Hornchurch Social Night Hike 5km

 Ingrebourne Valley Sunday Hike - 5KM

Perfect for solo walkers and beginners

Join us for a relaxed 5km night hike through the woodlands and countryside around The Ingrebourne Valley, followed by optional food or drinks at The Optimist pub with the group.

Walking after dark gives familiar trails a completely different feel. With quieter paths, woodland trails and headtorches lighting the way, it’s a great way to experience the countryside at night while enjoying the relaxed, social atmosphere of an Essex Adventures hike.

Important: You must bring a torch or headtorch as the route will be walked in darkness.

Is this hike for me?

This relaxed 5km circular route is perfect for all levels of fitness.

Whether you're completely new to hiking or just looking for a different way to spend an evening outdoors, the pace is relaxed, friendly and sociable.

The walk takes around 1–1.5 hours, finishing back at The Optimist Tavern, where anyone who wants to can stay for optional food or drinks with the group.

Coming on Your Own?

Don't worry – most people do.

We know walking into something new can feel a little daunting, but you'll be greeted by Jack and the Essex Adventures team, and before long you'll be chatting away with the rest of the group.

Everyone starts somewhere, and our community is built around making people feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

The Need-to-Knows

Start & Finish: The Optimist Tavern, Hacton Lane, Upminster RM14 2XY

Arrival: 6:50pm

Hike Start: 7:00pm prompt start

Distance: 5km

Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy – a relaxed social pace, although much of the route is off-road and conditions can be muddy depending on the weather.

Post-Hike: Optional food or drinks at The Optimist Tavern with the group.

What's included?

Guided hike led by the Essex Adventures team

Full support throughout the walk

Full kit list provided upon booking

Access to the Essex Adventures community and a dedicated event group

What do I need to bring?

Yourself – Parking is available at The Optimist Tavern.

Water – Around 1 litre is recommended.

Suitable footwear – Much of the route is off-road, so walking boots or suitable hiking footwear are strongly recommended. Trainers rarely survive Essex mud...

Torch or headtorch – Essential. The route will be walked in darkness, so everyone attending must bring their own torch or headtorch.

Suitable layers – Evening temperatures can drop quickly, so please dress appropriately for the weather and bring an additional layer if needed.

Money for food or drinks – Completely optional, but we'd love you to join us at The Optimist Tavern after the hike.

 Limited Spaces

To keep the group friendly and personal, spaces are limited.

Book early to avoid missing out.

Any Questions?

Please check out our FAQs on the main website, or contact us via Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp.

There’s no such thing as a silly question , we’re always happy to help.

Don't just take our word for it!

Community is at the heart of what we do, and feedback from our members helps us make sure we practice what we preach.

" Did my first social hike with Essex Adventures in Epping and honestly had such a great time! The group was really friendly and easy to chat to and our guide Jack provided a really scenic 10K route, whilst keeping it fun, even cracking the odd joke here and there. It was a good mix of walking and chatting without feeling rushed. Already looking forward to the next one! 😄" Mia- Aug25

"I had such an amazing time on this hike and can’t recommend Jack and Essex Adventures enough! This was my second time joining and it was just as great as the first. Jack plans fantastic routes The group was brilliant too such great people and we had so many laughs along the way, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It’s a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re looking for a fun, well-organised hike with great company, Jack and Essex Adventures are definitely the ones to go with!" Freza - Mar26

"Jack’s hikes are absolutely brilliant. Well organised with great clear communication before hand. Although nervous about my first hike. I was made to feel so welcome by Jack and the group and have now become a regular. Jack always has a kit list so you know what to bring, an honest detail of how long the hike will take and what level it’s at so you can judge for yourself how challenging it will be. One of my favourite things is that no one gets left behind as Jack always checks on the whole group throughout the hike to make sure everyone is happy and enjoying themselves and doesn’t rush folks but lets them go at a speed that works for them" - Belinda - Aug25

Join Us!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore the great outdoors and enjoy a morning of nature in Brentwood with a great group of people.

We look forward to welcoming you on the trails!

Jack and the Essex Adventures Team