Country Walking : Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex. 4/7/24

Another interesting walk from Country Walking Magazine, in a tranquil corner of South East Essex. A shorter one of 6.5 miles, undertaken on a breezy (some minor wind interference) afternoon with sunny intervals.
This walk involves a mini-bus journey from Southminster station, but is definitely 'far from the madding crowd'. This might explain why a nuclear power station was built here (ceased electricity production in 2002). By contrast, St Cedd landed nearby, from Northumberland, to build St Peter's chapel in 654 A.D, and the Romans were on the same site, building Fort Othona, before that. This is now a community centre.
Otherwise, the walk is mainly atop the sea-defence wall, with great bird-watching opportunities in season, and along an old Roman road. Thus, it's flat, never exceeding 36 feet, and often peaceful, being in the Dengie National Nature Reserve.
A very good afternoon's walking, even though a possible longer circuit had to be curtailed due to time constraints. A further visit to the area will be planned.

[@LizSmith292]

Another good walk with thoughtful commentary. Have walked in this area a few times but St. Peter’s has always been closed. Appreciated your long look around. I believe it was built in the site of, and used stones from, the Roman fort there. BTW the extension you chose not to do has some challenging navigation. Am sorry to hear about the reduced bus service. I use the very infrequent service from Maldon. The walk to Burnham on Crouch is apparently the most remote section of coast in the country!

[@amib]

Thanks Liz. Interesting that you've also been there, and more than once! Correct with your history about the site. Maldon has no rail station so I can't link up, but the new D45 might be possible. Why are the marshes challenging? I was planning to walk out from Tillingham for that very remoteness😏 Thanks for watching again😉👍

[@LizSmith292]

@@amib I use the bus from Chelmsford to Maldon. I have a book ‘ 50 walks on the Essex Coast’ interesting reading and good walks but some are extremely remote. I had an ice cream at Bradwell too! Have just returned from the completing the Nar Valley Way and part of the Wensum Way in Norfolk.

[@amib]

Thanks Liz. Sounds an interesting book. I've walked/filmed some of the Essex coast, and some of the Norfolk areas you mention😉👍

[@gillianbridge-tj9bm]

Thank you again amib. There were certainly some fierce contrasts on this walk; from that wonderful, evocative chapel and the melancholic estuarine scenery to the caravan park and wind farm horrors. (Not great news on the latter front today concerning on shore turbines). I wonder what the future has in store for the nuclear power station ? Anyway, a fascinating walk. Thank you as always

[@amib]

Yes, surprisingly interesting for a shorter walk; a bit different to the usual ones. Particularly with that power station present. Indeed! Very bad news that our skyline will be further ruined by those short-term monstrosities😤 Thanks for watching again😉👍

[@julieblackstock8650]

This was an interesting and different walk, I have been all round Southminster and Bradwell ( inc the chapel) in my younger years. I grow common mallow in my garden as it is so pretty. I think the Dengie Peninsula is quite overlooked as a pretty and peaceful place to visit. That Roman road you followed from the chapel is said to be haunted by sounds of Marching Feet ( Roman soldiers perhaps!)

[@amib]

Interesting Julie. I agree that it's overlooked, but I hope it stays that way; it's hard to find quiet pockets these days. Even Northumberland (on my radar) has been infiltrated. I hope to get back to the Dingle at some point, if the buses permit; a walk from Tillingham, across the marsh, interests, round to Burnham. Thanks for watching again😉👍