Walk Report

An Alternative Essex Way Part 3, Saturday 14th August 2021
10 walkers, 18.5 miles - leader Ron Williamson
In the weeks immediately preceding this walk I had some concerns as to the likely state of the footpaths which we would be using; so much so that last minute adjustments were made to the planned route to ensure that any blocked paths could be avoided without the need for lengthy diversions along roads. My concerns had obviously reached others who brought secateurs with them whilst those with sensitive legs wore protective clothing. In the event, however, such precautions proved to be unnecessary as even the least used paths were easily trod and the expected potential difficult sections had been pruned in expectation of our visit, and even the recent rains had failed to provide any substantial Essex mud.
Good progress was, therefore, made on our trek from Liverpool St station finding our own way across East London and Essex, 87 miles now completed and the final 21 to be completed on September 11th when we will cross the Suffolk border.
We are learning to relax and become part of our surroundings, as illustrated by the fact that no attempt was made over the final few miles to catch the earlier train, which in fact we missed by just 3 minutes, instead there was time for a pleasant 40 minutes spent winding down in the local hostelry.
Photographs by Gavin Fuller and Stephen Lannon

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