Cudmore Grove (Mersea Island): an Essex Ways Story Walk

Hi, I'm James: adventurer, storyteller and nature nerd. For over 5 years I've been leading walks that blend history, stories and nature connection to help people enjoy the Great British Outdoors like never before.My mission is to get people outside. It makes us healthier, happier, and solves most of life's problems! But for many, the only connection to nature is watching it through a screen. I want people to experience first-hand just how beautiful this country really is.Ours is a land of ancient stones and enchanted forests; druids and dragons; hobbits and Hogwarts. There is magic in this land, and I'm here to help you find it. All you have to do is step out your door - and let nature do the rest!

Man About Country

Discover the stories and secrets of Essex with a guided walk through some of its finest landscapes.

Cudmore Grove Country Park

The Essex Ways

These guided walks are part of ‘The Essex Ways’ a storytelling project funded by Essex County Council, in which Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence has undertaken an epic 400km walking journey to collect stories and celebrate his home county.

“I come not from Heaven, but from Essex” - William Morris If you want to know more about the history, stories and places in your local area, while getting some quality time in nature - this walk is for you! Essex is a land rich with cultural and natural treasures. Despite the one-dimensional view of Essex peddled by the media, we know that our county is like a glittering ruby with hundreds of facets. There are many secrets to be discovered here; some so well-kept that not even locals know about them! It’s about time we rediscovered the many ways of Essex, to celebrate our county in all its glory. This guided walk is part of ‘The Essex Ways’ a storytelling project funded by the Essex County Council Art &amp; Cultural Fund 2025. For this project, Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence has undertaken an epic 400km walking journey around the county in Spring 2025. Along the way he’s collected stories: from books, from the land, and from Essex residents. These stories have been woven together into a series of modern Essex myths, and shared in a series of story walks across Essex. James’ aim is to celebrate the many different sides of Essex by highlighting local heritage as well as the beauty of the county’s natural landscapes. On this walk, you’ll explore the local landscape, brought to life with local stories told by James. There’ll be history, folklore and legends, from ancient times to the modern day. You’ll see just how much Essex has changed, and how it’s stayed the same; and how solutions to the challenges Essex faces today can be found in the stories of its past. There’ll also be opportunities to share your own perspective on what it means to be from Essex. And if you have a story of your own to share, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £50; along with your story being submitted to the Essex Sound &amp; Video Archive, preserving the voices of Essex for future generations. All ages and experience levels are welcome, although a minimum level of mobility is required for walking on uneven terrain. These walks are free of charge (donations welcome) but please make sure to reserve your place in advance, to avoid being turned away on the day if the group size limit is exceeded.

<h3>Walk Details</h3> <ul><li>Start &amp; Finish point: Lily's Café, Cudmore Grove, CO5 8UE</li><li>Parking: Cudmore Grove Car Park, CO5 8UE (pay to park)</li><li>Distance: 3km</li><li>Duration: 2 hours</li><li>Terrain: Grass and dirt paths, woodland, sandy beach, some small slopes</li><li>Dogs: Welcome</li><li>Price: By donation</li><li>Questions: james@manaboutcountry.co.uk</li></ul>

<h3> More Info</h3> You can learn more about The Essex Ways here, including daily updates of James' 400km journey on social media: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://www.manaboutcountry.co.uk/essexways" title="https://www.manaboutcountry.co.uk/essexways" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.manaboutcountry.co.uk/essexways</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/man_about_country" title="https://www.instagram.com/man_about_country" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.instagram.com/man_about_country</a></li><li>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@manaboutcountry" title="https://www.tiktok.com/@manaboutcountry" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.tiktok.com/@manaboutcountry</a></li></ul>

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