Hockley Woods: a Man About Country Story Walk

“I come not from Heaven, but from Essex” - William Morris

Old gods, witches and wizards, magic trees, smuggler kings, beheaded queens, dishonourable duels and disappearing boys stuck forever in the fairy realm. There's plenty of stories to discover in Hockley Woods: eastern England's largest remaining patch of ancient wildwood from 10,000 years ago. To enter the heart of this wood feels like a trip back in time: no wonder there are so many stories from this wild part of Essex!

On this story walk, you’ll be guided by storyteller James Lawrence, who will bring the landscape to life with history, folklore and local legends, alongside the plants and wildlife that make this part of the world special. Together we'll explore the deep woods, get up close and personal with nature and discover how there's still some magic left in this great forest. It'll be the depths of autumnal leaves, so we should get a truly spectacular show of colour explosions all around us and high above in the majestic canopy!

If you want to know more about the history, stories and places in your local area, while getting some quality time in nature - this walk is for you!

Walk Details

• Start time: 12pm
• Start & Finish point: Hockley Woods Car Park, SS5 4RQ
• Parking: Hockley Woods Car Park, SS5 4RQ (paid)
• Public Transport: Bus stop nearby, or 20min walk from Hockley train station
• Distance: 4km
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Terrain: Grass paths and dirt paths, forest floor 
• Amenities: Toilets and refreshments at the Bull Inn near the start point
• Dogs: Welcome
• Questions: james@manaboutcountry.co.uk

About Your Guide

James Lawrence, AKA Man About Country, is a storyteller, adventurer, naturalist, and Cultural Ambassador for Essex. For over five years he’s led walks around some of Britain’s most fascinating places, guiding people to discover the country like never before. James is fresh off the Essex Ways: a 400km walking adventure around his home county to discover its stories, people and places. He set out to bust the negative media stereotypes and prove that Essex is one of the most fascinating counties in England. After a sell-out storytelling tour around Essex, a film, and a book of Essex stories on the way, James is dedicated to showing how the old stories of Essex are at the heart of the special place it is today, and provide vital guidance on the issues facing the county’s future.

Learn more about James and his recent 400km storytelling adventure around Essex:

• Website: www.manaboutcountry.co.uk/essexways
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/man_about_country
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@manaboutcountry