Wet walk

Amblers Next walk

Amblers

The November walk was very successful and 14 people braved the drizzling rain to walk to the Tye and rest in the refurbished White Hart. I was reminded how beautiful our Wid valley is, especially with the autumn colours.

I did confess to the walkers that I was using them as guinea pigs to test their reactions to footpath 21. Reactions were varied and there was not a consensus of opinion. However the main theme was that it was not a particularly pleasant footpath, there were three quite tricky slopes that are not normally expected on our footpaths. People were very cautious and most people preferred to have help negotiating the slopes and high styles. It should be noted that the conditions could not have been much worse. We observed that going North to South the curve of the track did make crossing the line very risky without some warning of an approaching train. Going the other way the slope went down to the line and some expressed the view that a tumble on the slope could result in falling on the line. It was suggested that steps were required on the slopes. Most people agreed that the slip road was not really a satisfactory approach and someone did say a new section of footpath should be put in to avoid having to negotiate that section. The exit onto Maldon Road is quite dangerous as the hedge screens the bend.  Some people said they would rather go by Maldon Road others said they preferred footpath 21.

There will not be a walk in December, but in January (Sunday 25) we will do a London walk. Shenfield to Liverpool Street and the tube to Westminster and then criss-cross the river by the bridges up to Tower Bridge and then home. We will need to take lunch as stopping will depend on the weather and what shelter is required. I will put a reminder in the January newsletter.

Michael Scott

01277354821or michael_john_scott@hotmail.com