The Essex Ways: Dengie Legends

Discover the hidden stories of Bradwell and the Dengie on a very special day led by James Lawrence, better known as Man About Country. A storyteller, adventurer and naturalist, James walked 400km across Essex, gathering tales from books, landscapes and local people. He will bring this remote corner of the county vividly to life through history, folklore and modern legend—from St Cedd and the Roman fort of Othona to Radio Caroline’s Ross Revenge and Bradwell’s pioneering nuclear power station.
The route passes through village lanes and farmland before joining the seawall, with tremendous views across the Blackwater Estuary towards Mersea Island and the north Essex coast.
A generous lunch stop at the Othona Community and a visit to the ancient chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall complete a walk in which the landscape becomes a stage and every mile has a story to tell.

Start time: 10:00am
Distance: 6.8 miles
Time: 6 hours 30 minutes, including lunch at the Othona Community and visits along the way

Route information:
Accessibility of route – Some steps and slopes. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.
Start and finish – Bradwell Village Hall car park, CM0 7QJ. What3words: ///shortens.myths.unable.

Toilets – Available at Bradwell Village Hall, Bradwell Marina and the Othona Community.

Lunch – The walk includes an extended lunch stop at the Othona Community. Lunch costs £10 per person and includes soup, bread, salad, tea and coffee. It is not included in the Festival and is at the walker’s own cost. Please select option at time of booking which will be passed on to the Othona Community and provide details of any dietary requirements in advance.
Circular route.

Surface – Village lanes, field paths, seawall and coastal paths.

Public transport – Bradwell-on-Sea is served by limited rural bus services. The nearest bus stop is The Kings Head, a short walk from the Village Hall. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Parking – Free parking is available at Bradwell Village Hall Car Park, CM0 7QJ. Please use the spaces furthest from the Village Hall, leaving those nearest the building available for hall users.

Route – Medium.