F irst of a new series of walks along Essex Estuaries. On this walk along part of the Stour Estuary Rob is joined writer and guide Laura Agustin who’ll tell the story of women accused of witchcraft during a 17th-century witch craze that played out in the three villages of Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley during the Civil War. Rob will also talk about Mistley Quay , a port where ships were built in the 18th century and now site of Britain’s largest malt factory. The walk also passes Mistley Towers a surviving part of a church designed by Robert Adams.

The walk is about 3 miles long and includes some country paths as well as some town walking. The walk ends at Mistley and there will be a short pub stop at the half way point. The walk crosses some open fields, so possibly may be muddy.

M anningtree is about one hour by train from Liverpool Street Station.