THE ESSEX WAYS
AN EPIC STORYTELLING JOURNEY
“I COME NOT FROM HEAVEN, BUT FROM ESSEX”
- William Morris
Like the rest of Essex, I’m fiercely proud of my home county. The media love to spin a one-dimensional idea of what the county is all about: they do say "The ONLY way is Essex" after all. But I know that’s only one facet of this many-splendoured jewel. It’s not a one way kinda place!
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I believe that Essex is one of the most fascinating counties in England. You only need to scratch the surface to find amazing stories, from ancient times to the modern day; many of which show that Essex hasn’t changed as much as we might think. I believe that the more of these stories we discover and put together, the closer we get to the true soul of Essex: the myths at the heart of this great county.​​
That’s why in 2025 I undertook an epic 400km, 21 day walking journey through the many ways of Essex. I walked through (and wild camped in) some of the remotest regions of Essex; from deep rural countryside to desolate coastal marshes; along with towns and villages that represented the huge demographic variety of the county. Along the way, I collected as many stories as I could. I interviewed Essex residents, researched the history, and learned from the land itself.
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Once my journey was complete, I gathered the stories I'd collected and shared them as widely as I could, to celebrate the county and help us understand who we are and where we came from. A series of 14 storytelling walks in different locations around the county; a film produced by fellow Essex boy Thomas Winward; a book of stories; interviews with Essex residents submitted to the Essex Sound & Video Archive; and a series of bite-size videos for social media.
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This project has been my love letter to Essex: the land which raised me and made me the man I am today. I hope it will bolster people’s pride in the county, highlight local heritage as well as the natural spaces on our doorsteps, give voice to those who might not otherwise be heard, and ultimately empower us by revealing more about who we really are.
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This project was made possible with a generous grant from Essex County Council’s Art & Cultural Fund 2025.
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THE ADVENTURE
PART 1: THE ESSEX WAY
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Start: Epping
Finish: Harwich
Distance: ~135km
Dates: 16-22rd April 2025 (8 days)
PART 2: THE ESSEX COAST
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Start: Harwich
Finish: Tilbury
Distance: ~265km
Dates: 3rd-15th May 2025 (13 days)
With a bag full of camping gear, a trusty staff, a pair of microphones and my wits, I undertook my longest walking adventure to date. And what an adventure it was! People may not think of Essex as an adventurous place, but that was just one myth I had set out to bust. I walked through remote areas with no buildings in sight for entire days. I walked along one of the longest coastlines in England. I found accommodation in ditches and the warm hospitality of those I met on the way. I endured wild weather, hunger, sleep deprivation, blisters, paranormal experiences, hiding in hedges, hangovers and some serious food poisoning. In return, I discovered hundreds of stories about Essex: and made some new ones in the process.
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While I was out in the wilds of Essex, I posted daily updates of my adventures and discoveries to Instagram and TikTok. This meant that the people of Essex could follow my journey in real time, and give tips on where to explore and which stories to research. And boy did the people of Essex come through for me!
THE STORY WALKS
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Over the summer of 2025, I led over 200 people on story walks in 14 different locations around Essex.
Each walk was in a place I had travelled through on my 400km adventure, and showed completely different sides of Essex: whether the world's oldest barn, England's oldest Saxon church, the largest remaining area of ancient wildwood in eastern England, or marshes earmarked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This means I got to share the stories I'd discovered, while also hearing plenty more from the brilliant people of Essex who joined me on these walks. How else would you want to spend your summer?
THE FILM
A feature length documentary film of my 21 day adventure.
Shot, edited and produced by Thomas Winward, award winning filmmaker and fellow Essex boy. Tom joined me for 5 days for shooting, despite working in sub-optimal conditions (think running to catch up with me and being dragged through 7ft hedges). He then incorporated my footage from the other 16 days to produce this amazing piece, which beautifully captures Essex through the lens of my journey and the stories I uncover.
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The film (75mins) is available to watch, for free, on YouTube: highly recommended for anyone that wants to get to know the real Essex.
COMING SOON:
THE BOOK
A collection of some of the most fascinating stories discovered from across the county. Learn about Essex's history, folklore, and the roots of the Essex stereotypes that run amok in the county today. Let's discover some myths; and bust some others.​ Release date: Winter 25/26
THE INTERVIEWS
I recorded over 40 Essex residents over my 400km adventure, who told me their stories about Essex, how it has changed, and what life is like there today. These will be submitted to the Essex Sound & Video Archive, to preserve the voices of Essex residents for future generations.
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A LOVELY TESTIMONIAL
"I have been on a number of storytelling walks with James this summer and was excited to hear about the film. I attended the film premiere and took friends along, as being fellow walkers I knew they would appreciate and enjoy hearing James's story. We had a wonderful evening. James is passionate, heartfelt and modest, and the film showed the highs and lows of his achievement in walking 400km in 21 days. As we watched the film there were moments we laughed, felt concern and was touched. The actual filming was extremely well done, and the film showed the beautiful and expansive Essex landscape, that is for many a secret world for those who live here. James's attempt to show the world the diverse faces of Essex succeeded - the film made me think about areas that are relegated and to see the richness and qualities that they offer. My planned visits will be with fresh eyes and more open mind.
James's film has achieved two things. As well as being a cheerleader and advocate for Essex, he has also shown that walking is accessible and a wonderful way to explore areas that we live in or visit. That there are wonderful experiences waiting, with miles of footpaths and many interesting places and people to meet along the way. I think it is a great idea to share this on YouTube so that it will gain a wider audience, because this film deserves that. I hope it leads on to bigger and exciting things and I am glad that books are planned. This project was very worthwhile on a number of levels, and it needs celebrating and bringing to attention.
A huge thank you, James for what you have achieved. I look forward to what comes next, and where I can, being part of this celebration of Essex."
- Sandie Cottee
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