Log No 331. Sat 31st May 2014 - Colchester to Brightlingsea, 11 miles (5116 miles walked)

It was only a short walk planned for today, 11 miles to Brightlingsea, and Ray was going to walk some of it, if not all of it, with me.

I got a bit of a lie-in and we then had breakfast outside under a blue sky.

We restarted the walk at The Hythe at 08.45 and as Barbara was going to meet us at Brightlingsea I didn't need to carry my rucsac.

We crossed over to the east side of the River Colne and walked on the path by the river to Wivenhoe.

After Wivenhoe we took a short break on a bench before continuing at an easy pace alongside the river. I have to keep reminding myself that, after a year of walking, what might be an easy pace for me may still be quite a fast pace for someone else.

Alresford Creek interrupted our progress along the river and we had to follow it for half an hour before we could get across it at the old mill.

There was no access along the other side of the creek so we had to walk alongside the road to the church.

We had done 6 miles and this was where Ray had to decide whether to continue on with me for the remaining 5 miles or get Barbara to pick him up here, he decided to keep me company.

We branched off to Moverons Farm to pick up the bridleway back to the mouth of the creek where we had a lunch break.

It was very warm walking in the sunshine but it had clouded over a bit now but that did make the walking conditions easier.

Coming round Aldboro Point we were back on the bank of the River Colne and a good path with benches, we stopped at one of these for a final break before heading for the car park at Westmarsh Point.

This was a popular spot with a small cafe and the start of the beach huts.

In spite of the crowds of people, this weekend happened to be the Brightlingsea Boating Festival, it was all very relaxed and we got to the car park for 13.15.

We had a drink of tea before I checked into the campsite and said thanks and cheerio to Ray & Barbara, I hope Ray's legs aren't too stiff in the morning.

I booked into the campsite for 2 nights as I was having a proper rest day tomorrow. It was £20 for the 2 nights but while I was pitching the tent the owner came along and returned the fee, thanks Paula.