Story contributed by Glen, pics by Sarah.
We set off from a handily-situated parking area in St Osyth fronting the former Priory, the proximity of some useful public loos helpfully adding to the convenience factor! Down the gentle incline from the Priory we headed for a public footpath hugging St Osyth Creek which wound its way towards Brightlingsea Creek and the isolated settlement of Point Clear.
Here we enjoyed a very pleasant social snack stop by the waterside, sunbathing in the gentle breeze and savouring panoramic views towards Mersey Island, Brightlingsea, the Colne estuary and out to a glistening sea. What bliss… with a pub stop yet to come. Only the afterglow of a Leyton Orient promotion season (which sadly did not materialise) in the football year just finished could have further cheered the walk leader.
The absence of alternative footpaths meant that we were obliged to take a road route back to St Osyth Creek, but from here we witnessed water sports in action upon Mill Dam Lake, which looked indeed quite appealing as the temperature climbed. A keenly awaited drink at St Osyth’s Red Lion followed before we headed off for more good views of Brightlingsea Creek en route to Howlands Marsh Nature Reserve. Evidence of local aggregate-quarrying activity preceded glimpses of deer in the deer park behind the Priory as we returned to the Red Lion for a late Sunday lunch.
Now if the rest of the summer could enjoy similar weather…