Wivenhoe to West Mersea or Clacton-on-Sea Walk

Videos

• 
  swcwalks, swcwalk 247, Brightlingsea to Clacton on Sea 24/7/19.

  amib, Aug-19

  8.7 miles of walking, mainly along the sea-wall, between these two Essex resorts. It was undertaken on a warm and sunny summer's day, appropriately, after a lengthy train journey caused by damaged over-head wires. A bus was taken from Colchester to Brightlingsea to avoid repeating the section recently filmed between Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea. This would make for a walk of around 15 miles in total, if undertaken.

  Having crossed the narrow channel to Point Clear, the walker soon has to leave the sea wall at 'The Heights' development, and then return to it at a section that is not yet 'official' Coast Path, though used locally. The route then passes via Lee-over-Sands, Seawick, Jaywick and then into Clacton-on-Sea, with its multitude of sea-side attractions.

  Another section of the England Coast Path completed, but not one of the better parts, save for the quieter areas.

• 
  swcwalks, swcwalk 247, Wivenhoe to West Mersea. 21/6/19.

  amib, Jul-19

  A very pleasant 13 mile walk (11 'officially') through the South Essex countryside. Filmed on a decent Summer Solstice day, the walk starts out from the riverside town of Wivenhoe to follow the former rail bed of the Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea Railway for a few miles. That then crosses a creek, via a bridge, as walkers used to be able to do via a ford, but now a detour inland is required to reach Brightlingsea.

  Lunch is had here, in the very pleasant harbour, whilst awaiting the ferry to East Mersea. After a short ride across the 'Reach', the walker is then passing through two nature reserves. Thereafter, high tides prevent the 'official' path being followed, as do caravan parks a cliff-top alternative. Thus, a bit of road walking is required, with some inland paths, but West Mersea is eventually reached. From here, buses run through to the station at Colchester.

  A lovely walk, aided and abetted by some lovely weather! Mixed terrain and scenery and tranquil for the most part. Best done when the tide is out on Mersea Island, if that's possible!