Essex Man Does Walking

Only just over 2 months to go before the North Downs Way walk so it is about time I got back into walking shape. I decided that I would do a bit more of the Saffron Trail from Belfairs Wood down to Leigh On Sea where it meets the Coastal Path. When planning this I realised that I had missed a bit of the coastal path in my previous walks by not going around Two Tree Island, so I factored that in as well. All in all a 12 mile walk with some nice steep hills to get the blood pumping through the leg muscles again.

It was a good looking day, the sun was out but there was enough of a cold breeze that I wasn’t going to overheat. I headed out and along Prittlewell Brook towards Belfairs and when I got there too a path than ran next to the golf course into the woods.

Heading through Belfairs proper I met plenty of dog walkers all wearing their obligatory Dry-Robe coats. Passing the Grange stables I got a little lost before picking up the Public Bridleway which went past the other side of the stables. Lots of lovely houses down here which peter out as you approach the Great Wood which takes you into Hadleigh.

Once in Hadleigh I made my way to the Cycle centre and Café where I had a quick slurp of coffee, a slice of Victoria sponge and kept a sausage roll for later in the journey. The Sun was really blinding now and on the other side of the downs the breeze was a bit stronger. Refreshing! Heading down the main path you continue on over a field and pass through a gate leading to a small track which continues on down towards the railway line. From here you can look up and see the castle but you will be closer in a minute as the trail makes you walk up the steep path towards it before you head around the back of the castle.

Round the back of the castle the path continues past a Saffron Trail marker before making it’s way gently downwards once again. The Saffron Trail then peels away from the main path to the Station and heads back up steeply to the road. From here you can walk parallel to the old trail before heading back down to the station.

Then it is on to Two Tree island and the coastal path, plenty of dogs about but it not an unpleasant walk around, stopping at one of the many bird spotting huts to have a look and have a bite of sausage roll before coming back out from the island and towards the station once again.

Getting tired now but in order to get home I have to go up one last steep hill towards the church. Urgh! I used to be able to run up this after many pints of beer but I don’t have that anaesthetic in me now. Anyway, I get to the top and head home trying to catch my breath.