Report contributed by Glen; pics by Sarah
The Sunshine Coast more than lived up to its branding as ten of us sizzled our way first right alongside the shoreline and then atop a raised bank parallel with the sea but further inland.
We set off from the Martello Beach south of Clacton Pier and were soon passing appealing-looking beaches and imposing-looking martello towers en route towards always-intriguing Jaywick and holiday homes-infested Seawick.
From here, apart from ourselves and some distant nudists (why are one’s binoculars never to hand when they might actually be useful?), civilisation was confined to (flying) birdlife on the saltmarsh and flatlands. Vigorous grass and vegetation growth along the embankment around Colne Point Nature Reserve and Lee-over-Sands slowed our progress a little, but as we were destined soon to find out, was merely a prelude to striding our way through some head-high vegetation as we started to cross St Osyth Marsh. Though there were occasional footpath sign indicators, it was abundantly clear that this was not a route oft-frequented by hardy walkers!
Northward to St Osyth, and the promise of cold liquid refreshment at the Red Lion pub there raised all our motivation levels. How very welcome that was as the temperature soared.
The inland journey back to Clacton took in farmland, and was routed also through a holiday home park and right across Clacton airfield.
Overall, good views, big blue skies and appreciable exercise. It was all a bit too hot to go for the intended carvery meal at the end. Ten people would have certainly slept well that night!