21st September 2022. Unfortunately the sea wall is currently impassable in the stretch leading from Salcott to The Strood (the only way on and off of Mersea Island) – despite the plans having been approved for establishing this stretch of the coast path. Which meant a long detour round on the road. But having crossed The Strood, to the Island, the path is intact. Well, almost. Storm damage has left stretches of the seawall so badly damaged, that it was only possible to get passed thanks to the tide being out. Elsewhere, evidence of erosion slowly eating away at the Island; and digging in the mud, those who hunt for the oysters that Mersea Island is famous for. This walk was something of a race, to get to the East Mersea to Brightlingsea ferry before it stops for the winter. Otherwise, the alternative would be a very long walk up the River Colne to try to find a crossing. 16 miles.
