Coastwalk

Shoeburyness → Rochford

Distance: 10.3 miles
Ascent: unknown
Duration: 5 hours

Essex estuaries
« Southend-on-Sea | Burnham-on-Crouch »

Shoeburyness feels like the end of the world, and for good reason. Although Essex continues for another five miles east of here across Foulness Island, and MoD property with unclear access arrangements. Time then, to start tackling the estuaries and creeks that will be a main feature of my time in Essex. I've heard it said that Essex has the longest coastline of any county; a quick glance at the map suggests this is unfortunately likely to be correct.

I set out late, so by the time I reached Havengore Bridge I was conscious of the available daylight. At Oxenham I headed inland to Little Wakering, then continued heading almost directly due west to Sutton Bridge Farm, before turning north to Rochford.

In doing so I've made the longest deviation I've done so far from the actual coastline. While walking, I felt comfortable doing so, but now I'm beginning to feel like a cheat. Maybe I'll re-walk this section 'properly' sometime in the future.