Eight hardy Rotarians, accompanied by one remarkably energetic dog, took part in the President’s Walk on Saturday 19th September, setting off from Pitsea and heading towards Southend seafront along the King Charles III England Coast Path – a managed 2,700-mile-long footpath stretching out around the coast of England. Our ten-mile route took us through some fascinating local countryside and history, with Dave Wheatley our President, providing a running commentary along the way.
We heard about the history of St Margaret’s Church at Bower Gifford, local population figures recorded in the Domesday Book, and the history of Hadleigh Castle, which we took a detour to visit. The walk also provided some wonderful views across the landscape of Canvey Island, Kent and Two Tree Island. We had a clear panoramic vista of the River Thames from Canary Wharf to London Gateway Port and then Southend Pier.
We also passed the London 2012 Olympic mountain bike course before eventually arriving late in the day at Southend seafront — by which time we were all ready for the promised reward of fish and chips in a seafront restaurant! The route had been thoughtfully planned with a railway station approximately every three miles, providing an escape route for anyone whose enthusiasm was beginning to outrun their legs. Fortunately, most of us made it to Southend, although the pace did begin to suffer slightly after the organised welcome stop at one of the pubs in Leigh!
In the afternoon we made our way to the Southend seafront, passing on the way, some interesting coastal scenery, including the Crowstone, an obelisk that marks the eastern boundary of the City of London’s conservatory jurisdiction. After our deserved fish and chip supper, we caught the rail replacement bus back to Leigh Station and then a train back to Pitsea, completing a thoroughly enjoyable day.
The weather was kind to us — bright, warm and ideal for walking — and although we were all exhausted by the end, there was one member of the party who seemed completely unaffected: the dog! A big thank you to President Dave for organising such an enjoyable and interesting walk, with great fellowship along the way. A sorry to Dave from the walkers, for the slowing of his timetable after our lunchtime pub refreshment stop.
It was a great day, great company and great fun — and judging by the conversations on the way home, one that we have all agreed should be repeated.
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