The Broomway

The Broomway is a beautiful tidal way connecting the mainland in Essex to Foulness Island. It has a long and fascinating history dating back to the Roman times and beyond. It has been dubbed Britain’s most dangerous path with many sad cases of tides and poor weather claiming lives over the years. The Broomway has a nominal public right of way which broadly follows a harder sand ridge further out to sea, avoiding mud and sinking sands. The ‘path’ was once marked by brush and sticks which resembles broom handles at regular intervals to mark safe passage across the sands giving it the name the ‘Broom Way’. These are now all but gone and what remains is expanse of nothingness across the Maplin Sands. Over the years, there has been an increased in interest in walking the Broomway and it is essential to have navigational skills, local knowledge of the tides and to complete an excursion in fair weather.

Guided Run on The Broomway

Your guide, Fred has walked and run the Broomway over 40 times with a in-depth knowledge of the risks but also the magnificent history of the Broomway. We are offering several open dates for runners to join us throughout the year on either a 10km or 20km run along the Broomway. A truly memorable day and wet feet along this wild and intriguing path.

Risks on the Broomway

The path has claimed hundreds of lives over the centuries. The below information is based on our experiences on the Broomway and should not be constituted as formal advice. You go on this path completely at your own risk.

  1. Tides: The Broomway can only be walked at a certain tidal state and it is vital to check tide times.

  2. Exposure: The Broomway is extremely exposed in nature and there is no shelter. Do not go out if any lighting is forecast, and be conscious of the weather. Conditions can change quikcly and rolling fog or loud cloud can make this path very disorienting.

  3. MOD Live Firing: This is a live firing range at certain times of the year. When the red flag is up, don’t go out. Respect the private land of the MOD and don’t take any photos of private land.

  4. Beware ordnance and natural hazards. The mud has a very strong grip, even if just up to half-wellie height can hold you in a grasp.

  5. In case of emergencies: Always tell someone where you are going and what time you are expected back. This is especially important on the Broomway. Download the app What Three Words before going out on the Broomway and in case of emergencies dial 999 then ask for Coastguard.