Leigh Middle

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Essex Castle Point

England

Leigh Middle

Sea Reach North 6 and Sea Reach South 6 buoys One pair of a set of buoys marking the deep dredged Yantlet Channel, which passes between them. The subject location in for the nearer, North buoy on the right. Viewed from P.S. Waverley, which was heading upriver after a call at Southend Pier. — Sea Reach North 6 and Sea Reach South 6 buoys Credit: Robin Webster

Leigh Middle is a small coastal town located in the county of Essex, England. Situated on the shores of the Thames Estuary, it is bordered by the towns of Southend-on-Sea to the east and Westcliff-on-Sea to the west. The town is renowned for its picturesque seafront and its close proximity to the Leigh Creek, a charming tidal creek that flows into the estuary.

The town's seafront is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering stunning views of the estuary and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing, and picnicking. The seafront is also lined with a variety of seaside shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing visitors with a range of dining and shopping options.

Leigh Creek, located to the north of the town, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The creek is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird species, fish, and marine wildlife. It is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The creek's tranquil ambiance and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Leigh Middle benefits from excellent transport links, with regular train services connecting it to London and other major cities in the region. The town also has a vibrant community, with a range of amenities including schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas.

Overall, Leigh Middle offers a unique blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and convenient amenities, making it a desirable place to live and visit for those seeking a coastal getaway.

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Leigh Middle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.515382/0.66018901 or Grid Reference TQ8482. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sea Reach North 6 and Sea Reach South 6 buoys

One pair of a set of buoys marking the deep dredged Yantlet Channel, which passes between them. The subject location in for the nearer, North buoy on the right. Viewed from P.S. Waverley, which was heading upriver after a call at Southend Pier.

Robin Webster

Canvey Point

This and much of the path to it is submerged at high tide.

Robert Eva

South from Canvey Point

Robert Eva

Northwards from Canvey Point looking towards Leigh

Robert Eva

'Waverley' in mid-river: full steam ahead

Photo taken on board paddle-steamer Waverley shortly after passing the West Leigh Middle marker buoy, while heading up-river at speed. Waverley was throwing up a tremendous wake because we'd lost 15 minutes or so at Southend and were heading up-Thames at a gallop. Approaching Southend pierhead against an ebb-tide and a north-west breeze, we'd lost steerway and failed to berth at the first attempt. The skipper then let the ship drift out into the stream for some minutes - before re-starting the engines. We looped out towards mid-river before a second - successful - approach. Photos I'd taken on previous trips show Waverley's wake when proceeding at a more modest pace: Link Link Link

Stefan Czapski

The West Leigh Middle channel-marker buoy

Both name-plates on this buoy were badly faded, but identification is correct. Seen in the background is the Essex coast near Hadleigh Castle. The location was determined by overlaying maritime chart and OS grid. Photo taken from PS Waverley.

Stefan Czapski

River Thames, Sea Reach North 6 Buoy

One of a series of buoys marking the deep dredged Yantlet Channel and one of a pair with TQ8481 : River Thames, Sea Reach South 6 Buoy which together mark both sides of the channel. Southend Pier is in the background.

David Dixon

River Thames, Sea Reach South 6 Buoy

One of a series of buoys marking the deep dredged Yantlet Channel and one of a pair with TQ8581 : River Thames, Sea Reach North 6 Buoy which together mark both sides of the channel. The Isle of Grain is in the background.

David Dixon

Two Tree Island Panorama

This view takes in a panorama from approximately 120 to 210 degrees magnetic from the photographer position. It shows the saltmarsh on the southeast corner of Two Tree Island nature reserve Link

. The reserve is maintained by Essex Wildlife Trust Link

Glyn Baker

Canvey Point

This is Canvey Point looking east. Canvey Point is reached via a footpath that is flooded at high tide. This area of saltmarsh is a haven for over wintering wild fowl and other sea birds.

Glyn Baker

Leigh Creek

Leigh Creek (referred to on OS maps as Leigh Swatch) is the channel that flows between the pebbly area in the foreground and the area of mud just beyond it.

David Kemp

Estuarial mudflats at Leigh-on-Sea

Leigh Sand is the area of inter-tidal mudflat to the right of the creek that can be seen winding its way through the left of the image. The channel that runs across the centre of the image is Ray Gut and the area of mud between Ray Gut and the main course of the Thames is Chapman Sands.

David Kemp

Outward bound

Cobelfret's 'Cymbeline' passing Canvey Point heading for Flushing with a cargo of cars from Fords.

Ron Galliers

In and Out

Two Cobelfret car carriers passing off Canvey Point. One heading for Flushing, the other for Fords in Dagenham.

Ron Galliers

Chapman Sands

Although called 'sands' they are in fact 90% mud and shingle.

Ron Galliers

Footpath to Canvey Point

I was hoping to cross this square and get to Canvey Point but I think wellies might be more appropriate than my hiking boots as the mud looked a bit deep. Not to be attempted on a rising tide as the path is obviously submerged at high tide.

John Myers

Canvey Point

The most easterly point on Canvey Island. The OS map shows another sliver of land to the east of this point but I couldn't see it on the ground and Google Earth doesn't show it either. Coastal erosion one assumes.

John Myers

The Leigh Deposit marker-buoy

Marking a shoal in mid-river, about midway between the mouth of Yantlet Creek (on the Kentish side) and Chalkwell Oaze on the Essex shore. Seen here from onboard the paddle steamer 'Waverley', bound for Tilbury. The buoy is clearly visible in satellite imagery, and I was able to read off grid co-ordinates using 'Where's the path?'.

Stefan Czapski

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Leigh Middle is located at Grid Ref: TQ8482 (Lat: 51.515382, Lng: 0.66018901)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Castle Point

Police Authority: Essex