Walk Report

Sea Salt and Saxons, Saturday 10th June 2017
14 walkers, 21 miles - leader Ron Williamson
A delightful Essex summer morning greeted the group as we alighted at a deserted Hatfield Peverel station. Away sharply at 9:40, we were quickly into the local countryside passing the first of many D of E groups that we were to encounter in the next two hours. The lack of facilities at the station became the excuse for an early break at Paper Mill Lock, a very popular and pleasant spot.
A brief encounter with the tow path was then followed by a steady climb through luxuriant forest towards the fascinating sounding Twitty Fee. Across an unusually welcoming golf course and in no time we had completed nine miles which happened to coincide with our arrival at The Cat, a country pub with convivial garden. Suitably refreshed and in high spirits the next few miles flew past and on arrival at the historic town of Maldon 30 minutes was allocated to enable members to soak up some of the local culture. The vast majority, however, misunderstood this intention and decided that the best culture was served in the local Wetherspoons.
With the time now 15:00 and still only halfway, a more determined approach needed to be applied to the afternoon's walking, fortunately our route did not pass any serious distractions and we arrived at Witham station just as the 18:30 arrived to speed us home.
An enjoyable walk in perfect conditions, no difficulties with footpaths well maintained throughout. Recommended especially if you can find such good company.
Photographs by Ron Williamson and Roderick Smith

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