Ruth Livingstone
My book: Walking the English Coast
Click for further information
Winfield’s Award
Killer Cows: Cattle Safety
Dodford footpath leading to Bournheath – walker cornered by a mixed herd
Incident number: 1266 Response ID: 329,840,622 Date of incident: 18.06.26 Location: Field adjacent to top of Yarnold Lane, Dodford leading across to Bournheath ( to right hand side as driving out of Dodford Status: Lone walker with dogs on lead onPRoW Sarah’s Story “The cattle approached (they were a mixed herd of Charolais, Hereford, friesian […]
Trapped by cattle on weavers way near Halvergate
Incident number: 1264 Response ID: 329,834,345 Date of incident: 10.06.26 Location: On the Weavers Way footpath, between Stone Road, Halvergate and Berney Arms, shortly before the railway line. Status: Lone walker with no dog on PRoW RW’s story “I was walking on the path across the marshes, following the Weavers Way path. A group of […]
Bennar near Barmouth – A very near miss…….
Incident number: 1263 Response ID: 329,826,913 Date of incident: 14.06.26 Location: Welsh Coastal Path. Farm at Bennar, north of Barmouth. (What3Words: ///scrubbing.amused.cubed) Status: Lone walker with dog on lead on PRoW Martin’s story “I was walking the Wales Coastal Path. I was on a public footpath near Bennar, heading towards Barmouth, when I encountered an […]
Tag Archives: beach
56. Ferring to Littlehampton
I walk along shingle to Rustington, where air speed records were once broken. I see the longest bench in Britain and discover Littlehampton is a very attractive town. Then I splash around on the West Beach. Continue reading
Stage 42. North Foreland, Broadstairs, Ramsgate to Sandwich
It is warm and people are arriving on the promenade, opening up their beach huts and assembling chairs, tables and barbeques. People (this is an odd English custom) are erecting windbreaks – despite the fact there is no wind. I witness a few territorial skirmishes.
28. Great Wakering to Southend to Leigh-on-Sea
Southend is full of sunlight but I am surrounded by warning signs. I am forbidden from walking along the beach – first by Ministry of Defence warning signs and later by an oil spill. I scratch my insect bites and have some close encounters with blackberry bushes, before becoming trapped in deep, dark stairwell …. Continue reading
24. Bradwell to Tillingham Marshes
Around the Dengie Peninsula, there is a coastal path stretching from Bradwell Power Station to Burnham on Crouch; seventeen miles of coastal footpath, with no villages, no towns and no marinas; along which the only building of any significance is St Peter’s Chapel. A powerful atmosphere fills the place ….
21. Tollesbury to Maldon
This walk starts under wide, empty skies and follows a meandering, sea bank. What is the story behind the lonely bench in this isolated spot? Later, I meet a semi-naked man, friendly sheep and excited children on bicycles.
Continue reading
Stage 19. West Mersea to Peldon to Old Hall Farm
This is a day of highs and lows – and of unanswered questions. What has caused the death of all these little crabs? Why am I forced to play “chicken” with uncoming cars? And what is the purpose of that large, menacing building in the distance? Continue reading
Stage 18. Jaywick to West Mersea
“Ferry,” says a male voice.
“Can you come and pick us up please?” I ask. “There are two of us and a bike.”
After a moment’s hesitation, the man says in a somewhat irritated tone, “I am not a taxi service you know.” Continue reading
Stage 17. Kirby-le-Soken to Walton, Frinton, Clacton and Jaywick
This is a glorious day of hot sun, blue sky, warm sea – and noisy crowds. I am disappointed by an ugly pier and this part of Essex lives up to my expectations – although not necessarily in a good way …. Continue reading
Stage 13. Dunwich, Sizewell, Thorpeness to Aldeburgh
Being a medical doctor carries a penalty – hypochondria. While I ponder the miracle of my apparent fitness, despite a multitude of possible ailments, time passes and I make my slow progress along the shingle. I am heading for Sizewell nuclear power station. Continue reading
Stage 12. Covehithe, Southwold, Walberswick and Dunwich
What is the one thing more embarrassing then being rescued by the coastguards?
I walk past crumbling cliffs and fallen trees. I can’t resist taking photographs, wanting to capture some of the drama and sadness of this doomed area, as the land gives way to the tides and the greedy sea. Continue reading
Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK) 