Monday 8th September 2025

Gedney Drove End to Fosdyke Bridge

Now I’m not exaggerating when I say that we’ve been pondering on this stretch of coastline for the last three years, since we were last up this way. I’ve witnessed Steve agonising over maps, websites and other walkers’ blogs for hours on end, trying to find a solution to how we could achieve this without forking out large sums of money for taxis (up to £100) or walking a crazy amount of miles in one go. Well, the big man found a solution and today was the day we did it.

It was the discovery of CallConnect buses that enabled us to complete the jigsaw puzzle, matching up times with local buses and some driving too. But Steve’s logistics proved perfect once again.

We drove to Sutton Bridge and our first CallConnect bus dropped us off right at the path at Gedney Drove End (a lovely chatty driver) … and he let us use our bus passes, even though it was only 9 o’clock! Easy embankment wall to start, veering right after a mile and on to Ministry of Defence land … and then miles of being warned about DANGER!! Unexploded bombs – risk of Death. Fire Risk. DANGER – overhead cables, could cause death. DANGER – risk of falling. DANGER – risk of drowning. And to add to the atmosphere there were jet fighters overhead, presumably training …. swooping down then making steep vertical ascents and creating thunderous crunching type noises. It was actually an amazing airshow and we were lucky to have free ringside seats.

The irony though was that it was the most sublime terrain – tarmac for 3 miles and the rest was a perfectly mowed grass embankment wall. We could even look up and take in the scenery, without fear of stumbling – normally I have my eyes glued to the ground watching for hazards. Some stunning agricultural land to the left … Steve was particularly impressed with the stripes (obviously not quite as good as his lawn). And it was a perfectly sunny day – blue skies with little puffs of white cloud – and a fresh breeze to stop us overheating …. just perfect.

Strangely, there was a noticeable absence of birdlife (they must have heard about the DANGER) but we were treated to plenty of butterfly flutter-bys.

It was a very isolated day on the path, very few walkers. We stumbled across a bench about 5 miles in so stopped for lunch and re-energised. We had figured today was going to be 14 miles so had come with plenty of food, drink and snacks and intended to make regular stops. My energy levels still aren’t back to normal so wanted to push myself but be prepared at the same time. I’d even squirrelled away a pocket full of starbursts for emergencies!

About 9 miles in, it became a bit of a physical and mental challenge – as beautiful as it was, it was all so much of the same and seemed to stretch on endlessly ahead. But of course we soldiered on and had such a Brucie Bonus when we discovered it was actually 12 miles and not 14. So, Fosdyke Bridge finally ticked off and we’ve learnt a whole load about local public transport!!

Another island walk today and we chose a sunny but blustery day to tread the high and exposed embankment loop. It was fine when the wind was behind us but a little more arduous when walking into it. Great paths though – so well maintained and much appreciated.

I’m still not 100% well so agreed to be part rambler/part chauffeur today – handy also in that the island is somewhat remote in terms of public transport. This being a large nature reserve, we parked up in the RSPB car park and, in the absence of any other walkers or twitchers, we got talking to the friendly RSPB man. He was so helpful in showing us the route on a map, informed us that the path was easygoing (I put my walking pole back) and pointed to his collection of wildlife photos. Amongst the pictures of birds, hares and butterflies my eyes were drawn to a photo of a snake! “Oh yes, we have adders here” he casually said, “You’ll find them basking on the sea walls.” And so a lot of heavy stomping went on today, to warn those pesky slithery things that ‘the Rambling Roses are coming, you better skedaddle!’

Besides that worry, it was a beautifully scenic walk, and as promised a huge variety of birds, colourful wild flowers and lots of perfectly tiny blue butterflies everywhere. We saw seals basking and swimming in the shallow waters too – always a treat.

Not sure how we did it but the island walk turned out to be a mile or two longer than estimated and the last stretch by the marina was particularly narrow and high. My energy levels were dipping by this time and I felt extra wobbly, had to concentrate fully so as not to tip over the edge. 9 miles in and I was really flagging – we could see the car parked in the distance and I was willed on by the thought of cheese and pickle sandwiches awaiting us.

And like the bull worry a few days ago, no adders crossed our path today – thank the Lord!

After our picnic lunch, Steve walked on to the pretty village of Paglesham. I donned my chauffeur hat and drove there, parked up in the shade and enjoyed my book for an hour until my fellow rambler completed his 12 miles for the day.

That completes our walking for this little breakaway to Essex. Steve has walked 80 miles in that time – I’ve only managed half of that!

We have loved the area, loved the exquisite house we’ve been staying in and absolutely fallen in love with Bertie – the resident ginger cat. Mary and Doug have said we can come back anytime and I have a strong suspicion we’ll be taking them up on that offer. “Au revoir” as they say, “until we meet again.”

Saturday 10th May 2025

A rather pleasant day today although walking 15+ miles after a 3 mile parkrun does make for a lengthy day … even more so because my normal walking buddy decided to rest up.

So it was a day walking either side of the River Roach, accompanied by a cacophony of cuckoo sound and the absolute treat of watching not just one game of cricket but two! 

It’s unusual to see one game of village cricket these days let alone two but it appears that Rochford CC, a small Essex village, are able to do just that!  Lucky them and lucky me.

Anyway enough sport distraction, this is a tale from the river bank – a gloriously sunny day, spectacular estuary views, birds a-plenty and a bus back home for dinner, having been dropped off in Paglesham by Mrs R just four hours earlier.

Whilst being recognised as the England Coastal Path it seems that not many folks have walked along this section, although in late spring the grass and cow parsley is in full growth mode, making it almost a case of wading through the waist high undergrowth!  The views though are amazing and can be doubly appreciated as you walk the other side of the river on the way back. This Essex coastline has endless such inlets to be covered.

I have to say, our coastal path walking has highlighted that parts of this delightful small island we live on remains pretty much undiscovered … you can walk for miles with not another person in sight. A lonely 15 miles completed, just the birds, cricket and sea shells to keep me company!!