The Essex Way is a long distance footpath stretching for 82 miles right across Essex. It officially starts in Epping & ends in Harwich, but is signposted both ways. So you can choose to head from the coast and journey inland or start in land-locked Epping & walk to the sea.

Whichever direction you decide to walk in there is a unique hostel  waiting to provide low cost comfortable accommodation for you and your group in Harwich.  The 1912 Centre, a former fire station, provides great value hostel accommodation for groups of  up 26.  Situated in the heart of Harwich’s historic area,  just 50m to the sea and promenade with all the towns amenities on the doorstep and rail and bus stations nearby, you may well decide to stay for more than one night.

The Essex Way is a lovely walk, taking you through ancient woodland, open farmland, tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, with plenty of picturesque and historic villages along the way.  It is well signed  but  it is always best to have maps as a back up. You will need OS Explorer Maps: 184, 196, 195, 183, 174.

If  you start in Harwich coast,  the route takes you cross country to the Stour estuary with views across to Suffolk.  The bustling town of  Manningtree comes next, followed by a walk through Dedham vale and the Stour valley – right in the heart of Constable Country. After that you will cross open farmlands and pass thatched cottages and pretty villages, and the tranquil Colne valley, before reaching historic Coggeshall. More idyllic countryside takes you to White Notley and Pleshey,  both with a rich history to tell.  Then the villages become smaller, the countryside becomes quieter  and as you walk the green lanes you can sense the presence of those who walked the way  hundreds of years ago.  A meandering wander along the banks of the River Roding takes you into Ongar  which in turn becomes  a woodland stroll through Epping Forest. The walk uses footpaths and bridleways in the main, with some lane walking and occasionally, some sections along the roadside. For much more information visit Essex Walks website.

The 1912 Centre welcomes Beaver, Cubs and Scout to their 26 bed hostel. Perfectly situated, in the historic centre of Harwich just 50 metres from a sandy beach and promenade, with easy access to Harwich Town train station, bus terminus.

This bustling ferry port town with its streets full of historic buildings overlooking  a changing waterfront of yachts and visiting ships has plenty to entertain young bodies and minds. What’s more the hostel is in a former fire station. Imagine the initial thrill of realising that  you are staying where the firemen of old rushed out to all manner of emergencies.  What stories those old walls could tell?  That’s why Beaver, Cubs and Scouts enjoy their time spent at The 1912 Centre in historic Harwich.

In addition to offering a unique venue, staff at The 1912 Centre are happy to provide the following the following services on request:

“Meet and Greet”

An activity area specifically resourced with outdoor training material for nature studies and craft activities with a ‘scouting theme’ – ideal for Pack Holidays or as a base for visiting scout groups.

Signposting to the many activities which take place in and around the area, e.g. leisure facilities including tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, roller rink, boating lake and a sports centre.

Help with activity programming and nature trails.

Collection of shopping.