Rochford and the Roach Valley Way

On Sunday 10th April a group of eleven EFOG members made the most of a lovely sunny day on an 8 mile walk that started in the small market town of Rochford, so called after Sir Guy Rochefort who was Lord of the manor way back in 1257.

Having made our way through the tiny town centre and across a number of fields we were soon walking along the raised grassy riverbank path of the River Roach.

On our left side we could see in the distance the Saxon Tower of a church at Great Stambridge (which we visited later in the walk), and on the right side the mudflats of the peninsula of Bartonhall Creek which are a popular feasting ground for a number of migrating birds, not much action today but lovely to look at just the same.

We passed some very ancient Essex barns and then proceeded to negotiate two stiles to cross the land of some stables with several paddocks grazing some rather large horses - which we did very respectfully. Not a problem really, but they seem so big up close and you felt that you were intruding in their space.

From here we made our way along the road towards Stambridge, where we made a brief detour to see St Mary and All Saints Church which had the Saxon tower we had seen in the distance earlier on in the walk. We were hoping to go inside and see a renowned memorial stained glass window, placed in the church by the descendants of local resident John Winthrope who sailed to America in 1630 and became the first Governor of Boston.

Unfortunately the church was closed as is the case so often these days.

By now it was time for lunch and we quickly found The Royal Oak where we happily tucked in EFOG style to lunch and liquid refreshment.

Duly fortified, a further 2 miles or so took us across fields back to Rochford.

I think we were very lucky with the weather and although windy in places it was bright and sunny all the way.

Thanks to Eileen for organising a great walk.

Article by Val S., 10th April 2016

Photo by Brian U.

A circular walk in the Rochford area.

Eleven of us met at Rochford on Sunday 10th April 2016 to go on a walk arranged by Eileen. It was a sunny day but the wind bit into you and we were all wrapped up.

A walk through fields led us to the dyke on the River Roach. We followed the dyke, noticing scenes which would look beautiful in a photo album, perhaps in black and white, but were briefly noticed as we cowered from the wind. The tide was out and the usual detritus was visible on the river edges.

A turn to the left put the wind on our backs – much more comfortable – and we progressed on to the Royal Oak pub in Stambridge where we stopped for a bite and drink. The service was excellent despite the fact that they were fully booked for Sunday lunch. Most of us sat outside but some managed to blag a table inside.

Then on through more fields, including a couple occupied by horses that were quite inquisitive. Lynne was in her element here. Then on to an old church with a Saxon tower in Great Stambridge but it was closed so we occupied ourselves looking at the gravestones. Back down the road to the Cherry Tree pub for a warming drink and then on to our cars in Rochford.

Article and photo by Brian U., 10th April 2016