Grangewaters
Our group counts itself fortunate that we have the use of Grangewaters, from which we take our name, as our training venue. The site is owned by Thurrock District Council and we are very grateful to the authority and the site management for permitting our use of the facilities. The centre, covering 70 acres with a 25 acre lake, is enclosed and secured and offers a clean and well equipped and maintained environment.
The site boasts a modern facilities building with seperate male and female changing rooms, toilets and hot showers.
There is ample free car parking in the tarmaced car park. We usually enjoy the use of a large field immediatetly adjacent to the the lake where we can park and erect our awnings and shade for the dogs.
There is plenty of enclosed space to exercise our dogs and we are diligent about clearing up after them so as not to leave a mess behind and jeopardise our future use of this fantastic facility.
Because it is an Outdoor Educational Centre, built around an old gravel pit, the water quality is excellent and regularly tested. The primary access point to the water is gently shelving and the grassy bank is a great place to sit and watch while others are working. On days when we have a lot of dogs training, we use a second area at the far side of the lake which has even gentler access to the water.
Location map
You can view a larger version of the map by clicking here.
Directions by road
If using a sat-nav, the postcode is RM15 6RS. The site is very easily accessible from the M25 via the A13. It is literally only a few minutes drive away from the Junction on the M25.
Take the A13 exit from the junction and travelling eastbound on the A13 take the second slip road on your left. At the roundabout at the top of the slip road, bear left taking the first exit onto the High Road in North Stifford. Proceed carefully through the village, continuing past the cricket ground on your left and down the hill until you reach the mini roundabout at the junction of Stifford Hill and Pilgrims Lane. Take the second exit (effectively turning right) and at the top of the hill stay in the right hand lane when approaching the traffic lights in order to go straight on. At the second mini roundabout (by a garden centre on the right), take the exit to the right down Buckles Lane and follow the lane to the end to arrive at the gates of Grangewaters.
Please be aware that the gates to Grangewaters are locked at all times. Members have a padlock key or lock code combination so please make sure you have made arrangements for access in advance.
Being considerate
We are very conscious that we train in an area used by other people. Not everyone, wherever you train, is necessarily fond of large, hairy, often noisy and soaking wets dogs. All members and visitors are asked to control their dog to avoid complaints. Instances of model boats being 'retrieved', people walking past a training session wearing previously smart clean clothes, children losing their ice cream or sandwich to a hungry newfie (newfs are notorious for never turning down a snack!), have been experienced. Many people are good-natured about these type of mishaps, others not so!