This is getting really frustrating, been out looking for mud a few times recently, using Google maps and rights of way maps to try and find secluded ponds, streams rivers, even been to a quarry.
Every time there's either been no access, too public, dried up or not enough water for clean up. Lots of people talk about waiting for the summer for mud season as the weather's better but I've had a lot more luck in winter when every field and forest is a mud bath!
I know people like to keep their favourite spots private but I'd be grateful if anyone's willing to share a good spot in the Essex/London area.
Been looking at tidal mud in the coast, just seems hard to find anywhere secluded when you know people will be out walking this time of year!
I've got the same problem. I get round it by going late at night. It takes some getting used to, but in the heat of summer, and if you're mad enough like me it can be lovely.
Yeah, I agree with mudsprite. When you go later at night, semi-public places become completely private. That's how I've done my few bouts of marsh mudding and the only time I feel safe going into quarries. I can't speak for mud around your personal area, but I know it took lots of trial and error to find spots I was satisfied with.
Sometimes you have to travel far. South eastern Pennsylvania is no strangers to rivers ponds, etc. But the soil here is very rocky. You can find "mud" but it's not the mud you're looking for (unless you break into a quarry).
Finding soft, creamy silt is just not a thing here (if someone can show me otherwise, I'll be eternally grateful!) Also, the Schuylkill and Perkiomen got a lot of trash.
If you want a secluded spot- you've either got to do some serious walking or be prepared to cross an obstacle of some kind (hop some fences or push through vegetation or ford a river- things that'll keep 99% of people away)
A nice upshot from summer (apart from the mud being warm) is all the vegetation is fully grown- which gives a lot of privacy. You can potentially find secluded spots next to a busy path (as long as you keep the noise down)
From what I can gather a lot of people who visit quarry mud might just be ignoring the 'keep out' signs. Not saying you should do this, just that a lot of people do. I cannot confirm or deny if I am one of those people...
You do have an option, sort of like mud Try chocolate pudding. I did a pudding match years ago wearing total pantyhose coverage It was not really wrestling but in no time my white spandex outfit looked like I had been buried in mud. plus, it was pretty tasty as well. Just a thought. My partner was alot heavier than me so I spent a lot of time face down in pie plates of pudding
I feel for ya. I have a similar problem. I live in Schuylkill County, PA and there are a couple of quarries near me that look promising. But my main problem trying to find a place to park my ride without arousing suspicion. And once I do that I need to be able to carry water, a towel and a change of clothes with me. (I prefer to do my WAMMING fully clothed.) It's harder than I ever realized.