As so often on our walks the weather was kind and although there were few of us we enjoyed our walk from Althorne Station to Burnham. The tide was high and on the seawall we had a strong following wind to help us along. Cliff Reach provided us with extensive views up and down the River Crouch and the bright sunshine made the colours vivid. At Creeksea we left the river turning north to cross the railway line, on to Creeksea Lane then across the Maldon Road and along a footpath that leads to Green Lane. Leaving the lane and again turning north we crossed fields and walked a well-trodden footpath to the Burnham Cemetery, which we crossed and via a lesser-known footpath arrived at the group leader’s house where three others joined us. We saw no other walkers so had the morning to ourselves. Sitting beside a log fire we enjoyed pizza, mince pies, mulled wine and other refreshments, which along with lively chatter made a good end to a walk and a good start to Christmas.

We were just as lucky with the weather on the second of our December walks (an extra one) a week later. We met near the Burnham library and after a cold and frosty start we soon warmed as we walked briskly east along the seawall. It made quite a change to walk on hard frozen ground instead of the muddy ground we had been experiencing recently. The half tide exposed mud where a few waders fed. Along the Burnham waterside we had met many dog walkers and families but as we got further from the town we left them behind; in the light breeze a lone yacht under sail drifted down river. The normally busy RSPB project at Wallasea was silent. A network of footpaths took us across Wick Farm and eventually back into Burnham town where two members left but another two joined us for lunch in The Ship.

During 2014, this being the first year of the group’s existence, we have walked many of the local footpaths; in 2015 we plan to venture further afield but will still include the favourites on the Dengie.

Diane Caulkett

Next walk (4th Tuesday monthly)

January 27th – Meet 10.00 in Tesco Maldon Car Park, southern end near the river.
Length 7kms/4.5miles. Lunch, if required, in the Sunny Sailor.