On your left you will pass the private road leading to Blackwater Sailing Club. The Club House is built on the site which was occupied by the Marine Salt Company in the 19th century.

From here until you reach the junction with Blackwater Close you will be following the line of the old sea wall and all the land to your left was originally saltings or marsh, used for grazing.

Many maps show a tumulus on the marshland close to the Sailing Club gate. Opinions vary as to whether this was a burial mound, a red hill remaining from Roman salt extraction, or possibly a mound built for cattle grazing the marshes to retreat to in times of flood. During WW2 an air raid shelter dug into the mound served local farm workers, In later years village children played on the “high heap”. (Who smoked their first cigarette there?!)

The bungalows on your right as you start your journey were originally accommodation huts on HMS Osea during WW1. During the 1920s May & Butcher, a Basin firm, bought many of these huts dismantled them and sold them as private homes or holiday cottages.

For 12 years in the early 1800s a gate blocked the entrance to the Basin Road and tolls were charged.

The gate had been erected by James Moffat Brook who lived at Saltcote Hall and claimed rights over the land. Tolls were collected by Mr Keys who leased the gate and cottage from James Brook.

In 1837 the owners of the Marine Salt Company objected to the tolls and their workmen sawed off the lock and opened the road to the public. Mr Brook took the Salt Company to court but lost his case.

The gate was never reinstated so feel free to carry on.

Charges:

• Foot passenger 1d
• Horse 2d
• Post chaise or carriage 2s
• One-horse chaise or gig 6d
• Donkey and cart 3d
• Beasts per score 1s
• Sheep and hogs 6d