YOUR GUIDE TO BRITAIN'S WILD SIDE
“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
- John Muir
THE ESSEX WAYS: THE FILM
Now showing! A feature length documentary produced by filmmaker and fellow Essex boy Thomas Winward. This 75min film follows my 400km, 21 day epic adventure around my home county. Discover the stories, places and people I encountered in the Real Essex. Together, let's explore some old myths and bust some new ones.
YOUR GUIDE TO BRITAIN'S WILD SIDE
Hi, I’m James. I’m a walk leader, storyteller and land raver with a dream: for you to spend more time in the Great British outdoors.
We live in one of the most beautiful and enchanted countries in the world. Millions of people come here each year to see it for themselves. There is myth, magic and treasure in every tree, river and rock - and I’m here to help you find it.
If you want to explore the real Britain beyond the flag; if you want to see it’s best places and hear its juiciest stories; if you want to reclaim your joy, health and attention span; if you want to gather the power to save our home from destruction and injustice; or if you just want a good old time; then you’ve come to the right place.
WHO I'VE WORKED WITH
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Fri 13 NovJaywick, EssexA historic place of pleasure, an entertainment hotspot; 400,000 year old prehistoric remains; magnificent towers and courageous lifeboat missions; pioneers making new lives in the Essex dream.
Fri 13 NovOsea Island, EssexDiscover Osea Island, the Jewel of the Blackwater, with a weekend of storytelling, wellness and nature connection. Two nights in paradise!
Sun 15 NovHeybridge Basin, EssexThe mighty River Blackwater, the Essex girl Robin Hood, birding paradise, bloodthirsty cannibals, an exploding lockkeeper, and inspiration for the Lord of the Rings.
Mon 16 NovHockley, EssexThe largest area of 10,000 year old wildwood in eastern England; an autumn spectacular; old gods, witches and wizards, magic trees, smuggler kings, beheaded queens, dishonourable duels and disappearing boys stuck forever in the fairy realm.
Wed 18 NovPleshey, EssexA 1,000 year old castle in a thatched chocolate-box village; pristine rural countryside; civil wars, royal rebels, gruesome murders, enchanted treasure and the beginning of British democracy.
Thu 19 NovHedingham Castle, EssexAn evening of storytelling within the grand & ancient walls of England's best preserved Norman keep. These are the stories of Essex like you've never heard them before.
Fri 20 NovCoopersale, EssexEurope's largest collection of ancient trees; dandy roadmen, peasant poets, heroic Essex women, dastardly robberies and ordinary heroes standing up for the common man.
Thu 21 JanChelmsford Theatre, EssexDiscover the many ways of Essex with this special screening of feature length documentary ‘The Essex Ways’ followed by a Q&A with storyteller James Lawrence.
