The Broomway

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The Broomway an ancient track and noted public right of way, which at one time was used frequently by local farmers and inhabitants to access Foulness Island. This is a remote corner of Essex. The Havengore bridge, which is manned by the Ministry of Defence, is the way on to the island today but you will need an appointment to visit as this whole area is restricted access as the MOD use it as a firing range.

Wakering Stairs is the start of the Broomway in the south and takes you out across the Maplin Sands, heading north to Foulness Island. The very nature of the wide expanse of level mud flats means the tide comes in from a far very quick here and it is said lives have been lost by people using the track being caught out by the tide. A shortcut if conditions are right was used by sailors from the south heading into the River Roach or Crouch or if heading south to the Medway or Thames is to cross these Shallow sands at around high water which can save a long passage out on the main of around 15 miles.

For obvious reasons the bridge is not in operation while firing is taking place so check prior to trying to get through here in a boat.

The track was laid out in the past using posts and timbers but the sea would often dislodge and wash them away. Today, the majority of the track is impossible to make out - especially on the satellite image, but is still marked out on Ordnance Survey maps and is a legally public right of way, despite the dangers.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   51°33'38"N   0°52'3"E

Comments

  • Apologies for the terribly shapened polygon but it would have been too long in any other form. Plus, I guess it's easier to click on it now....
  • It would be nice if the people who wrote things like this knew English.
This article was last modified 14 years ago