Stretching 70 miles, from Saffron Walden to Southend, the Saffron Trail is split into seven stages. What we now call Saffron Walden, where the Saffron Trail starts, was originally just “Weala-denu” (“Valley of the Britons”) in Saxon times. When the Normans arrived it became Walden and later began to grow the saffron crocus. By the…
Hiking the Essex Coast from Tollesbury to Purfleet
Essex is known for a lot of things, but its coast isn’t one of them. That’s a pity as it’s home to a varied birdlife and one section is the most isolated spot in the country. Of course, there are the obligatory caravan parks but they’re mainly clustered around the towns and what lies between…
Why Mersea Island in Essex is the perfect place to relax in a caravan
Thereâs always something dramatic about crossing a causeway to reach an island, hoping the tide wonât suddenly rush in and wash you away. This is the only access by car, and there are times when itâs completely covered by the sea. Mersea is the UKâs most easterly inhabited island, five miles long and two miles…
