Day 21 – Saturday 24 June 2000 - Maldon to Bradwell

16 miles walked today

283.5 miles walked in total (average 13.5)

I was up and out of the house by quarter to six this morning, trying not to wake Shiriin and Vicky in the process – I failed.  As I got to the front door, I found a parcel on the floor addressed to me – a couple of slices of home made cake for my packed lunch – thanks Vicky!

I made good time driving to Maldon, although my plans were thrown in to disarray when I got there.  I’d planned to stay at Burnham on Crouch tonight as there is a lack of B&Bs on today’s route.  However, Maldon was holding a historical street fair today and the high street would be closed to traffic between three this afternoon and ten tonight.  I’d have to find somewhere to park, from where I could easily retrieve the car.  When this proved impossible, I found a B&B (with parking) in Maldon – I’ll just have to go to the fair!

It’s been very cold and grey – fleece and long trousers weather.  I couldn’t have worn my shorts much today anyway – some of the paths have been so overgrown that my legs would have been shredded to bits.

As soon as I got out of Maldon, I saw a National Trust sign for Northey Island, which is joined by a causeway to the mainland.  To visit the island, you have to give twenty-four hours’ notice to the Warden so a time can be arranged when the causeway wouldn’t be flooded and a tour can be organised with minimum disruption to the wildlife.

The path hugged the creeks all morning and I seemed to have been walking a long time without really making much progress.  Maylandsea was a very frustrating place to reach – I saw it for an hour and a half before I could get there.  I stopped at the Mayland Mill pub at lunchtime for a drink and to plan the rest of the day’s walk.  Back to road walking again!

The roads have, again, been very windy and I’ve had to tack back and forth across the road to face/ avoid being hit by oncoming traffic.  I was very relieved to see Bradwell Waterside – it’s been quite hard work again.  Not least because I’m so sleepy and have had to do without the obligatory sit downs – for fear of falling asleep for a few hours!

My taxi driver – who could talk for England – waxed lyrical about Tony Benn (who lives here), the Labour party in general, the cost of petrol, badgers, walking and Bradwell Power Station.  The power station is due to be decommissioned in two years and, apparently, Essex is overrun with engineers who are deliberating how to concrete it all over! 

He also gave me his card and told me that, if I have trouble getting a B&B in Burnham, I should give him a call as his friends have accommodation to let.  What a prince!