Great Wakering Walk

Great Wakering is the gateway to Foulness Island which has a church and the village of Church End on it, is nevertheless a no-go military establishment.

Details of Walk

• Date of Walk:15/04/2012

• Distance: 5.03Miles

• Level of Difficulty: A Easy Walk

• Car Park: Roadside, Common Rd Opposite the Church SS3 0AQ

• Refreshments: White Hart, The Exhibition, The Anchor & Red Lion

• Photos Taken on Walk

Nearby is a weather station and records show that this is the driest station ( least rainfall ) in England and thus it is commonly said that Gt Wakering is the driest place in the country and saying that we had rain while we were on the walk. This is a nice walk especially along the sea wall.The area of Shoeburyness and Foulness Island which is today known as MOD Shoeburyness was first used by the military in 1858 when the British School of Gunnery was opened.

The location was chosen for this purpose for many reasons including its proximity to London and its direct access to major shipping routes.The area's geographical features make it the ideal location for the MOD's Test and Evaluation requirements with the flat tidal sands providing the large secure safety area needed for long range firing and the recovery of shells. These natural features, coupled with today’s infrastructure and expertise, mean that the site continues to provide an unrivalled and unique UK facility for critical military test, evaluation and training activities.