Just Walk Programme
Self Walk Map
Dagenham Village Churchyard and The Leys
Time
Approximately 75 minutes.
Distance
Approximately 6kms/3.75 miles.
Route information (e.g. flat, easy walking)
Flat - sections uneven.
Footpath information
Footpaths, tarmac and grass.
Start point
Dagenham Village Churchyard, Church Lane, Dagenham.
Accessible
Not accessible as there are Squeeze gates and steps.
Wildlife to look out for
Daffodils, Bluebells and Snowdrops - these colourful spring flowers can be seen throughout the churchyard.
Heron - this bird is an accomplished fisherman and can often be seen along the Wantz stream, along with the beautiful coloured Kingfisher.
Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies - this common garden butterfly can be identified by marbled orange, yellow and black wings.
Water Voles - these can be found along the River Wantz.
Stonechats and Yellowhammers - present during the winter.
Health fact
Regular exercise can help to reduce high blood pressure.
Regular exercise can be a great way to socialise and meet new people.
Points of interest
Dagenham Village Churchyard dates from the 12th or early 13th century. It was partly rebuilt around 1800 in the Strawberry Hill Gothic style.
The Cross Keys public house dates from the 15th century. It was originally a timber frame house and became an inn in 1708.
In 1831 the first school house in Essex was build next to the Dagenham Churchyard.
Transport links
Buses: 364 Ballards Road/145 Dagenham Village
Step by Step - Dagenham Village Churchyard and The Leys Walk
Enter the churchyard in Church Lane and follow the path around the edge. Walk out of the churchyard and across the car park.
Cross straight over into Church Street and continue along to the end of the road passing the shops on the right. At the end turn left and then take the first right into Siviter Way; take care when crossing over.
Follow this road round to the left through the car park and then through the gates into Old Dagenham Park.
Take the first right footpath that runs past the pavilion and turn left at the end of the path. Walk between the metal fences keeping the playground on the left. Exit the park, turn left and walk to the pelican crossing.
Cross the road and turn right and take the first path on the left signposted Ridgewell Close. Follow the road straight on and at the top pass through the gate that leads to Beam Valley. Continue straight on past the hedge and towards the high rise flats in the distance.
When you reach the children's playground walk alongside of it, keeping it to your right and continue up the steps. Turn right and walk along the ridge that runs parallel to the Wantz stream. At the footbridge cross the stream and follow the path to the squeeze gate leading into Clemence Road.
Cross over the road into Leys Avenue. Take the second left into Wellington Drive and continue along this road again taking the second road on the left into Wellington Close. Go through the squeeze gate at the end and continue straight down the path and over the stream.
Take the next path on the right and this will lead back to the main road. Cross using the pelican crossing and into Church Lane. Carefully cross over and take the first right leading back to the churchyard.
Route map
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