Day 29 – Sunday 1 October 2000 - Stanford-le-Hope to Grays

11 miles walked today

377 miles walked in total (average 13)

Today, I’ve walked in trainers.  Despite my best efforts to dry my footwear out, I failed.  My socks did very well on the heated towel rail in my room last night, but the boots refused to cooperate with the wall heater.

I was walking before nine and made good progress to East Tilbury and Coalhouse Fort.  The weather was gorgeous – very warm and bright.  I can’t believe how rural and peaceful East Tilbury village is – I was expecting the worst.  But it really is very countrified.

While taking a break at Coalhouse Fort to take in the views along the Thames, a tourist boat went by, giving the commentary on various highlights on the way.  It’s so peaceful – it’s hard to believe it’s only a short stretch to heavily industrialised docks.

From the fort, the path hugged the Thames to West Tilbury power station.  I was amazed at how many small boats were on the water – nestling in among the huge ships.  I also spotted the paddle steamer “Waverley” ferrying a load of sightseers.  Along the path, a couple of old fires were smouldering, but it soon became apparent who’d started them as I stumbled across three young fishermen with their bivvy and their bikes.  It was strangely peaceful, except for the odd ship’s siren.

Just past Tilbury Fort, where some sort of military day was going on, I stopped for lunch at the World’s End pub.  I’d met a couple on their bikes and stopped for a natter.  They told me I’d make Grays easily today and could even get to Purfleet.  However, the next bit was tough walking on roads again (and major ones at that) through industrial estates and built up areas to Grays.  True to form, the rain started as I got into the town centre, so I decided to call it a day.

A good weekend in all – I’ve really enjoyed it and feel very motivated to keep going.