Bradwell-on-Sea - Roman Fort - St Peter's Way - Bradwell

Brian and Anne Sandland

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When you leave your car you will literally be at the end of the road. No wonder Foulness was once under consideration as a site for a London airport! Just south of the route you follow on this walk, it can be no more isolated! The feeling of space and peace evoked by this walk is not easy to find elsewhere in the south of England. You pass areas of international importance for the maintenance of wildlife, particularly seabirds. You will also pass relics of the First and Second World Wars and will view from afar one of the oldest nuclear power stations in the UK.

It is not by chance either that a community of Christians has chosen this outpost in which to settle. The stones from the old Roman fort of Othona were used by Bishop Cedd to build the distinctive Chapel of St Peter in 654 AD. The chapel still stands and is in regular use and always open to visitors. You bypass the settlement to visit Sales Point and enjoy the views across the estuary of the Blackwater, as well as upriver towards Bradwell and the nuclear power station. The beach and mudflats on the seaward side are important as breeding grounds for little terns. On your way south you will pass a nature reserve where seabirds and waders of all kinds live or visit. Towards the southern end of your circuit you may glimpse relics of both WW1 and WW2. There are also modern radio masts. You should also note barges which have been sunk in lines to protect the coastline.

As you walk back through prairie-type farmland you will pass an ancient pond to the west of Glebe Farm. This is an ancient monument and was once used by local farmers to trap ducks as a supplement to their income. Once back on the 'main??' (only) road you walk back to your car past a number of splendid old farms with views all the way across to the Blackwater - and later out to sea and south where your walk has taken you. The sights and sounds of this walk will haunt you for a long time to come!

England - East England - Essex - Coast

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Nature Trail, Pub, River, Sea, Wildlife
10/17/2011 - Ian Bysouth

A good walk, although it was fairly busy near to the start. The chapel and sea wall area seem to be popular for short walks. Good for dogs as no stiles or other difficult obstacles for large dogs. Will walk again but may try to reverse the route and do the road section first. Good walk and timings fairly accurate.

6/15/2009 - David Pereira and Jeni Chester

Off Road Ramblers. Note at point 2 the steps were overgrown and barely visible. There is a mud slope next to it. The same applies for walk 1375. On point 6 at Bradwell bird observatory, take the wooden steps up, to lead on to the bank. This was an excellent walk. Keep on the bank for some really great views, if on the lower track you miss out. Stop at the pub and if you're up for it do walk 1375 after. Total 13 miles both walks.