Goldhanger TL 90677 08493
The grid reference above is for the sea wall observation point. The car can be parked in front of the entrance to Bound's Farm where the Disco is parked - shown in photo G1 - location is TL 90400 08903. Just in front of the saloon car in the photo is a sign to the sea wall, a close up of which is shown in photo G2. It is about a quarter of a kilometre to the sea wall, which at normal walking speed is 3 minutes. If the wall was over-topped the parking is about 2m lower than the wall top and the path would be likewise. However, the path has trees or fencing along both sides of its whole length, so running back through overtopping water would be ok even though you could not see the ground as it is flat and the trees/fencing would stop you deviating into deep water in the adjoining ditches. See map, spot heights and satellite views below. Remember heights are above mean sea level at Newlyn not above the highest high tide! The significance of this and the colours of the spot heights are some of the topics covered in the elementary Essex Raynet navigation course.
Photo G1
Photo G2
At the end of the path you find a gate and the steps shown in photo G3. Climb the steps to the post shown in photo G4 to observe the water level. Life jackets required as if the wall breached you would be in water the height of the steps!
Photo G3
Photo G4
Approach
Access to the site from Maldon is via the B1026. Go down th deadend by the church with a tower. You will sea the reflective sea wall sign by a side road you can turn in. Bound's Farm road is clearly marked as private and can be used as a reference to ensure you don't travel too far past the sea wall sign should you miss seeing it.If you get to the Bound's Farm entrance you have gone about 50m too far. The red flag shows for where you are aiming.
Mapping ourtesy ordnance survey licence number - PU100034184 © Crown Copyright
Lie of the land
Aerial View
