Great video. I live locally and passed you going down Fen Lane. I told my husband and he drove down there to see if you needed a lift. You must have been in the field at the time as he couldn’t see you. He didn’t believe me and is now eating a large portion of humble pie!
Great walk, John. Long term viewers could all see the approaching signs of a dodgy road walk in the gloom within the first five minutes! Glad you made it home safely. All the best.
Hi John. You missed a treat at North Ockendon church. There is a spring by the church which feeds the lake or moat as you called it. This is known as St Cedds well. You did catch it in one of your shots. It is where St Cedd baptised some of the first Christian’s in Essex. St Cedd sailed from lindisfarne down to Bradwell where there was an abandoned Roman port. He then worked his way across Essex evangelising as he went. By the way the radio tower you mentioned is in fact a lighting tower for the district tube line. There is a maintenance depot and sidings for the district line and these towers light the area up at night. Enjoyed the video.
Oh how you do capture life in a walk. All the melancholy. The joy. The taking of a step after a step. And then you play your father and a harmonica. A walk is not only navigated on a map, it's sown in the heart...
You always have lovely soundtracks but this video with your father providing the music is the new high point. And thank you for taking an Uber because I was yelling at the screen “you can’t walk that in the dark!” Stellar walk all round
They measured the speed of sound from the spires of both churches, of course being the highest places at that time and to avoid the sound ricocheting from objects, they used both churches as to get the same result in two different locations but with the same parameters
Brilliant video thank you! As a lifelong resident of Romford I always love seeing you venture out East. We had friends in Bulphan and the locals there always pronounced it “bull-vun”
Those crossings over the M25 and the 370 bus stops represent liminal space. You are neither in London nor out of London but approaching a place where you know that you will no longer be in London but you are not fully sure where you crossed the threshold.
I had a friend who lived at South Ockendon before the M25 was built actually in 1968! My dad got better off and we moved to South Benfleet and I worked at Tilbury power station in the offices for a while. Our family came from Barking / Dagenham. It's nice to see you walking through some places I remember. Thanks.
John, you’re in my end of town now. Grew up in Rainham but North Ockendon and Corbets Tey, were my playground. Fishing the bomb holes, scrumping apples and veg. All on our bikes avoiding the sand trucks (Lorries my Canadian is coming out) and mad drivers in those tight lanes. Gone by 9am and home by 5 for dinner. Lol! Thanks John (A Canadian fan)
I used to fish in a group of pits opposite the village. Went there in the 70s to find they had been filled in. Also tunnel Cement in South Aveley. Been trying to get some old pics for years. Don't reckon I'll ever see Essex again. Been in Thailand for 17 years.
Your comment about the buses outside London struck a chord with me. Whenever I saw a totally green bus I felt Id reached the countryside, you know, still a hop on hop off RM bus but green instead of red. Id really gone somewhere out of town. Yes surely West, South and North has got to be done now.
Thank you for a lovely walk which was down memory lane, I lived on the green in South Ockendon many years ago and my drive home took me over the M25 at North Ockendon every day. The Church of St Mary Magdalane has a wonderful tomb and various memorials to the Poyntz family who were lords of the manor dating back to 1350.
What no giant sized mapping pin stating here it is! Another good video. Persuaded relatives who lived in UK and now down under to watch your videos to show them what they are missing
Another wonderful walk, John! Great to see Upminster and Cranham where I lived when I was young. The Clockhouse Gardens were and I suppose still are, lovely. The Clockhouse itself used to be Upminster library. One of my best friends at junior school - Oglethorpe School, as it was called then - lived in Bulphan (pronounced sort of Bull-fern). And the 370 bus used to be a Green Line! I was wondering how you were going to get back in the dark! No Uber in my day!!!
I was bought up and went to school in Upminster . I loved this walk ,thankyou .Coming back to The UK in September after many years away . Very inspired by your walks .
Fantastic John. You’re in my neck of the woods. I can’t wait to watch this tonight after work. I absolutely love all of your videos Update. Just watched. Totally worth the wait. Brilliant. Thanks again .
John, as ever, an absorbing, intriguing and exceptionally well-crafted presentation. It is a pleasure and a delight to walk with you. Keep up the good work!
Dear and respected Sir,your song was amazing and awesome ❤music very good of harmonica ,over the hills and far away song is similar to it but this reminds me folk tales of old London,upminster is so good and very beautiful..thanks sir,you Crack the walk 😊❤
Wonderful walk - what a great idea! Capped off with historical context and the perfect harmonica accompaniment, who could ask for more? I really enjoyed this one! Thanks so much.
What a great adventure John. I will certainly consider following in your footsteps this year. I am reminded of Mark Power’s wonderful photo book, ,26 different Endings’ where he uses the edge of London pages of the old A to Z to structure a photo project. Great stuff. Absolutely love the song❤.
Absolutely lovely to have your dad soundtracking this video! When we visited last July we stayed a few days in South Ockendon, so this walk looked quite familiar to our strolls near the M25 nearby
I am in awe of your wonderful, successful commitment to the lure of a quirky destination! So many would say “no” to this adventure. By the way, your Google Maps prioritizes Restaurants, Groceries, Pubs & Petrol for search categories. What does mine prioritize! Restaurants, Coffee, Gas Groceries! There it is! 😉
If you are ever in the area again, The (non-thatched) Thatched House does a lovely Sunday Roast, John. Thanks for another fascinating video, I find them so calming to watch.
oh John. you just make me to go again in this area for 3rd time. I have been walking this part of London for last few months. I have been twice in Thames Chase centre. Once with walking mate and next day took the family. If I knew easternmost point of London there then definitely tried to step on. There should be a mark. I pay respect to Mr. Alan Rogers for his beautiful melody. Take care. Thank you very much.
I came across this by accident, sitting at home in far south east Victoria, Australia. I’m a Hertfordshire boy and just really enjoyed this ‘outer London’ journey. Thanks so much for posting!
The Mardyke was also navigable. In the 19th century small vessels called "Dumpy Barges" were used on the River. Apparently they were used to deliver agricultural products down to the Thames returning with horse manure that was used as fertiliser. As for Emerson Park Station I try to visit it at least once a year. I was told that it is the least busy Overground station! Oh Dear "The Gated Wasteland" (complete with the gas tank and associated assorted detritus!) As my Human Geography tutor would Earnestly describe "The Rural Urban Fringe At its Finest"!
Hey John, greetings from the USA (Philadelphia Pa)! I’m so delighted by your walking through London and river walk videos! It’s like mini vacations (holidays) with a good travel partner.. I grew up near a large river and creeks. Kudos and Cheers.✌️
Thanks for another great video John. I was brought up in Ilford (you went past our old family home when you did your Loxford Water walk!). For me, I always felt like the edge of London was the eastern edge of Chadwell Heath, because that was the first place that there were open fields. It's a long way west of where you were though. I guess these things have a lot of different definitions; some official, some unofficial. I've learned to care a lot less about what's officially correct over the years. Things like that surely belong to the people who experience them, however they experience them...
Great walk, as always. Loved your dad's singing, too😊 'London Orbital' was first Iain Sinclair book of his I read. I just purchased it again on my Kindle, so with your new book, I have treats ahead. I'm glad you got safely home. Always worry for you when it gets dark😮
Thanks...a great journey once again out East. it resonates with the week I just spent right over on the other side drifting into central London from Chesham Underground station!
Epic exploring!! Chaldon may be the (or near to) the southernmost point of Greater London, which would mean walking along Happy Valley which I think you may have featured on a London Loop video.
"WALKING INTO DARKNESS" - The life's quest of John Rogers as he evokes the spirits of the land to rise up and manifest themselves. A new book, soon to be published.
John, have you ever been to 'Crew's Hill' up near Enfield Chase and Gordon Hill, towards Hertford on the Northern City Line out of Moorgate? Quite possibly the oddest place I've ever been within the M25! Virtually a whole village....full of Garden Centres!
That was quite an adventure and I enjoyed you and your dad's company. I'm encouraged to see the blossom and daffodils bringing some colour back to the countryside, which springs out (sorry) a little bit earlier than here in the East of Scotland.
John , have you ever been in The Royal Oak (pub) in Knapp Hill , it is located at the bottom of Knapp Hill , I was there in 1992 , first English Pub I was in and that pint went down very good , had to have another... Keep up the great work , you are definitely enjoying you're retirement , Go John Go and be careful of that Scoundrel 😅
Interesting video. Really enjoyed it. I am fascinated by walks to the extreme point of cities, or the UK itself. Great if you could do a walk to most northerly, southerly and westerly points some time.
Love this vid....your Dads contribution was special...a great mixture of moods in this one....even had moments of Blair Witchyness towards the end...that road would have been heart in mouth in the darkness....thanks uber for keeping you safe!!!
Thank you John. I’ve been watching your videos for a while and thought I’d take a minute to express my appreciation. Absolute gems, beautifully shot and narrated. I found this one fascinating as I used to live in Laindon, out in Essex but nearby. There are, I believe markers on the banks of the Thames showing the Eastern limit of the jurisdiction of the Port of London Authority. Also, somewhere near Swanley in Kent, a column marking where the first V2 missile fell during WW2.
Great to see this venture out East where I grew up in Upminster and was a choirboy in St Lawrence church. Many happy hours spent feeding bread to the ducks in Clockhouse gardens before we knew it was the wrong thing to do! We always pronounced Derham as Dearam, and there is a Derham Gdns in Upminster named after the Reverend scientist. Don't they measure distances from central London from Trafalgar Square? There's a plaque in the middle of the roadway there which I think makes the claim to be the point.
![สาวเมืองเพชร - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kEt7F9PvO3I/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video. I live locally and passed you going down Fen Lane. I told my husband and he drove down there to see if you needed a lift. You must have been in the field at the time as he couldn’t see you.
He didn’t believe me and is now eating a large portion of humble pie!
Fantastic Melanie - massive thanks to your husband for coming to see if I needed a lift.
Great walk, John. Long term viewers could all see the approaching signs of a dodgy road walk in the gloom within the first five minutes! Glad you made it home safely. All the best.
Thanks Mark - I’ve missed walk endings like this
Hi John. You missed a treat at North Ockendon church. There is a spring by the church which feeds the lake or moat as you called it. This is known as St Cedds well. You did catch it in one of your shots. It is where St Cedd baptised some of the first Christian’s in Essex. St Cedd sailed from lindisfarne down to Bradwell where there was an abandoned Roman port. He then worked his way across Essex evangelising as he went. By the way the radio tower you mentioned is in fact a lighting tower for the district tube line. There is a maintenance depot and sidings for the district line and these towers light the area up at night. Enjoyed the video.
Oh how you do capture life in a walk. All the melancholy. The joy. The taking of a step after a step. And then you play your father and a harmonica. A walk is not only navigated on a map, it's sown in the heart...
A great walk John. I love hearing your father sing.
This was a mad one John 😂 very touching hearing your dad play and sing. You continue to make the ordinary , extraordinary
You always have lovely soundtracks but this video with your father providing the music is the new high point. And thank you for taking an Uber because I was yelling at the screen “you can’t walk that in the dark!” Stellar walk all round
Thanks so much Linda Sue - Dad came up with that tune yesterday afternoon for the video
@@JohnRogersWalks Really? I would've thought it was an old folk tune. Brilliant and lovely. Goes so nicely with the scene.
A lovely walk. I loved the moat & blossom tree with the old church behind, a beautiful scene.
They measured the speed of sound from the spires of both churches, of course being the highest places at that time and to avoid the sound ricocheting from objects, they used both churches as to get the same result in two different locations but with the same parameters
Brilliant video thank you! As a lifelong resident of Romford I always love seeing you venture out East.
We had friends in Bulphan and the locals there always pronounced it “bull-vun”
Those crossings over the M25 and the 370 bus stops represent liminal space. You are neither in London nor out of London but approaching a place where you know that you will no longer be in London but you are not fully sure where you crossed the threshold.
Thank you for taking us on all your journeys. More than just an adventure. We experience the spirit of everywhere you explore 🫠💋
Thanks Margaret - love sharing these walks
The musical interlude was legend! Loved it.
thanks Harvey - I'll make sure to tell Dad
I had a friend who lived at South Ockendon before the M25 was built actually in 1968! My dad got better off and we moved to South Benfleet and I worked at Tilbury power station in the offices for a while. Our family came from Barking / Dagenham. It's nice to see you walking through some places I remember. Thanks.
Rustic walk,with rustic music.
Really enjoy your walks. Thank you.
Fantastic John, as always, loved Dads harmonica, thank you.
Thanks Tom
John, you’re in my end of town now. Grew up in Rainham but North Ockendon and Corbets Tey, were my playground. Fishing the bomb holes, scrumping apples and veg. All on our bikes avoiding the sand trucks (Lorries my Canadian is coming out) and mad drivers in those tight lanes. Gone by 9am and home by 5 for dinner. Lol!
Thanks John (A Canadian fan)
I used to fish in a group of pits opposite the village. Went there in the 70s to find they had been filled in. Also tunnel Cement in South Aveley. Been trying to get some old pics for years.
Don't reckon I'll ever see Essex again. Been in Thailand for 17 years.
Thanks John . Lovely walk we had with you and thanks to your dad! Great contribution to the cause.
Your comment about the buses outside London struck a chord with me. Whenever I saw a totally green bus I felt Id reached the countryside, you know, still a hop on hop off RM bus but green instead of red. Id really gone somewhere out of town. Yes surely West, South and North has got to be done now.
Thank you for a lovely walk which was down memory lane, I lived on the green in South Ockendon many years ago and my drive home took me over the M25 at North Ockendon every day. The Church of St Mary Magdalane has a wonderful tomb and various memorials to the Poyntz family who were lords of the manor dating back to 1350.
What no giant sized mapping pin stating here it is! Another good video. Persuaded relatives who lived in UK and now down under to watch your videos to show them what they are missing
Another wonderful walk, John! Great to see Upminster and Cranham where I lived when I was young. The Clockhouse Gardens were and I suppose still are, lovely. The Clockhouse itself used to be Upminster library. One of my best friends at junior school - Oglethorpe School, as it was called then - lived in Bulphan (pronounced sort of Bull-fern). And the 370 bus used to be a Green Line! I was wondering how you were going to get back in the dark! No Uber in my day!!!
One committed walker. Thanks John
I was bought up and went to school in Upminster . I loved this walk ,thankyou .Coming back to The UK in September after many years away . Very inspired by your walks .
Another great walk, thanks for taking us along with you again... See you on the next video wherever that may be... ATB Chris.
Looking forward to your Shire walks, come spring 🌷🌳 Those are the best! 👌🏽
Great to have your Dad’s musical accompaniment in a video John. Lovely moment.
Thanks Ben
That was a real treat. "The Eastern most parrrt of London, dooby dooby doo" sounds like a job for Jools' sister.
Yet another great walk and congratulation to your Dad.
Fantastic John. You’re in my neck of the woods. I can’t wait to watch this tonight after work. I absolutely love all of your videos
Update. Just watched. Totally worth the wait. Brilliant. Thanks again .
This is so much fun ! It's always trippy when you walk out of day and into night.
John, as ever, an absorbing, intriguing and exceptionally well-crafted presentation. It is a pleasure and a delight to walk with you. Keep up the good work!
Dear and respected Sir,your song was amazing and awesome ❤music very good of harmonica ,over the hills and far away song is similar to it but this reminds me folk tales of old London,upminster is so good and very beautiful..thanks sir,you Crack the walk 😊❤
You'll have to do Western, Southern, and Northern now 😊
Wonderful walk - what a great idea! Capped off with historical context and the perfect harmonica accompaniment, who could ask for more? I really enjoyed this one! Thanks so much.
Thanks Jennifer
Great walk as always John, thank you.
What a great adventure John. I will certainly consider following in your footsteps this year. I am reminded of Mark Power’s wonderful photo book, ,26 different Endings’ where he uses the edge of London pages of the old A to Z to structure a photo project. Great stuff. Absolutely love the song❤.
That sounds great Mark. I think the Mar Dyke walk might be a better route. I’m going to walk that soon
Absolutely lovely to have your dad soundtracking this video! When we visited last July we stayed a few days in South Ockendon, so this walk looked quite familiar to our strolls near the M25 nearby
Fantastic record shop in Upminster John, Crazy Beat, if that's your thing!
Thanks - that’s very much my thing
Really very interesting topics. I hope the video gets a lot of attention. Thanks for the video!😘😘
Thanks John & Alan...that made my evening 👍
I am in awe of your wonderful, successful commitment to the lure of a quirky destination! So many would say “no” to this adventure. By the way, your Google Maps prioritizes Restaurants, Groceries, Pubs & Petrol for search categories. What does mine prioritize! Restaurants, Coffee, Gas Groceries! There it is! 😉
This is art.
If you are ever in the area again, The (non-thatched) Thatched House does a lovely Sunday Roast, John. Thanks for another fascinating video, I find them so calming to watch.
Thanks Tom - planning to walk the Mar Dyke soon
oh John. you just make me to go again in this area for 3rd time. I have been walking this part of London for last few months. I have been twice in Thames Chase centre. Once with walking mate and next day took the family. If I knew easternmost point of London there then definitely tried to step on. There should be a mark. I pay respect to Mr. Alan Rogers for his beautiful melody. Take care. Thank you very much.
I came across this by accident, sitting at home in far south east Victoria, Australia. I’m a Hertfordshire boy and just really enjoyed this ‘outer London’ journey. Thanks so much for posting!
Great video John, and your dad's song is brilliant!
Thanks Rob
The Mardyke was also navigable.
In the 19th century small vessels called "Dumpy Barges" were used on the River. Apparently they were used to deliver agricultural products down to the Thames returning with horse manure that was used as fertiliser.
As for Emerson Park Station I try to visit it at least once a year.
I was told that it is the least busy Overground station!
Oh Dear "The Gated Wasteland" (complete with the gas tank and associated assorted detritus!) As my Human Geography tutor would Earnestly describe "The Rural Urban Fringe At its Finest"!
Hey John, greetings from the USA (Philadelphia Pa)!
I’m so delighted by your walking through London and river walk videos! It’s like mini vacations (holidays) with a good travel partner.. I grew up near a large river and creeks. Kudos and Cheers.✌️
Cheers Rob - I must visit your corner of the world one day with all its history
Thank you! Always interesting especially seeing it not on train.
As u enter the A12 at Brentwood it says welcome to Essex
Thanks for another great video John. I was brought up in Ilford (you went past our old family home when you did your Loxford Water walk!). For me, I always felt like the edge of London was the eastern edge of Chadwell Heath, because that was the first place that there were open fields. It's a long way west of where you were though. I guess these things have a lot of different definitions; some official, some unofficial. I've learned to care a lot less about what's officially correct over the years. Things like that surely belong to the people who experience them, however they experience them...
I loved that walk. Thank you.
Another great walk, you passed some interesting sites. That barn was fantastic, and the timbers were beautiful. Thanks.
Absolutely brilliant vid John
Thanks Stephen
Great walk, as always. Loved your dad's singing, too😊 'London Orbital' was first Iain Sinclair book of his I read. I just purchased it again on my Kindle, so with your new book, I have treats ahead. I'm glad you got safely home. Always worry for you when it gets dark😮
Wonderful walk,love your father's voice.always enjoyable.stay safe.
Thanks Keith
I like your stories
Thanks...a great journey once again out East. it resonates with the week I just spent right over on the other side drifting into central London from Chesham Underground station!
Love all your walks, John and this was up there with the best. Thank you!
Love going for a walk with you. Thanks for another interesting adventure.
Loved it 😊
Thank you John for the adventure; it was sure tense once it got dark!
Epic exploring!! Chaldon may be the (or near to) the southernmost point of Greater London, which would mean walking along Happy Valley which I think you may have featured on a London Loop video.
Chaldon church is worth a look. Went to school in that area 😊
"WALKING INTO DARKNESS" - The life's quest of John Rogers as he evokes the spirits of the land to rise up and manifest themselves. A new book, soon to be published.
Yes!!!
I feel as if for you, the M25 is a living beast that must appeased or conquered on your walk.
incredible. Never before have I seen 'go back and get the camera footage' included in the final take....Brilliant!
19:45
I thought it fitted with the mood and my Dad’s song
John, have you ever been to 'Crew's Hill' up near Enfield Chase and Gordon Hill, towards Hertford on the Northern City Line out of Moorgate?
Quite possibly the oddest place I've ever been within the M25!
Virtually a whole village....full of Garden Centres!
Nice one John, know the area well - Kelvdon Hatch is worth a visit...
Thanks Ralph
That was quite an adventure and I enjoyed you and your dad's company. I'm encouraged to see the blossom and daffodils bringing some colour back to the countryside, which springs out (sorry) a little bit earlier than here in the East of Scotland.
Interesting video 👍
Excellent hike - loved it. You earned your pint!
John , have you ever been in The Royal Oak (pub) in Knapp Hill , it is located at the bottom of Knapp Hill , I was there in 1992 , first English Pub I was in and that pint went down very good , had to have another... Keep up the great work , you are definitely enjoying you're retirement , Go John Go and be careful of that Scoundrel 😅
Great walk,i live in the area will do that one👍
Really feel like you did some deep exploring on this one. Nice.
thanks Mark
That was a most interesting walk, John. I don't think I've ever seen you finish a walk in total darkness before. But we'll done for completing it.
Interesting video. Really enjoyed it. I am fascinated by walks to the extreme point of cities, or the UK itself. Great if you could do a walk to most northerly, southerly and westerly points some time.
Classic walk, great stuff, thank you
Thanks John great video
Love this vid....your Dads contribution was special...a great mixture of moods in this one....even had moments of Blair Witchyness towards the end...that road would have been heart in mouth in the darkness....thanks uber for keeping you safe!!!
Nice to hear your dad :)
Wonderful stuff John 👍
Another great walk, it reminded me of a quest a friend and i made to bag a lonely trig point in a desolate field in East Yorkshire.
Great video thank you
Great walk as ever John. Now we want to see the most Northern, Western and Southern points too of course :)
John Rogers = Bernie the Bolt. Another great video. Please keep them coming.
Our history and quirks are fascinating. Great viewing.
Great walk, as always, John. I believe the point from where distance from centre of London is and always has been Charing Cross.
In Surrey we call it Green Belt - fields kept for nature and farming. But some areas have been built on now.
The great "radio tower" is a lighting mast for the District Line depot in Cranham.
Thank you John. I’ve been watching your videos for a while and thought I’d take a minute to express my appreciation. Absolute gems, beautifully shot and narrated. I found this one fascinating as I used to live in Laindon, out in Essex but nearby. There are, I believe markers on the banks of the Thames showing the Eastern limit of the jurisdiction of the Port of London Authority. Also, somewhere near Swanley in Kent, a column marking where the first V2 missile fell during WW2.
Great walk. Bit scary at the end!
Another great walk. Although my mother hails from deepest Essex, I am from the very eastern edge of the old LCC.
Great interesting walk. Thanks mate.
Great to see this venture out East where I grew up in Upminster and was a choirboy in St Lawrence church. Many happy hours spent feeding bread to the ducks in Clockhouse gardens before we knew it was the wrong thing to do! We always pronounced Derham as Dearam, and there is a Derham Gdns in Upminster named after the Reverend scientist. Don't they measure distances from central London from Trafalgar Square? There's a plaque in the middle of the roadway there which I think makes the claim to be the point.
And thankyou dad for the background music :)
Lovely walk. Made me a bit nervous there towards the end, with you in the dark. Knew you'd sort it, though! And your dad's song was brilliant!
lovely stuff, great to see some blossom and a little of the new buds...another Spring beckons.
Wonderful Barn, trees of old!
Cheers John 👍
I went to the easterly point on Friday. What a nice field LOL.