View of part of the lake - 11 January
There was a time when the words ‘lake’ and ’side’ meant a trip to Essex’s favourite shopping centre – oddly not something that I have missed. Recently, however, it has meant a very pleasant three quarters of an hour out with the dogs walking around the edge of a very well-kept secret.
We know of people who have been told by locals not to tell others where this lake is, so desperate are they to keep it from becoming too popular.
I was first shown this lake the day before we took over the Tannerie by the previous owner. We were out taking rubbish to the dump and on the way back Liam decided to take a detour to show me his ‘favourite place.’
Now, no disrespect to Liam, but I expected it to be a bar at the very least! But no – through some winding country lanes we eventually pulled up beside a peaceful stretch of water surrounded by hills and trees. Total silence was all you could hear, and I got the impression as he gazed over the water that Liam had brought me so that he could take one last look.
Five years on, and with the excuse that we needed somewhere to walk the dogs, we eventually found the lake again round the back of the village of Rioux Martin. Still as peaceful, the footpath winds its way around the edge with steep paths up into the woods for the more adventurous.
The dogs, of course, love it. Any mention of the words ‘in the car’ and they leap up, desperate to be off. Much like me leaving Lakeside.
One of the streams feeding the lake
The lake - with much of it frozen over
The dogs at full speed
More photos can be seen on the La Tannerie Facebook page