Southminster and Mangapps: Rails, Tracks and History

Step into Southminster and Burnham’s many-layered history on this varied circular walk combining remarkable local stories with a visit to a working railway museum. Beginning outside St Leonard’s Church, discover its connection with Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar before passing Wibblers Brewery, housed in a restored medieval tithe barn. The route also reveals modern Dengie enterprise, from ocean-going rowing boats built at Dammer Wick Farm to the traditional skills of The Secret Butchers. Field paths then lead to Mangapps Railway Museum, with its impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, historic buildings and railway-signalling equipment. There will be time to explore the museum and a ride on a heritage train along its private line before the walk returns across open farmland to Southminster. Afterwards, there is the option of lunch at Wibblers Brewery.

Start time: 10:00am
Distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 3 hours 30 mins, including approximately one hour at Mangapps Railway Museum
Route information

Route Length Category - Medium

Accessibility of route – The route includes two stiles. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Start and finish – Outside St Leonard’s Church, 1 Station Road, Southminster, CM0 7EW.
Parking – Paid parking is available at Southminster Railway Station. Please check the current tariff and ensure you pay for sufficient time to cover the walk. Alternatively, free parking is available in the public car park just off the High Street. Please allow additional time to walk from there to the meeting point.

Toilets – Available at Mangapps Railway Museum.

Public transport – Southminster is served by local buses and trains. The nearest bus stop is High Street, a short walk from St Leonard’s Church; Southminster railway station is also nearby. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.
Museum visit – The programme includes time to explore Mangapps Railway Museum and a planned train ride along its private line.

Lunch – Optional lunch at Wibblers Brewery after the walk for those selecting this when booking.

Circular route - Village roads, country lanes, field paths, farm tracks and sections of unmade road.