Paglesham in January

Seven Efogers assembled at The Eagle in Snaresbrook on Sunday 17th January to drive to Paglesham, where we enjoyed a walk in the fresh 'sea-almost' air of coastal Essex. A snow-clouded, dull London sky evolved into sun-streaked brightness by the time we got there. We took advantage of this by 'doing' the walk backwards (not literally but in reverse to what Peter had originally intended).

A well-signed footpath took us through what looked like people's drives and across fields before we 'climbed' up the sea wall. The open-ness and sense of space was great. The land around gave us clear lessons about how the grazing marshes have been made – and how they are maintained. The birds interesting – especially the four giant, penguin-breasted herons. Not too windy, not too muddy – just right. It didn't seem 4 miles before we reached the first hostelry … quick drink (or in one case a 'larverly' fruit crumble) and nibbles – as well as 'the necessary' before heading out again for the last leg – plenty of time to admire the flat expanses of fields getting ready for Spring, fringed with lines of trees showing off their filigree winter tracery against wide, wide sky. Beautiful.

Thanks to Peter for organising this, and to my companionable companions – Lynne, Amina, Marian, Ken and Jenny.

Pam, 17th January 2016     Photos by Peter Gamble