The Picnic District 3 – Rayleigh Mount

April

10

7 comments

Everyone who lives in Rayleigh has been to Rayleigh Mount. Haven’t they?

It’s rare for a town to have such a place so close to the town centre. We should make the most of it.

The dedicated volunteers do a lot of work around the mount, including providing notices like these.
The dedicated volunteers do a lot of work around the mount, including providing notices like these.

 

If you want to, you can walk in a circle around the bottom of the mount, passing the pond.
If you want to, you can walk in a circle around the bottom of the mount, passing the pond.
You can walk up to the next level....
You can walk up to the next level….
... where there's grass and trees .....
… where there’s grass and trees …..

 

... and a view of the windmill...
… and a view of the windmill…
..... and then you can walk up to the top...
….. and then you can walk up to the top…
...where there are views of West Rayleigh and beyond. (The masthead photo of onlinefocus was taken here )
…where there are views of West Rayleigh and beyond. (The masthead photo of onlinefocus was taken here )

About the author, admin

  • About 5 years ago the National Trust people asked for ideas for the Mount – I suggested that a proper ( safe ) viewing platform at the top ( with some trees trimmed)
    which would be a motive for people to visit the site , your last but one pic gives an idea of the views. But presumably funding is the issue as usual.

  • I can remember going there when I was primary school age. I think what makes it special is that you climb up twice.

    We’re going to continue this ‘Picnic District” series over the summer. Can we get to 40 or 50 places? Some of the locations to cover are pretty obvious, but your suggestions for anywhere inside the district are welcome….

  • Chris. A location suggestion which is not commonly known. As it’s only open in summer months, now is the time to visit. Well worth it!!

    There is a very interesting and active Heritage Centre on the island of Foulness which is located in the old Foulness School buildings at Churchend. The centre is run by volunteers from the Foulness Conservation and Archaeological Society.

    The Heritage Centre is a vibrant and fascinating place containing artifacts dating back to prehistoric times found on the island. There is also an extensive contributed collection of photographs, documents and memorabilia.

    After many years of preparatory work the centre was opened in 2003 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the East coast floods. Since then many visitors from the mainland have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. Islanders past and present also come regularly to share the community spirit found in these familiar buildings.

    The centre is only open every first Sunday of the month from April to October between midday and 4pm. The entry gate is at Landwick. To get there, take the road from beside Great Wakering church. On arrival at the QinetiQ gatehouse you must obtain a vehicle day pass and drive from there directly to the Heritage Centre car park. There is no public transport between the gate and the centre and the distance is several miles.

  • I love Rayleigh Mount…just taken my 7 yr old son there and told him that this “used to be my childhood” at his age! I remember sitting on a bench looking at the pond and eating sweets with my childhood friend Wayne….we loved this place!

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