My grandparents used to live on Foulness. You needed a pass to get onto the island to visit them. About 50% of the time we'd turn up to the sentry box to have our pass checked, and there would be my Uncle, from the other side of the family, on guard duty!

Hi John, I used to maintain the Signalling from Wickford to Southminster, because I walk from Wickford to Southminster at least once a month I see the ever changing seasons which was marvellous. Two of the team I worked with one was a twicher and the other was interested in history and archeology of the area, I became fascinated by the area. We used to go adventuring away from the railway to see what we could find. Thanks John brought back memories from 10 years ago.

One year on Halloween I drove all over the Dengie Peninsula, through Burnham on Crouch and then out to the sparse haunting landscapes, creeks and waterworlds of that strange little area. There was woodsmoke in the trees and the occasional pumpkin, the chill of autumn gathering... This experience embedded itself forever into my psyche, attached to witches and woodsmoke and the devil's breath. Love this video John, one of my favourites.

Hello my lovely. I have recently found your channel and have been enjoying every second of your walks . I am disabled and unable to walk very far . I live in Newton Abbot in South Devon and only visited London a few time .watching your walks really gives me a sense of place a feeling of real London ,not the bit we see on the telly ! Your walks are magical and informative too I get lost listening to your stories and facts . I genuinely feel I'm with you on the walks . It's an escape for me to be joining you on your walks x Best wishes Ali

Thank you for mentioning and supporting Ukraine, John, and big thank you to all British people for all the you do for us. We feel it here and are very grateful. Glory to Ukraine, God Save the Queen.

@joedellamura9015

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mykola God Bless You , your family and your Nation 🙏

@mctasty6094

2 жыл бұрын

God is on Ukraine's side. We support you.

@MasterBlaster3545

2 жыл бұрын

Funny how nobody mentioned or mentions the plight of all the foreign citizens we bomb and kill but because it is Russia you lot get all frenzied by the main stream media.

@StarWarsJay

2 жыл бұрын

Best wishes Mykola.

@jacksomb1

2 жыл бұрын

🇺🇦

really enjoy your walks, walking for me is sanity in a digital world, I like to walk for an hour every day just to clear my head and hear the birds sing, and natures sights and sounds, for me walking is mother natures own cure for a lot of mental health issues, sometimes you need to take time and listen to the quiet!

To think you can get to somewhere as remote as this from Stratford blew my mind when I did Southminster north to Bradwell and then the coast back to Burnham. I can see you went a bit crazy like I did after not seeing people...I didn't see anyone at all for 6 hours and ended up walking along singing to my self 🤣 which is something I never do. Certainly a bizarre aura about the place.

@eggchipsnbeans

Жыл бұрын

This was my experience living there for about 15 years.

I’ve had a few excursions out to Burnham in last few years, some great walks. I bumped into John yesterday during a walk and had a wonderful chat with him. After watching him on KZread for a couple of years it was like meeting an old friend. Thanks for making my day! 🍻

@wendi2819

Жыл бұрын

Very cool!

Such a dreamy landscape. There is much more to Essex than many people think.

That walk was a tonic in troubled times. Thank you, John. To be reminded how lucky some of us are to be free to move outside without fear…

Flown over here mamy times over the last 9 years. And sailed it many years too. I'm originally from the Welsh mountains and lived for 25 years in the Peak District. Yet there's something so special about the Dengie Peninsula that's kept me here for 45 years. A truly remarkable landscape.

The Dengie is a wonderful place. Close to London but feels so unbelievably remote it could be in the middle of the west country moors. There a road sign on a road in the middle of no where that simply says "to the marshes". Stumbling upon that on a foggy night conjures up interesting thoughts of ghostly pirates with cutlasses drawn.

Best walk ever John 😁 I lived in Burnham-on-Crouch as a child, 1977-1982.. spent many hours playing and exploring along the River Crouch but never really explored or walked that side of the peninsula.. at that young age there was something quite mysterious and foreboding about that stretch of the river.. wonderful to see it here. I did cycle to southminster from Burnham a few times as a school kid, a friend of mines parents owned a pub in the town. Used to regularly go to the Rio Cinema you mention in the video, saw many films there at what was a great period for movies. The projector often used to break down in the middle of a screening, the film visibly melting before the audience eyes.

Thank you for providing a bit of escapism from all that’s going on. All the best John

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

cheers Ali

I'm reminded of the first time I visited the coastline adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, after having lived near the Pacific for years. The Atlantic is much wilder and the beaches are different, with very warm waters where the gulf stream flows. I also remember discovering that there was an ancient landmass called Doggerland that is now submerged beneath the southern portion of the North Sea. I think it may be quite near to this place in Essex. Anyway, as always, I love the sense of these places that comes through these videos and would just love to wander there. It looks very peaceful and therapeutic, most definitely. The misty landscape at the end of the day is really lovely.

John, I have discovered your wonderful work completely without the assistance of mutual friends, bizarrely. We clearly inhabit or have inhabited the same parts of London and the same groups of friends at different times. Your films are therapy to my soul, especially as I live away from London, and the east, presently. We clearly share the same revery, witnessing a sunlit estuary gives. This walk makes me terribly homesick. Thank you!

Excellent John,I live in southminster and often walk that route,it’s a stunning area at all times of the year,have walked from althorne to bradwell a couple of years ago,that big pillbox is a mine control tower,they mined the crouch during World War Two,you must have done your walk on Thursday cos the whole area shakes when their weapon testing on foulness,keep them coming John.

@lizwilliams14

2 жыл бұрын

I am in Canada trying to follow the walk on Google maps! I got to the end and I can find Station Road and the Station Arms. But I can’t find Southminster Station. Maybe I missed it on the map. Anyway, John I loved the walk but it did feel a little scary all by yourself out there with nobody around. However, I know you’re not relying on Google maps on your iPad like I am.

Beautiful, I have done that walk a few times back when I could go long distance...I recall sitting on a roadside with a church steeple ethereal at twilight...great stuff sir!

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

your music fits that landscape perfectly Phil

@philburdett

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnRogersWalks Thank you sir! I'm just completing some instrumental pieces I've put together which has a theme of walking through four seasons...I'll send you it when it's done...use any of it for your videos if it suits...no charge...

This was a lovely video - I grew up on the Crouch in South Woodham Ferrers and spent many summers at my grandparents place in Burnham so this video captured many memories i have of the area. You even got the explosions from Foulness Island that i remember hearing as a kid! What i love most about the video is that it documents the exact reason I miss that area (I’ve lived in London for 15 years now) - the beautiful desolation and solitude you feel from walking just a few steps out of the towns. Brilliant job John, one for the bookmarks for me - it’ll be the video i direct people to when they think I’m from Southend or Romford when i tell them I’m from Essex 😉

@f.dmcintyre4666

2 жыл бұрын

I remember an OU tv show about the Essex accent (about 35 yrs back), they have their own accent and not the borrowed Cockney one that we think is Essex..............Bless...............

About 15 years ago, the church I was attending booked out Othona for a weekend retreat. The retreat centre held the keys to St. Peter's Chapel so we went across the field with our torches. We sat down inside the chapel, turned our torches off to capture the darkness and silence. A wonderful experience and yes, in daylight we did a stroll along St. Peter's Way for about 3km south then back inland. I see why John was so overwhelmed by the Dengie Peninsula.

@royhumphrey49

2 жыл бұрын

I recommend John's vlog walking The Broomway on Foulness Island!

Absolutely Top Drawer walk and commentary this one John. On my list now. Cheers! re Bondi I remember a blazing hot Thursday afternoon, early 1995, piling the wife and our 3 wee ones (7, 5, 2 year) into our old orange VW Type 3, strapping my surfboard onto the roof, and heading to Bondi Beach (we lived in Petersham, so that was at least 40 mins in traffic, no air-conditioning, and temps in High 30s) ----- we swam and surfed and played and ate and laughed until late evening. Drove home in much quieter traffic, windows wide ajar, Gypsy Kings tape playing, my beautiful wife gazing out the window, kids fast asleep with salty skin and sandy hair. Thank you for that memory trigger John.

That was just wonderful, I always feel refreshed after watching one of your walks, a real cleansing of the mind from the world we currently live in... thank you John.

There are some old farming families out on marshes with very deep roots and secretive lives. They are known as marshians (as in martians). When I walked out there, I felt like I was being watched. So atmospheric and unique and beautiful.

I can just imagine Viking long boats coming ashore. The mist further adds to the ambiance. What a great walk to hopefully bridge the cold dark winter into a bright promising spring (although we just got about a half a foot of snow here in the northeast USA). I also looked up St. Peter's Chapel, what a spiritual place! Inspiring as always.

@Anglisc1682

2 жыл бұрын

Or better, Anglo-Saxon vessels

A fabulously atmospheric walk John. Loved the bunker architecture and the solitariness. Great to share it with you.

I remember wandering around this area about 10 years ago. It felt utterly remote, but also strangely familiar. I realised why - it reminded me very much of Poole harbour in Dorset, where I grew up. Lots of shallow tidal bays, with boats in various stages of decay. I often wondered who owned them, if anyone. 'Two of the best days in a man's life are the day he buys a boat - and the day he sells it'.

@f.dmcintyre4666

2 жыл бұрын

Surely you mean "Sails it"..............????

@hempmaiden

2 ай бұрын

Ha ha

What a great day you walking part of the Dengie, as I lived by Wanstead flats until my 20s, then Woodford green and now Burnham on Crouch I feel you enjoy all the places I do, last week we were walking in London, keep going John we stroller’s all enjoy a day out with you and a beer at the end !

I couldn’t believe when you mentioned digitizing your old VHS tapes. My husband and I had a long distance relationship in the early 90’s and used to send each other dictaphone tapes just chatting away about everything and anything. After marriage and kids these got put away on a shelf and I just bought something to digitize them. What a special and amazing gift to listen to our thoughts and feelings from 29 years ago! When you said you where enjoying a similar experience, it made me 😀

@JohnRogersWalks

7 ай бұрын

Wonderful

This is the kind of place I dream of visiting: seemingly featureless and "flat". But, places like this - especially when no-one's around - hold a serenity difficult to match, even in some more bucolic "rolling" areas of the UK. Speaking of interesting soundtracks for these walks: Eno's Ambient 4: On Land would be ideal for this .

My weekly half-hour of reduced blood pressure. I think this is possibly my favourite video of yours.

Beautiful landscape, reminds me on when I used to walk to the top of the mountains in Wales and walk for hours as a teenager, not having any interest that at some point I would have to turn around and head home, so became very familiar with the mountains paths in the dark. Another wonderful video.

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sean

I love how you appreciate the more modern architecture, no matter how much it intrudes on our concept of “England”.

We absolutely enjoyed you walk along the peninsula. We feel that we are walking beside you. Best wishes from NZ

It's interesting you mention the Byron Shire John. My brother has a place down there near the Brunswick River at Ocean Shores. Strangely enough the American singer Pat Boone (of all people) had a pivotal part to play in the development of Ocean Shores back in the late 60's. Its good to know that you've experienced the Byron Shire. Cheers.

What a lovely but lonely walk , somewhere I must visit .thanks for the lovely trip

Congratulations. For me this was the most evocative of your walks. The images were poetic and like paintings. You have a way of sharing your impressions of a landscape which is natural and unforced. I love joining you vicariously on your walks.

THAT was fun John!!!! Thanks for taking me along and THANKS for what YOU do and who YOU are!!!!!

Have to admit I’m location biased but such a glorious walk. It’s been a long winter and you take me where I love to go. The Estuary is magical and mysterious, I bet that beer tasted good thank you John

Good stuff John. You know I always enjoy these. Did you know there’s a Denge Marsh at Dungeness, Kent ( where the concrete listening ears are)? Spelt slightly different, but pronounced the same. Where you shot this video is very similar to that Part of Romney Marsh/Dungeness. Makes me wonder if there’s a connection beyond the obvious.

Thanks John , you are an amazing and inspiringing person,look forward to your next walk where ever that may be.

what a magical island we live on. thank you John

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

we do indeed thanks

Home of my Dobson ancestors before they moved to Foulness in the early 1800's. Keep up the good work!

Dear Mr Rogers thank you for taking me back to the magical Essex marshes,estuary....I have such happy memories of walking there with my partner Charlie who passed away last year....It is a very special & still relatively unknown area but many weekends we would leave Kent & take the Dartford Crossing with our trusty binoculars as the birdwatching was exceptional & the landscape so atmospheric...it is a very special place which you obviously connected to as well....thanks again... Sarah

Thanks for liking the Dengie so much, and sharing that emotion. I live in the most remote village in Essex, apparently, on the Dengie and love it here. You're right about the spirits, there is a magical atmosphere here. Have you been to st Peter's yet? I will check your videos. The atmosphere inside the chapel reaches even a non believer like me. Happy walking.

What a beautiful, tranquil place John. On these rural walks, your skill as a cameraman comes to the fore. You show off the streets of London perfectly well but, out in the sticks, you give me the feeling of being right there in these out-of-the-way locations. Your choice of shots really shows the "feeling" of the area - to me anyway. The final scene, on Southminster platform, had a surreal, almost spooky atmosphere to it, which would have been ruined if even one other person could be seen. I had to smile at the bottle of lager too, the perfect way to end a trip - a beer on the train home. Scotrail still has an alcohol ban on all trains, the only "Covid-related" restriction which has annoyed me personally.😠 There's something special about that well-earned refreshment, as you stare into the darkness beyond the train window. Looking forward to seeing the chapel and the top corner of the area. I'm not going to google it; I'll wait until you take me there, so don't leave it too long.👍😁 Thanks for this, one of my favourites so far. Cheers for now, Dougie.

I am so glad I found your channel. I’m OBSESSED! I’m reluctantly taking a break from my travels, so I’m enjoying these adventures you take viewers on. I’ve just ordered your book as well, and I can’t wait to start reading it.

Thank you John for this beautiful video, I have walked from Southminster to Burnham On crouch Via St Peters/Cedds 5 times between 1981 to 2003 with my very dear friend John who has now passed on, indeed the summer before Covid we sat on the bench outside St James Church with only the summer sun and birdsong for company. very little has changed, the most notable additions are the wind farms, but the feeling of serene isolation is with you always. the first time I completed the walk the civil engineers were laying that section of concreted path you mentioned, St Cedd's Chapel is beautiful in it's simplicity and because of the extremely flat landscape you can still see the chapel after walking for 2 hours, I used to do the walk always in October so your March time walk felt similar. God Bless Gary

Brilliant walk John, look forward to your visit to St Peters Chapel. Another walk you could do in that area is Maldon with all its saxon history to St Mary's church and the petrified oak forest.

My parents had friends here and I remember staying there with my sister as three and four year olds. They had a boat too, I thought it was great! Dad's has azheimers now, so sadly doesn't remember. Always enjoy your videos. Have to scroll through and see if you've done Sheringham? Another haunt of mine in my teenage years.

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't been to Sheringham Elaine but will certainly look it up

@f.dmcintyre4666

2 жыл бұрын

Google reversing dementia with diet................Blessings...............

Fabulous video ❤️☯️🌈☮️ what a wonder filled magic and mysterious place , I'm halfway through The Essex Serpent after a previous recommendation by yourself it's a marvelous book very evocative of landscape and era , when I worked at Borthwicks the meat company in Smithfield in the seventies we had a chap who worked in the office who lived at Burnham on Crouch ,he was always rushing out at the end of the day to catch his train from Liverpool Street ,he had a boat as well ,used to spend all his spare time on doing it up and sailing during the summer ! Great Landscape thanks John , see you soon !!!🌈☯️❤️☸️🇺🇦

Suggestion - when walking on rural roads face the oncoming traffic (walk on the right) and wear something bright. Drivers can't see you from the back, especially as you're wearing dark clothing. From the front, they should see your white face and torch. The torch might make them think you're a parked motorbike, so more likely swerve away from you. Great video as always.

Wonderful video of a much loved liminal place. By-the-way,, in local dialect, Dengie is definitely a soft g pronunciation.

Thanks you for recognising our little town we much appreciate your tour!

Superb landscape John. Reminded me a bit of the fens around Ely :-)

Another FAB walk....next time, come to Mersea and walk round the island!

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

it's on the agenda to happen soon Rick

A lovely video and provides me a wonderful memory of my 350 mile walk along the Essex coast from Rainham to Manningtree.

I walked from St Peter’s Chapel to Burnham many years ago. It was a fair trek on a very hot day. I remember there was nowhere on the way to shelter from the sun awhile. The tribute gate was there and it was well before 2007. We managed to stagger into the first watering hole, the Victoria Arms.

Lovely walk john, a bus every 3 days! was told the most regular bus in the uk used to go through your manor for the factory workers, was 1 every two minutes, 24 hours, i was told, recall it went down the high street in wanstead. cheers john!

You mention witches- Creeksea in particular (which is only about a mile in the opposite direction from where you started) has a long history with witchcraft which you can research. Most of the stories are also tied to people that are confirmed to have really existed. It's weird to watch someone experience the Dengie from an outside perspective, I've lived here my whole life (with the exception of uni) and sometimes you take it for granted. It's a very relaxing place to be.

What a great walk, can just imagine walking that with one of my dogs, he’d love it as much as me. Really enjoy those times when you go out and see no one, so peaceful 🙂

Heavenly and a great space to occupy alone. Looks so remote, and a welcome of Spring and blossom with longer evenings. Bet that beer went down deservedly. See you next time. 🙏

I think the big sky country and endless horizons opened up your consciousness on this one John, a lot like the free mind we have here in Australia courtesy of our land/sea scapes .

Yet another excellent video and walk John. I spent quite a lot of time by our river [Wyre] and the countryside.as a boy, with the best company- a dog.. I mostly worked alone and now in my 60s, I have to drive everywhere; and still I live with my third German Shepherd. I never feel alone. really. But being in surroundings like that really IS restorative - whatever age we are. These days I write and paint. With a country as varied as ours, who needs to go abroad any more? More please.

Marshes have an atmosphere that bring solitude and the rumble of history to mind. Thank you John, for another great walk. Take care.

That shot with the wind turbines at 32:51 has such a sci-fi feel to me. Like some War of the Worlds-type vision with those mesmerizing sorts of 'gyrating mechas faintly appearing in the distance. Really beautiful and eerie.

@JohnRogersWalks

8 ай бұрын

It was such a bizarre and beautiful landscape

Thanks for another amazing video, John. Bradwell is definitely worth a visit-huge amount of history from Roman settlements , medieval churches and a WW2 airfield. We used to go out onto the mudflats and find ammo dumped from pilots returning from raids on Germany.

Brilliant walk. I work at Asheldham near the end of the walk so the area is familiar. It's a fascinating farming community alongside the decommissioned nuclear power station

Some great shots of the lovely, desolate Essex coast and marshes - easy to let the imagination run awry. Interesting short account of the mysterious walker that you met - no doubt an escapee from Covid madness and the coming New 'Normal' digital serfdom or he may have been a ghost. Walked around the Dengie Peninsula and played pool in the pub in Bradwell - that was a great walk - I think we followed the ordinance survey book of walks in Essex - visited St Peter's chapel as you did last year - but I think we parked in the pub car park. Definitely have to catch the train down and explore Burnham and the seafront. There are some great 'unknown' walks throughout Essex although it is difficult to walk transversely across the eastern parts of the county (you'd possibly drown).

Lovely stuff, John.Thank you.

cheers John.That took me back to my younger days when i went bird watching at Burnham on Crouch. Bob.

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Bob

I assume it's a universal thing with the plastic containers and the ropes - it's simply floating devices for marking where you boat or anchor is located on/in the water. Over time these will for various reasons be lost and wash ashore - I guess people just put them on the gate as a collecting point in the lack of a garbage container - so is the case in my place anyway, and I live in Denmark and I have no idea why I'm so intrigued watching your videos... but I am - good stuff, John! :)

This was one of the most incredible and beautiful videos I’ve watched of yours particularly because I was surprised by this landscape outside of London. So thank you for exposing us to this incredible North Sea Walk.

@JohnRogersWalks

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Carole - it was a great walk that I remember very fondly

Great walk John, the large pillbox is a minefield control tower. Built to protect the entrance to major rivers in WW2.

What a great walk through such an austerely beautiful landscape - and the twilight was magic. Thank you!

Brought back loads of childhood memories watching this. Thank you

Ooooft! I've stumbled on to the spirit of my old French/English/Natural history teacher (Mr Chadwick. From the late '60s-early-'70s) An inspiring ex Army man.... I am now hooked😉😎KTF🙏

That WAS an epic walk and remote, as promised. I love your estuary walks John it must be the sea air. Thanks for another adventure!

Wonderful scenery - stunning really. But you left us hanging- we needed to see the bottle opener in the end credits! I hope you got to enjoy your lager - cheers!

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

Ha, sorry Timothy I did film a shot of the open bottle on my phone but forgot to include it. I’ll post it on Instagram

Such a relaxing walk (to watch) for a Sunday evening. Thank you

@JohnRogersWalks

2 жыл бұрын

glad you enjoyed it Robbo - it was relaxing to edit as well

lovely weather and lovely walk. Please do more out of London walks

I find watching your videos very theraputic

What an awesome landscape. Completely get what you’re saying about the atmosphere of places. Thanks again 👍🏼

Loved the video, John. It brought back wonderful memories of a three night stay, last summer, at Ye Olde White Harte in Burnham on Crouch. We drove from there to Bradwell on Sea and, in addition to the absolute magic of the estuary, we found the inland countryside to be rolling and lush, with many footpaths which, sadly, we didn't have time to explore last year. We shall return, though. The Essex landscape is magical and varied. The plentiful estuaries and distinct atmosphere and architecture of that part of the coast are fascinating to me. Watching you soaking up its unique beauty and mystery was palpable. Great stuff! We live in Norfolk, on the edge of the Broads. Methinks you might like it up here and I can imagine you walking the Norfolk coastline..

Superb walk... a wonderful part of England... I live on the edge of Dartmoor, what a contrast in landscape. Apparently Dengie offers excellent habitats for birds. A bit further North I notice is the Bradwell Nuclear Power Station no longer in operation but now in 'care and maintenance' mode. The RSPB very concerned as the Government are proposing another nuclear plant on the same site. You mentioned capturing 'ambient' sounds with birdsong... I can thoroughly recommend the Tascam DR05 a little handheld recorder with top quality electret condenser stereo mics... takes 2 AA batteries, is very light... excellent for ambient and voice or music recordings... easy to operate. Really enjoy your walks and especially the 'river' walks... the Effra walk was magical. Cheers... looking forward to your next walk WTMB!!!

Cracking and inspiring walk - a reminder of what amazing landscapes we have ( St Peters at Bradwell is a gem too - hope you get there soon). Loved the unusual multi storey pill box.

Even the opening scenes alone. Another masterpiece. Great work, John.

Thanks Mate great film. I also enjoy the same Czech beer.

We lived for many years in Southminster and I did the same walk as you once; it's quite a walk. I remember almost stepping on a large snake! Not so good at wildlife so cannot say the type. Oh and by the way, my recollection is that the locals pronounced Dengie with a soft g. It's a delightful video

Always a pleasure, cheers 🍻

Poetry. I'd walk there and say "it's quite a long way" but you let me join this landscape. I am a musician and I am trying to describe in notes the landscapes of Lincolnshire. You've inspired me. Thank you so much.

Thanks John, great walk as always. Loved the misty twilight road scenes with the fading pink sunset.

Beautiful, ancient, deeply mysterious!

What a great video! You finally got to return after the Crouch walk a couple of years ago. John, I live on the Dengie, I walk the sea wall paths regularly, it's great to hear you 'feel' the place, there is something magical about the remoteness of some of the walks around the North Sea coast and Crouch and Blackwater estuaries. You need to return again to Southminster and walk back to the sea and do the north coast back round to Maldon past the Bradwell Power Station.

Another magnificent video. This one my favourite so far. John you have a unique ability to draw us in that we are there with you. You also expertly romanticise the scenes and structures you come across. Thank you!

Thank you,we really enjoyed that,we knew nothing about the area we caught your enthusiasm.

I enjoy this video so much, it is a beautiful magical place. Not sure how many times I have watched it, but I know I'll watch it again before too long.

Oh wow ! The honourable John Rogers "sans Beanie" As always, a great video to end one week and start the next

Just what I needed at the end of the weekend.

So loved the walk John. Thank you

Great stuff John, thank you.