By the railway crossing, among the weeds, can you also find the WW2 Tank traps?

Where to eat & drink

At West Beach, where the Trail passes the caravan park, is West Beach Bar & Tea Rooms. From here the Trail extends west towards Seasalter where it passes The Oyster Pearl; the last pub on the Trail and also a restaurant serving South East Asian food. At the end of the Trail lies The Sportsman, a Michelin starred restaurant.

Maunsells-Chris-Fulcher