Skip to content

Man walks 400km to uncover treasures of Essex

Josh Holmes-Bright & Amelie Mason
BBC News, Essex
Thomas Winward A close-up shot of James, a young bearded gentleman, standing in a field full of green shrubbery and pink flowers. He is wearing a fleece with red, blues and grey on it, and is carrying a rucksack.Thomas Winward
James Lawrence documented his Essex Ways journeys on his social media pages

A social media influencer has described Essex as "like 100 different counties in one" after walking 400km (249 miles) to help boost local pride.

James Lawrence - known to his followers as Man About Country - journeyed on a meandering route from Epping to Harwich, and then back south hugging much of the coastline to Tilbury.

His project received funding from Essex County Council and he will put together a book and short film about his findings.

"It has really boosted my faith that the people of Essex are just really welcoming and lovely people," said Mr Lawrence, who is from Chelmsford.

Thousands of people followed Mr Lawrence's journey, which he documented on his Instagram and TikTok pages with daily video updates.

Amelie Mason/BBC James Lawrence poses holding his stick, mimicking the statue next to him. The water of Hythe Quay is visible left and right of him, with buildings in the background.Amelie Mason/BBC
James Lawrence stopped to admire the statue of Byrhtnoth, who led Anglo-Saxon forces against the Vikings in the Battle of Maldon

He followed the Essex Way - a Roman road from Epping to Harwich - which takes in historical landmarks including St Andrews Church at Greensted near Ongar.

The chapel is believed to be the oldest wooden church in the world, dating back to the 6th Century.

Mr Lawrence's coastal route took him past the amusements at Walton-on-the-Naze, Clacton-on-Sea, as well as Mersea Island, Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and Canvey Island.

He spoke to residents at each location to learn about the local history.

Mr Lawrence spent eight days walking the Essex Way in April, and after another eight days of rest, he then did his coastal Essex walk in 13 days earlier this month.

Peter Walker/BBC Small boats and yachts moored up on the water at West Mersea with bright blue skies above.Peter Walker/BBC
Mr Lawrence's hugged the shoreline at Mersea Island on his mammoth walk

Mr Lawrence told BBC Essex that some of his favourite stories learnt on the walk detailed the county's historical female figures - including Ann Carter who was executed for her leading role in the Maldon grain riots.

"Everywhere I go, I see these amazing Essex women from throughout history, and you can still see how women in Essex are like that today," said Mr Lawrence.

"It has been such a rollercoaster going from off-grid to very very on grid!"

Next month, Mr Lawrence is hosting talks at 14 locations that he covered during his walk, starting with Pleshey Castle on 12 June.

"We are like 100 different counties in one - there are so many fabulous treasures, landscapes and stories all around this county," Mr Lawrence told BBC Essex.

"I hope by doing this walk, I can encourage people to get out and explore this land a little bit more."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links