The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK

The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK

England, europe

Length

4.82 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Essex, UK, just southeast of Colchester. You're headed to Mersea Island, the UK's easternmost inhabited island, and there's only one way to get there: Mersea Road, or as the locals call it, the Strood Causeway.

Now, this isn't your average road trip. This fully paved stretch, part of the B102, disappears *twice* a day for about a week each month! Yep, the tide rolls in, turning Mersea Island into a true island for about 90 minutes each time. The Strood has been around since Roman times with the first causeway built around 700 AD.

Starting in the village of Peldon, this 3-mile (4.82km) road becomes an underwater adventure when the tide hits 4.9 meters or higher. A word to the wise: don't try to be a hero and drive through it! Saltwater and car engines do NOT mix. Instead, grab a snack, enjoy the view, and wait for the water to recede. Before you go, ALWAYS check those tide tables – you don't want to get stranded!

Where is it?

The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.4550, -2.2557

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Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
4.82 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
53.4550, -2.2557

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