Day 103: Battlesbridge to Burnham-on-Crouch

The weather forecast is good, so I return to pretty Battlesbridge to continue my daily hikes round the Essex estuaries.

There is a lovely antiques village, deserted at this early hour, which tempts me in to wander round.

The path, part of the Saffron Trail, heads north to cross the A132. It’s rush hour — not a good time — with an endless stream of cars whizzing past in both directions. I’m stuck on the verge for 10 minutes until I spot a gap and sprint across. There’s another road I could follow, but I’ve learnt my lesson from my last Essex walk, and head further north, following a series of paths through woods and nurseries, scattering several rabbits. It’s longer but more relaxing. You never know what you might find.

I round Fenn Creek and follow it south to rejoin the River Crouch. There are still hundreds of brent geese, together with oyster catchers, mallards, herons, greylag geese, and little egrets. My bird identification skills are improving slowly.

It’s a pleasant embankment walk to Stow Creek where I head north again. The vivid blackthorn blossoms are everywhere.

I take a second diversion north to avoid the busy B1012 and discover an old railway track.

The path returns to the River Crouch at North Fambridge where I enjoy a pint of wherry bitter at the Ferry Boat Inn. Mr and Mrs Mallard waddle into the bar from the garden. The barman chases them out before I can take a picture. Apparently they are regulars.

After my break, the land opens up once more, stretching away to the far horizon. Some people just take it all in.

I like to explore off the path, but I think this is one time to respect the signs. Our paths have crossed before.

The sun is setting as I reach the marina at Burnham-on-Crouch.

There are several houseboats moored along the river.

The waterfront is a maze of alleys, pubs and places to explore. A lovely end to a relaxing day.

Walk distance: 22 miles.

Total distance: 1,579 miles.