Broomway, Ancient coastal path in Essex, England
The Broomway is an ancient trackway that crosses Maplin Sands, running roughly parallel to the shoreline across open tidal flats. The path cuts through an expanse of mudflats and sand banks that flood and drain with the changing tides.
The route served as the only access to Foulness Island until 1932, with records confirming its use as far back as the 15th century. After that date, it ceased to be the primary link to the island.
The name comes from bundles of twigs that were once tied to poles to mark the safe route across the dangerous tidal mudflats. These markers show how travelers once navigated this treacherous landscape by following visible guideposts through the water.
Walking the path requires careful planning around tide times, as water covers the route during high tide. The area lies within a military zone and advance permission is needed to access it.
The path has claimed around 66 documented lives since 1600, with victims buried in the churchyard of Foulness Island. This toll of deaths earned it an alternative name among locals.
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