Thursday 8th May 2025 – 80th Anniversary of VE Day

We thought our house-sit was in Leigh-on-Sea but it turned out to be in nearby Thorpe Bay, an equally pleasant part of the Essex Coastline. The house we are staying in is pretty wonderful, we shall be languishing in 5* luxury for the next 9 days. And we have the delightful company of a ginger tom called ‘Bertie’ who is easygoing and low maintenance – his only requirements are to be fed plenty and to receive frequent tummy rubs. We’ve struck lucky.

We arrived yesterday afternoon and, after a thorough introduction to the house, our very lovely hosts Mary and Doug took us out for a scrumptious meal in a nearby Turkish restaurant. It was a great opportunity for us all to feel comfortable with each other … after a couple of glasses of wine and whole deal of chatting, it was like saying goodbye to long lost friends as we waved them off on their holiday to Portugal.

Not to moan but I’ve been unwell for some weeks now – just a cold/cough but hugely lacking in energy – I’m beginning to wonder if it’s long covid because I just can’t seem to shake it. I had thought I’d leave Steve to do the walking on this trip, and I could just relax and enjoy the sea air. But waking up to a sunny day and knowing it was a flat walk, I thought I’d ease my body back into some exercise – it could be just the cure I needed.

Our accommodation is a short walk from the promenade at Thorpe Bay so that was our official start for the day. It’s strange to think that the water is the Thames – with the sand and the beach huts it looks just like any seaside. There were even some swimmers at various points, emerging from their daily constitutions, clad in the compulsory dry robes and crocs. I take my hat off to each and every one of them.

It was an easy promenade stroll where we could relish in envy at the stunning beachfront properties – there’s clearly some money in these parts. Continuing on we met the contrast of Southend-on-Sea with its garish amusements, funfairs and casinos – having said that it was still smart and interesting to walk through, certainly plenty of things to do. And then on to the pretty area of Leigh-on-Sea with its famous seafood restaurants – Steve’s excited for his cockles and whelks!

This was 6 miles in and I was beginning to flag – I considered stopping off and letting Steve carry on without me. However, we took sustenance in the decking area of ‘The Galley’ – turned out a soothing mug of cappuccino and a bacon, avocado and tomato panini gave me the boost I needed to soldier on, and I’m so glad I did.

Just past here we took in the 3 mile walk around ‘Two Tree Island’ – a pretty nature reserve that also provides a setting for model plane enthusiasts. As we walked through the colourful and pungent flora we were accompanied by the whizzing noises overhead – interspersed with real aircraft flying low as they made their descents into Southend Airport. There were definitely more than two trees on the island – apparently the name comes from when the land was first reclaimed.

We picked up a path just off the island which became a generously proportioned sea defence wall with pretty views either side, absolutely gorgeous. We enjoyed this 3 mile walk into Benfleet where our station awaited us. We passed the bridge which will tomorrow take us onto our ramble around Canvey Island. And so back to Thorpe Bay where we relaxed in the very lovely garden and soaked up some afternoon sunshine.

Not sure if it’s cured me but it was a great day and we have 12 more miles ticked off.