A walk to the most dangerous path in Britain (4K)
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- čas přidán 2. 10. 2021
- A walk along the Thames Estuary from Thorpe Bay to Shoeburyness and then to Wakering Stairs at the start of the Broomway, known as Britain's most dangerous path. Please subscribe for regular videos: bit.ly/1EJjIB8
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This walk starts at Thorpe Bay on the Thames Estuary in Essex and heads out to Shoeburyness at where the River Thames meets the North Sea. Much of the land at the end of the estuary around Shoeburyness has been owned by the military since the 1840's and is still owned by the Ministry of Defence as an active firing range. The Broomway leads from the Wakering Stairs across Maplin Sands and is regarded as the deadliest path in Britain claiming over a hundred victims over time with many more being unrecorded.
Music
Little Drunk, Quiet Floats by Puddle of Infinity
Dream Escape by The Tides
Moonrise by Reed Mathis
Nevada City by Huma-Huma
Eureka by Huma-Huma
Open Street Map “© OpenStreetMap contributors” using data available under the Open Database Licence
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Shot in 4K on a Olympus OM-D EM1 mk2 with audio recorded with a Rode Wireless GO
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A haunting landscape, all the more captivating because of unbelievably rich remnants apparently almost wherever you look. Layer upon historic and prehistoric layer. All mediated by a marvellous guide with a rare feel for such places. Terrific.
Many thanks Dave, glad you enjoyed it
Your best yet! I started having butterflies as you walked down to Wakering Stairs. I walked from Shoeburyness to Thorpe Bay 2 years ago. You have to stop every 100 yards, there was so much to see, from multiple notices, beautiful houses for the officers stationed there, plaques, weird constructions, fortresses, beams stretching out into the sea, ponds, viewing platforms and seaweedy beaches. One of my favourite walks ever. (It's good for kids too - if you know a bit about military history)
Many thanks- yes such a fascinating landscape
I watched this film in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. The Broom Path was even more spooky at 3am! I did enjoy it John, can't wait to see where we go next.
Such an uncanny landscape, and what an achingly beautiful sunset, the blues, greys and pinks were sublime... Thanks for taking us with you John :-)
Just after WWII, my mother and her sister used to live in Westcliff. They had (both passed now) lots of tales of things out there in the sands and not just round that far... Plenty of people "lost" walking out on the sands around Southend too. Nice to see this and the music fits it well. Look forward to the next walk.
I wonder if the thumbs down folk are annoyed that you didn’t actually walk into danger. I walked the Southend to Shoeburyness section a few years ago and going through that garrison town felt like I was entering an episode of The Avengers.
What a fabulous Sunday evening watch John. I've learnt so much, never heard of the Most Dangerous Path in Britain before... Thanks for posting..
My pleasure Paul, glad you enjoyed it
The RSPB nature reserve at Rainham, was one of those army rifle ranges, back in the 80's, now all the snipers have gone and been replaced by Snipe. You can still see some of the targets on the site.
I think the most dangerous path is probably somewhere on a council estate.
I'm endlessly fascinated by the Broomway, found out about it 3 years ago. The whole area looks so haunting. Thank you John.
Oh my goodness. My day out from East End as a child. Hard boiled egg and tomato picnic. My Dad told me many stories of MOD, it became a family BBQ meet and Now my walk most days from Westcliff. How have I never heard of Wakering Stairs so that’s my next adventure thank you John.
fairplay, I've seen the distance the tides can cover between Southend, Shoeburyness and the estuary of the Blackwater river from the air, if you got stuck with the tides coming your in Deep Trouble.
As a young child on holiday at Walton on the Naze, I well remember how flat the sand is, how far out the tide goes and how damned fast it came back in. Run... Run... RUN!! Still, happy days. :) Great walk. Thanks John.
Regards.
I have done this walk, the other way around though, Shoeburyness to Westcliff. It’s an amazing walk. I need to do the Shoeburyness to Great Wakering next time. Geoff Marshall does mention those train tracks in one of his ‘All the stations’ videos.
I walked from Leigh on sea to Hadleigh castle a few weeks ago, that’s another great walk. Thanks for this, I thought that after East Beach it was almost impassable. Thank you for showing us the way. Great video as always
Love that castle 😍
That was a most enjoyable walk. Thank you.😎
I worked at MoD Shoeburyness for 15 years. Interesting to watch your video on it.
Excited about this vid recently did Tilbury docks to East tilbury
Last weekend started at Burfleet went upto the castle on the hill and then Leigh and westgate ended up riding out on the train on southend pier.Today went to Sheerness amazing walk on isle of sheppey you been there John sir
Your videos and walks are awesome. The coast is a lovely part of Essex,totally underrated. I now live in Sydney Au and really miss our beautiful countryside.
Keep on posting please I’m right there with you.
Uh? Essex is trash
Lovely video John. Walking the Broomway is on my bucket list after reading Robert Macfarlane’s account of it. But I think finding guides is increasingly difficult. The description of the tide coming in faster than you can run is scary.
I remember walking around the Isle of Sheppey and whilst having a sandwich being surprised by the booming sound of artillery being fired from Shoeburyness. It must be strange living with that noise most days. A small reminder the sound of past wars? Would recommend doing Sheppey one day (only a bit of trespassing involved). It’d be great to see an Isle of Grain video sometime.
I remember walking along the cliffs near Lulworth Range in Dorset and spent artillery shells were all over the path. Good thing to steer clear on days when they’re firing!
The family-run Castle Inn in Lulworth is a sad loss. Still there but sold to Butcombe Ales.
Glorious John, had no idea there was such an intimidating place in Britain. You have the unflinching eye of the true documentarian. Bless you.
For me, this is the best video that you’ve made to date. I know it was made a while ago but I just adore your storytelling, especially at the end when you were talking about how deadly the Broomway is…..Just fantastic work John, thank you 🙏🙏
Excellent John,was at shoeburyness in early September,walked round the old barracks,have been on foulness for one of their open days,see the broomway further up the island,tried getting on potton island as well but has a military checkpoint.
What a great walk John total surprise. The pictures of the broomway with the setting sun on the sand was brilliant. I never pictured Essex could be so beautiful. Thanks buddy
What a fab walk john...the scenery at 17.50 reminded me of farmland in America...the lone house with all the wooden fencing and golden fields...gorgeous at dusk...thanks again...
Thanks Maggie - I think this is one I’ll remember for a while
Great Stream John
Great Wakering looks a nice place
I have not been there before I have onky been as far as
Shoeburyness.
Years ago I use to walk from the Cockle sheds at Leigh on Sea with my late Father to Southend on Sea.
Had some Seafood at Osbornes in Leigh and Rossi's ice cream at Westcliff.
Thank you for the stream John
Best wishes
Stay safe
Regards
Lee
thanks Lee
Rossis 😍
Brought back memories of frequent trips to Wakering Stairs with my late brother, who would harvest a large amount of winkles to be boiled up at home. Also the sea birds you saw were most likely Canada Geese - the Stairs are one of their gathering areas before they migrate.
The geese are actually Black Brant geese
A nice and exciting walk, John, perhaps you will do it all again next summer when you have more light available.
Hi John. Welcome to my home town 😊
If you want to know more about the coast here, my dad is 85 and grew up in Shoebury and worked on the ranges. I walked the Broomway a couple of years ago. Was sublime! Would love to share experiences with you 😊
What do we learn about modern Britain when we see that a military site is run by a private company?
We have no choice, due to a massive lack of people wanting to join,Brits today would rather claim benefits than be part of the military.I suspect you've never served ?
@@TheAnubis121it’s got nothing to do with that. Private companies still need people to work from them…
What a landscape! Reminds me of Derek Jarman and his book Modern Nature. Also the beginning of Heart of Darkness. Thankyou again for another wonderful walk John !
What a great walk John. It reminds me of walking the coastal path at Dungeness.
Great video John. I have been there several times and if you go further on you will come to Barling village which is of interest to me as my surname is Barling. I believe many years ago salt was transported from there. Bob.
thanks Bob - I'd like to go back and walk the River Roach so will explore the history of the area a bit more
I first chanced upon John's video of the lost Fillebrook. A route literally through my childhood. Unknown to me that river is under the driveway leading to my mates flat and the explanation of the pathway from Francis Road to Dawlish Road/Sidmouth Park. Now he's popped up again practically walking past my house in Southend! :)
Watching you on a meditative Monday morning. Delightful video full of contrasts.
A delightful walk, shame you missed the Hogwarts Express, it would have been nice to sink a potion or two at the "Leaky Cauldron Pub"
Absolutely love your vids, been my escapism in lockdown, and I'm now rediscovering London again.
Just brilliant John
wonderful to hear Jasey
Excellent stuff as ever John, when i worked in Whitstable you could hear and feel the booms from the firing ranges at Shoebury.
John What a Brilliant part of Essex Thank you Keep safe and see you next Sunday. 👍👍
Cheers Dave
I've walked this twice and we where caught out the last time even though we did all the planning. It gets really scary when you know the tide is coming, you can hear the sound of the tide crashing in the distance as it fills up the estuary channel. When it has it then goes quite, If you know it means the whole estuary will start to fill soon as the water will flood out of the channel, out of nowhere the water comes, we started running but it was pointless. We where 1/2 a mile away from the end of the walk as the water came in and I can attest It comes in fast within 2 minutes it was at our knees . We waded towards the shore luckily it was a calm warm summers evening and thankfully no one was hurt except our pride , wet jeans and hiking boots. Doing this walk needs planning we did it in the summer, any other time of the year or near dark can be very dangerous.
thanks for sharing that Daniel - sounds terrifying
Love your content, served me well in lockdown to go through your uploads so thank you.
Chuffed to see you in my hometown. You can always see the Mulberry Harbour even in high tide, you maybe spotted it when in Thorpe bay, it looks like an upside ship that’s broken it’s back. I walked out to it with the tide one morning with my friends, occasionally swimming through some of the gullets before getting back onto the sand bars, great experience but also so scary, won’t be rushing back any time soon. You can also walk out to the end of the boom at Shoebury East Beach. Had my first experience of quick sand there too, also not rushing back to experience that too. The MOD is about 5 miles from where I live and some days you can hear and feel the ordnance get detonated. I’ve always wondered how the Shoebury and Wakering residents put up with it.
Look forward to the next upload and hope to see you back in Southend to document more of the history, I’m glad the sun showed it’s face for you too!
The Broomway has always fascinated me . But like yourself I’m not sure I would try walking it. Great video as usual john . Have a great week 👍🏻
Thanks Ian
What a great walk - I loved it - have a great week John
Thanks James
Always great to accompany you on your walks John! I've long been waiting for you to walk around the Essex coast!
Thanks Ross - I want to walk some more of the Essex coast before the end of the year
Brilliant John! I can vouch for the danger around Shoeburyness, spent a lot of childhood swimming there at East Beach and walking out on mud flats. If you walk parallel to the Boom, (Anti Submarine pier) you eventually get to a deep channel of water in front of you. If you don't watch out for the time, the tide appears to come in sideways and you can get cut off. We were there in early 70's when a heavy sea mist came down, and two kids were still out on the flats, as it began to get dark. Coastguard called out, luckily they had got aboard a moored boat, and were safe and well. The mud there can be treacherous in certain spots, especially near the Sewage Outfall! Great place for a family pleasure beach! Loved the history of the ancient earth works, didn't know about it.
HI JOHN JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT A YOU TUBER CALLED TOM SCOTT ACTUALLY WALKED THE BROOMFIELD WITH A GUIDE AND HAS A VIDEO OF IT ON YOU TUBE.
Thanks Asaf - I’ll take a look
WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING? and yes the video is very good.
A most interesting experience. Excellent narration.
thanks Leon
Great work John, very much enjoyed this walk.
Thanks Little Acorns
Lovely walk John, Cheers mate..
Thanks Ralph
Oh my goodness John and there you are running out of light on that dangerous road! Fascinating and breathtaking walk, thank you.
looks magical
Hi John!
Thx for great video!!
Cheers Tom
Oh wow, how did I miss this? I'm from Southend but never been brave enough and never without a guide. Must say I've spent my whole life in these waters, and don't appreciate it enough. Your video is wonderful. Sad times for Southend right now.
Looking forward to this . Sunday evening viewing. Thanks John , very inspirational.
Lovely work John, thanks. When I was a boy in the early 60s staying with my mum's parents in Herne Bay, we used hear booming in the distance sometimes, and my grandfather would say that they were practicing 'at Shoeburyness'. For some reason I've always remembered that.
We retired to further round the coast to Jaywick, and some days the booms travel across the open seas rattling our properties, those well above sea levels anyway, used to it all after 18 years but its alarming for newbies and holiday makers here.
We were absolutely riveted...pushing you on so we could see the view...we had never heard of the most deadly path,thank you so much for sharing this with us.
my pleasure Anne - glad you enjoyed the journey
Way to go John, keep up the good work! ; ) x
Many thanks John
Another great video John. I’ve done a few photo shoots around shoeburyness a very strange place I thought. The gunners park area is residential now so are are surely always accessible. I’m very interested in exploring further up to wakering stairs but I thought it was a complete non-no when you get the other side of shoeburyness beyond East beach.
Brilliant. One of the best yet.
Thanks Paul
Excellent walk, as always.
What a superb video, your choice of music is perfect. Thank you I have now subscribed. Look forward to seeing you on more of your walks.
many thanks Richard
I LOVE THIS JOHN KEEP IT UP
THIS CONTENT GETS BETTER AND BETTER.
Brilliant John, thank you. If you can ever track down Deakin's radio broadcast ' The House', BBC i believe, It is absolutely superb .... probably my favourite all time radio broadcast. A masterclass .
I’ll take a look for it Paul
@@JohnRogersWalks If anyone can find it it's you John .... it's stunning. I think it's the property of 'the estate' now :( Although 'The Garden' may still be available somewhere. Well worth the research. Thanks for another fine upload.
There were so many things I had to do this afternoon but here I am again, rooted to my chair in front of the computer, glued to your wonderful videos.
Outstanding walk - thanks for a great video!
thanks GM
Oh that was such a great walk, with such a fantastic ending.
So nice to switch off and watch your amazing journeys. Thanks John see you next week.
Thanks James - hope you enjoy the next walk, it's a good 'un
@@JohnRogersWalks can’t wait
One of my personal objectives this walk - always fascinated by the area John so thanks for adding insight. Your estuary walks are always a highlight for me -- thanks so much.
thanks Martin - going to try and do another this month if possible
@@JohnRogersWalks please do - you get the balance just right between, urban and nature based observations and insights (I've said before how lovely the music is) - top work!
Thanks John.
Cheers Alex
Fantastic day.
Great walk.
Pure joy John.
Den.
Thanks Den
Great stuff sir, you're in my kingdom there ha! East Beach one of my favourite writing/thinking spots - the photography on my album features the gun battery & that weird lookout place - there is something eerie about that part of the coast as evening comes around & you caught it really well in this video - there is also, of course (apart from the dangers you describe) the fabled SS Richard Montgomery out there somewhere - an ammunition ship that sunk with its cargo of explosives - worth investigating its story...
😍❤
I heard about the Broomway a few months ago and researched on maps but it was great to see it in your video. A great walk. Thanks.
Fantastic. Thanks for taking us with you John.
Fascinating walk Johm to a part of the East Coast I always associate with some wild parts of Britain which you showed.Glad there was no cannon fire and hope you got back home ok.Marvellous!!
As an eager bunker enthusiast, this was right up my street. The incidental music was very evocative. Great work, John. 🇯🇪
Thanks Ivan
Hi John, I love your videos. I live on the Central Coast of California and have only just discovered your channel. I call you the John Muir of the United Kingdom and love your passion and energy you put into your walks. Keep them coming please.👍
Pleasure as always Mush.. Thank You!
cheers Wayne
I have no idea how I ended up on this video and channel, but I'm so glad it happened; now I have to subscribe so that it's not lost again.
I don't blame you for not walking out on that path. Another great video John 👍
Thanks Michael
This was an absolute pleasure to watch and take in. So much rich history intermingled with stunning landscapes. Thanks as always for bringing this to us John.
A beautiful and fascinating video John.
Absolutely fascinating, John! This was an area I always wanted to explore - I never got further than Shoeburyness. Thank you for taking us there today! By coincidence I recently read a novel by Sylvia Townsend Warner called 'The True Heart' mainly because it is set in the area around Wakering and the surrounding marshes. And isn't Great Wakering supposed to be one of the driest places in England?
What?!?, No pubs??? Sorry, couldn't resist it.
@@royfearn4345 No, that's Frinton! 😄
Well, that was my first ‘walk’ with you John. Most enjoyable & interesting. I will look at some more of your films.
Thank you,
it was a pleasure 😎
Great walk John. Thanks.
Thanks for another lovely day out with you wonderful scenery
another amazing video there John! starting to pick up my miles in walking again after a while
Brilliant walk, John. Thanks for sharing.
Great walk, thanks John
Strange because I had a dream about walking around there just last night. A path around it. I did manage to get around it in my dream. Yet I have never been to that area at all. Oh, and I didn't watch your vid before today. Watched it just now.
Magical! thank you
My pleasure Carol
John Yet another great video mate, Me living just down the road at Westcliff found this very interesting , I use to deliver heating oil to the M O D barracks at Shoebury ,some 40 years ago , I believe that they then use to test explosives and other ordinance there , Anyway keep up your brilliant work really enjoy your walks , Stay safe John. Graham.
cheers Graham
I enjoyed that thanks John, as an Essex dweller this is my local coast and you've walked a bit i've not seen. great stuff
Oh my John what an amazing treat thank you for this fascinating walk . The broom way is a legendary place the stories of which are told so well in Rachel’s book Estuary . You have brought those stories to life in this film so well . Brilliant 😊👍
Thank you for this walk. Very interesting history too, just like the Goodwin sands tales off the Kent coast. 💕🇦🇺
ten out of ten for content John, you have bags of energy and enthusiasm only limited by time and daylight, another very enjoyable adventure, thank you.
Dave in Thailand.
Thanks very much Dave
A wonderful atmospheric video , John
As always thank you for the ramble. It's easy to imagine Roman, Saxon, Danish, or German boats sailing by the shore. You always find the hidden gems in any landscape. I wonder if you've ever visited a place and not liked it?
Thank you so much for this. Loved it.
Wonderful and enriching. Thanks John
My pleasure Rob
Evening John love watching your walks 👍🏼
What a fabulous walk ! End of summer, evening of a beautiful day ..... wonderful. Thank you.
I have just had the pleasure of finding your videos and may i say they are absolutely fantastic, in my opinion you leave all the rest wanting, keep up your fantastic work and thank you