Edwards Hall Park

Despite having family in the area for more than 30 years, nobody knew of Edwards Hall Park. I came across it by accident, and I'm amazed it isn't better known.

Up at the top of Bosworth Road (There is a primary school lower down the road, so take care at peak times), you'll find a single track concrete path which is the entrance to the park. There is a height restriction bar to stop lorries and caravans. Leave your car in the gravel car park and choose any of the many paths. There are no facilities in the car park, so no chance for a toilet stop or a cup of tea, I'm afraid.

You can do a quick couple of miles in the meadows which head down the hill towards the stream. There are usually other dogs to play with, and if not, there are lots of things to sniff and explore. It's fairly straightforward to get to this point, and you can choose from the well trodden paths or walk through the recently planted wooded area. I've not ticked "Wheelchair friendly" because in the winter, these un-paved paths can be soggy, uneven and overgrown, and would even be a challenge with a pushchair or buggy.

If you're more adventurous, you can push on past the stream and up the hill, which technically takes you on towards another park called Cherry Orchard Park. You may come across horse riders and mountain bikers, so keep your ears open. There's acres of woodland and well marked footpaths to walk, although the pooh bins disappear once you're away from Edwards Hall Park.

We walk on past the top of the hill on a regular basis, and head for the neighbouring towns of Hockley and Rochford, where the path goes alongside agricultural land. At the top of the hills, you can enjoy views into Southend, Hawkwell and Rayleigh.

I've chosen both "On lead" and "Off lead" areas, because while you can predominantly stay off lead, if you're venturing up the hill, you will come across Gusted Hall Lane, which is used by farmers and the residents, so you may meet a car or tractor.

A great way to spend a few hours with your dog, with all sorts of terrains and landscapes to enjoy.