Walk along the River Crouch, Essex (4K) 

"Oh golly, oh gosh, come and lie on the couch, with a nice bit of posh, from Burnham on Crouch" Ian Dury's unique Essex observations were brilliant!

You stumbled across the old railway line between Maldon and Woodham Ferrers which closed to passengers in 1939. Strangely, Maldon had two stations - Maldon West and Maldon East (nearer Heybridge). Maldon East ran up towards Witham and joined the mainline there. That ran until 1964. I live in Maldon and often think it's a shame we have no railway but also thankful as it's surely preserved our little town from becoming a soulless commuter station town. I must go and venture around the Crouch once all this Covid malarkey is over. Keep up the good work!

I lived in London for 7 years until 2003. I was always struck by how remote that area of Essex felt, backward I could say, beating in mind it's proximity to the capital. One weekend my wife, dog and I stayed at a holiday site in Essex and I felt like I'd slipped back into the 1950's....but not in an entirely bad way. 😀. Quite a contrast to living in Canary Wharf.

" We must turn these things into virtues......" How delightful 😊

Being a South Woodham Ferrers native, it’s very surreal seeing this walk on RU-vid. When i lived there (now in London), it was always the greatest thing about SWF walking around The Crouch

I grew up here. You have done it justice. Tried to swim across this river while drunk in the 1980s. My late dad had a little Lysander boat here too. Such larks we had here Pip.

Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Thank for the video John.😊

I was born inn SWF in 1946 when it was a very small village and lived there until 1961. As children, many times a friend and I walked the disused railway line from SWF to Maldon West Station which was about six miles as I recalll. This is not possible now as much of the track has been ploughed up or built upon. We would then buy a bag of chips and a bottle of lemonade and catch the bus back to SWF. Ufortunately I think there is no such bus now. Also, many times my wife.and I have walked the Crouch from North Fambridge to Burnham. Walking the south side of the Crouch is also very enjoyable although public transport is more difficult. I have lived in Essex all my life and it is brilliant walking country. I have only just come across your videos and they have brought back very happy memories of the walks that my wife and I have underten throughout England in our 53 year marriage. .

Flown over here many times in a light aircraft over the last 9 years. A truly remarkable and beautiful landscape.

Another delightful, bucolic meander. I love your honesty in this film. The new bag looks the business although it’s missing an orange carabiner. I bet the first pint went down very well.

Such an evocative landscape. You can sense the shades of a those who first alighted on these creeks.

really enjoyed watching your walk , my dad had a yacht moored at burnham on crouch and i have such fond memories as a child spending every weekend sailing up and down the crouch and further journeys to france belgium etc ,i am 53 now with respriatory problems so walking for me is unfortunatly out of the question nowdays , thanks for bringing back some loely memories !

A friend and I recently started at Althorne and walked to Burnham, but we hadn't realised the incoming tide would cover to a foot deep part of the path, necessitating a long detour through fields and woods and a vineyard. But Burnham has more than one place to eat and drink, which helps a lot.

Thanks john for the wonderful video, it took me back to my teenage years when I used to go birdwatching at burnham on crouch and leigh on sea. I have never seen a swan paddle before. Bob.

so dreamlike - a somnambulist's paradise - this is why i like watching these before i go to bed, as they are so relaxing and comforting

Mistakes or not that was a great walk. Just thankful that "no up the creek without a paddle" puns were evident. The tidal estuary makes a beautiful landscape quite different from the more urban scenes.

Thanks John really enjoyed this one. I got caught out with no food up Maldon way, eventually found a pub that was open, asked the barman if they did food, he replied we've never done food here! A bag of crisps it was. It somehow made the day.

Getting lost is a great way to discover new places

After discovering your web site I am now catching up with your past walks , The river Crouch Flows through my town of Wickford , "KEEP WALKING" Love it your walks have given me a new lease of Life

will save this for sunday evening, I like watching your walks then seems to round off the week perfect for me. Cheers buddy.

Thanks for another enjoyable vid. Just like to add that in the late 60’s I had a friend who’s parents had a bungalow at Stone on the Blackwater and we explored the Dengie peninsular on our motorbikes. Before South Woodham Ferrers new town was built I remember standing at the end of the road and looking across the Crouch to Hullbridge which at the time seemed to be just a pub and a few houses. However it was a long time ago so it might have been North Fambridge and looking across to South Fambridge!. The area gave me the feeling that it had not quite caught up with the 20th century, it has now. Another idea for a walk in that area, say from the Crouch to the Blackwater along the disused railway track which runs from Woodham Ferrers to Maldon, you could perhaps take in the restored WWI aerodrome at Stow Maries, the petrified forest at Mundon which is next to a 14th century Church then on to Northy Island (Battle of Maldon 991ad) and finally to Maldon. Unfortunately no rail link back to Woodham Ferrers. Well, Just an idea.

Great walk John really great river views enjoy that pint

Great stuff John. I live by the river Tay and just take it all for granted . There’s always yachts and boats, swans and birds, views and bridges, I don’t t think a day goes by without seeing the water. You’ve made me realise how lucky I am to have all this on my doorstep so I’ll start to appreciate it all a bit more. I do like a stroll down past the yacht club, there’s always something to see. I hate running out of water man, it’s my great fear, so I always pack an extra bottle just in case. 😎👍

Nice backpack.😊 Really lovely walking with you John! Your videos are always excellent and so enjoyable. Thank you! ...Take care, can't wait for the next one!

That closed branch line is the old line from South Woodham Ferrers up to Maldon.. great vid again John. I live in Barkingside but my partner lives in Daws Heath near Rayliegh so I spend a lot of time in that part of the world (crouch, Roach, Battlesbridge, Hanningfield etc etc) some great breweries in that part of the world too, Wibblers, Mighty Oak, George, leigh on Sea Billericay Brewing Co etc. Walk on my friend...

I'm now officially addicted to these. Just so lovely, a transport of delight.

Great walk. Loved it all. The isolation of river Crouch is magic

One of the things I like about going along on your walks, John, is that destinations are usually a suggestion and the path to them is the actual adventure. Your approach (figuratively and literally) is one that observes and responds to your surroundings and you let us join you in your musings. I think that a straight through from start to finish would change your walks to something entirely different and something not nearly as engaging. I'm one of those who enjoy the trip much more than the arrival. It means that any landscape/path can be entertaining and interesting and no trip is disappointing. Thanks for a lovely walk, and based on past experience, I expect we will be visiting the River Crouch again soon to check out the rest of the walk.

Walking frees the mind, long walks can empty it, ready for tomorrow. Lovely film, enjoyed every second.

Thanks for posting the films of your walks John. Always interesting. Do come back to the Dengie Peninsula again. You can walk all the way from North Fambridge around the Dengie to Maldon (without major detours) and then on to Tollesbury and beyond even. A highlight would be the church of St Peter's on the wall at Bradwell, my favourite place in Essex. There is an enormous amount to learn about the area and I would recommend to anyone considering visiting to do so sooner rather than later. There is much development going on so enjoy the remoteness and lack of facilities while they last. ;-)

You know you are in an interesting location when you stumble across a sign that says Danger Beware Adders Keep to Footpath. Brilliant exploratory walk in a very interesting landscape. Very enjoyable to watch.

Even when John gets lost and almost goes round in a circle, it's a joy to watch!

Starting from Battlesbridge might have been a nice option, I believe they have a station on the Wickford to Southminster line.

Thanks, John - I love these sorts of estuarine landscapes. I was quite taken with my train journey from London to Norwich in 2013, and the sights of the River Stour estuary from the East Anglia Rail window. It instilled a daydream that I could retire to some pleasant little village like Manningtree one day - thanks for reminding me!!

Wonderful walk and indeed a wonderful film . l love your meanderings both mental and physical. All the best.

Beautifully made film. Opening our hearts to more Essex. I love the Blackwater side. The chapel and the beached barges and on the other side, Mersea and The Company Shed and loads of sexy WWII concrete. So much to learn and see ion our tiny island. Thanks, Jon

This is my second watch of this video and enjoyed the second time as much as the first. Also, so often in your videos I am struck by the fact that there is so much evidence of people being around, but there are seldom any people where you are, when you are there.

Your tenacity is impressive, your vlogs are engaging, entertaining and delightful. Did anyone ever tell you that you have a talent for this kind of thing.

Your videos/walks just seem to get better and better! A truly exceptional landscape captued superbly in your video. Watch out not having enough water on walks- I have had excruciatingly painful cramps in my legs when this has happened to me.

Great Walk again John. I had a very similar experience Yesterday in North Shropshire where I was sandwiched between Drainage Channels. Still we are all the better for pushing on, it makes us better walkers. Thanks Again.

great walk, and, exercise in stoicism . . . interesting your philosophical observations on wrong directions etc, seeing what the journey will bring. Inspirational as ever.

What a great walk! Really captures that headspace you get into when you get on a long walk by yourself - those little resonances of other times - the mini-quest for a newsagent perhaps... great!

Huge numbers of adders last few years in crouch area..

Lovely John, but please please please, always carry a few packets of wotsits in your bag. Maybe also a packraft 😂

Walked the route from Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea i.e. the former now disused railway line. The problem experienced on the 'loop' on this walk is similar to that I also experienced at Alresford Creek where the former railway bridge over it had been demolished on this railway's closure. You discovered part of the now disused railway between SWFerrers and Maldon. Good luck with your Essex walks!

Looks like a beautiful day, even for an inadvertently extended walk.

It was certainly an adventure for you. Love getting lost on occasion. It makes the journey more memorable.😊 I did feel for you when you could not top up on drink and food. It is magical being on the coast at sunset though.😊

Thank you John for another magnificent walk with breathtaking scenery. I too love being near any type of water.Very meditative and restorative. Look forward to the next walk. I will look out for your walks in Waltham Forest .Maybe I will join you and reveal my identity.

Great walk as always lots of deep life lessons in this one i love it

Had to visit fanbridge after this so walked along a couple of miles anlon the river and watched the sunset. Slipped on the muddy river bank though,but it was a lovely walk. Cheers

What a joyous way to spend 30 mins of my Sunday morning watching this video. Wonderful narration and quality footage. I’ve now got to explore your other videos, John 👍🏻😊

Thanks John .

That group of pylons at the beginning - when I saw them I imagined that perhaps when they started appearing on the landscape the local people might have used the collective noun 'a presage of pylons' or 'a presentiment of pylons'. You should have taken heed, John! Had you but known that they were warning of a long journey without food or liquid refreshment ...

Well John, when it rains it pours.....and my cup runneth over. Cheers!

Fantastic video enjoyed every bit of it. Beautiful river and love the fen creek

Another great walk I’ve accompanied you on

incredible landscape...yes you are dead right.Fantastic walk even without a drink.. most enjoyable and love the naration.

Shame about the Ferryboat Inn as it's very quaint and supposedly haunted. I love the Dengie Hundred it's so pretty.

Just watched this walk for the second time (the first time was when I'd just discovered your channel some months ago) and to date I think this is my favourite walk. I love the quiet isolation, its rather ad-hoc nature, and the mention of your family's connection to the sea, since my great-grandfather was in the Royal Navy and when he retired he too became a lighthouse keeper.

Local to me John,I’ve walked fambridge to bradwell twice,lovely walk,I lived in woodham for years so it’s nice too see you in the area.

Kept my 19ft Sailing Cruiser at Althorne Bridgemarsh Marina Marina us very esoteric ! Now based at Bradwell Marina Denguie is supetb area very lightly populated..

You should definitely do this walk again sometime but this time start from North Fambridge as originally planned. I did this walk two years ago and finished at Burnham where I can confirm there are plenty of places to eat. Great video as usual.

Great landscapes, must do the walk

The mind on foot can manage quite a lot. Beer does help, though. I'm going to have to watch this again with Robert MacFarlane's LANDMARKS to get the names of some of the landscape/waterway features.

John - all your walks are good but this one was great, not just for the landscapes but the philosophical commentary too. I have never been on a walk that ended up longer that I regretted ... only smaller ones that ended too soon so I empathise with you. Thanks for such gentle and comforting entertainment.

You have such patience. I would have been cursing my way along those detours.

My yacht was kept at Bridgemarsh Marina very empty area wild and open area . Stow Maries has a Ww1 Airfield...

Thanks John, just discovered your channel and being from around this way am binging, love it - the Crouch path to Burnham is one of my favourite summer cycle rides, love the nothingness until you get to Burnham, made mistake of cycling along that B road first time, never again !, I get the train from Battlesbridge to North Fambridge now and pick up path along river from there, if you venture as far as Southminster there's also a brewery brewing and selling beer near the station.

You were up the creek, without a paddle!

Great video thanks mate 👍

Thank you for the book recommendation. Nearing the end of a read and didn't know what would be next. I think you will like your Osprey backpack. I have an Osprey 46 and it has served me well travelling internationally as my only bag.

Brilliant.

☀️That's the advantage to being a lady; we have mastered the art of transferring all items when switching handbags & purses 🤣😉💜...Another great & interesting extended walk. Still loving the map action 🤗

Good choice walked Maldon to Burnham on crouch on salt coast trail wild Essex

Hi John, A lovely walk, well documented. My only slight regret is that this publicity for the Dengie Hundred will attract more people, so the solitary nature of this walk, which you clearly enjoyed may be lost. I'm not unhappy, nor fdid you seem to be, thatyou got a bit lost and ended up o a detour most of the way to Stow Maries. The redundant railway line you saw was the old track from Fambridge junction to Maldon West Yard - in pre Beeching days, Maldon enjoyed two stations, both of which were termini, the West Yard linked to Fambridge and the Maldon station linked to Hatfield Peverel, but both these lines were axed.The two stations were never connected because the were at quite different elevations. In fact, the walk from S. Woodham Ferrers to Burnham (where I live) can be made by sticking much closer to the river. There are plenty of creeks and salt marsh areas which you must leave the river to skirt around, but you can get round them al without going as far north as the B road. If you choose one day to come back to Althorne to complete your journey, you can carry on along the river wall, which becomes e sea wall as it heads north to the mouth of the river Blackwater, where you will find St, Peter's chapel, the oldest consecrated building in England, just outside Bradwell-on-Sea. The problem with this is no trains beyond Southminster, so you need to findanother way home. Burnham , Southminster and Bradwell will all offer pubs and shops (I believe there's still one shop in Bradwell) so at least you can get fed and watered on that walk! The trains do run all the way through to Southminster on Saturdays and Sundays, albeit less frequently than weekdays. Crossrail works were the excuse offered for countless cancellations in 2017 and 2018, with a hopeless bus replacement service replacing the trains, but I thought that had finished by 2019. Look forward to your future walks.

This is John's first video on 'survival techniques' when out on a long walk.

John, you should try a Maldon and surrounding area walk one day. Maldon Promenade, Beeleigh Falls, Goldhanger, Heybridge Basin, Osea Island and many other places. 😊

Beautiful video. I live in Ashingdon and walk to South Fambridge, really nice down there. :)

Great video

Does anyone know what app that is that John is using to measure his distance covered at 21.46? Looks like the kind of simple, uncomplicated app that would suit me on a walk. Thanks in advance

Loved the landscapes but have to apologize for a laugh out loud moment when you got to the pub and the club and each was closed. The magic of the internet has lured me down many similar dead ends of disappointment where my mood has not equaled your cheerful resignation. Will adopt a what would John Rogers do attitude going forward!

Binge watching John Rogers - so much to catch up on!

I was constantly reminded there of an Arthur Ransome book, Secret Water. I checked straight after watching and in fact, it's set at Hanford Water, just up the coast. Nevertheless, some of the landscape you were walking through was very evocative of the book.

A classic. If you’d been bitten by an adder it would’ve upped the stakes narrative-wise, but you know, always leave them wanting more.

Loved it,was worried that you hadn't eaten or drunk.

Mudflats no Saltings

What a wonderful walk. Please continue - you must! As you walk the Crouch you will begin to see vineyards - at Althorne there are two vineyard cafes, separated by less than a mile, so at least there is some good from global warming! Resume your walk at Althorne and visit both cafes (they are a little 'off' the river by the 'main' road). I'm so looking forward to the 2nd part - thank you.

Dengie peninsula is fascinating. How about a trip up and around St Peters on the South side of the River Blackwater and then head south down to Burnham ?

respect

The trains do run weekends, it's just most weekends they have engineering works. You can get bus replacement from Shenfield London boy.

Quite an adventure you had there John! Thanks for taking us along! It was a great walk and scenery aside from the near starvation and lack of open pubs. I’ve always loved estuaries. Next time you go to Essex, I highly recommend reading Warren Ellis’ essay “Compendium Of Tides” about his stomping grounds on the Essex coast. It’s featured in the book, Spirits of Place where he is joined by Alan Moore, Iain Sinclair, and other great writers from around the world. www.spiritsofplace.com

I really love this area - did many walks along the Crouch years ago. Hard to believe you're not far from central London. Did you make it to Burnham? I celebrated my 60th birthday there - nearly 10 years ago now! Another fantastic walk!

It's woodham 'ferr-ers' not 'ferriers'. It was owned by the Ferrer's family after the Norman conquest in 1066. It became a priory in 1159?? And adopted the name 'south woodham'ferr-ers'. Glad you love crouchy x

This made me laugh. We moved to swf by the creek 2 years ago. Not sure why Essex has pylons as we never had any in Surrey ? 😂Last year about the same time as you we decided to do the walk and we too were quite surprised when we arrived back in swf 😆 Good news the Ferry boat Inn is just about to reopen. Would be interested to know if you have done rest of the walk ? We are waiting for warmer weather to do it.

Thanks John. Maybe the marsh was once a contested land between earth and sea in which an agreement was made?

Nice weather you had for your walk that day John. On another level, one thing that you appear to have missed during the course of your research for this latest walk of yours John is the proliferation of Ghost Stories and Tales of Witchcraft along the Essex Coast: a phenomena that I refer to as 'Essex Gothic'. One of the best collections which frequently turns up in good second hand bookshops is J. Wentworth Day's 'Here Are Ghosts and Witches', which you can find here on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/HERE-GHOSTS-WITCHES-WENTWORTH-DAY/dp/B00A1B2RUY Two interesting little 'Essex Gothic' tales from the vicinity of the River Crouch itself are 'The Ghostly Bells of the River Crouch' and 'The Hart Family of Witches', details of which can be found on the page to which the link below should give you access: www.essex-family-history.co.uk/witches.htm

👍👍👍👍👍

great walk as always John,, As an ex Essex lad, your walks have inspired me to try and film my walks here in Thailand... just wondering , what do you use for your filming???

My sister lives in North Fambridge near the station she would have made you a lovely lunch with lots of beer

You definitely would have found a tap at the boat yard to fill your water bottle..