Area: Essex

The Category Basildon is a subset of Essex.

The Category Braintree is a subset of Essex.

The Category Brentwood is a subset of Essex.

The Category Castle Point is a subset of Essex.

The Category Chelmsford is a subset of Essex.

The Category Colchester is a subset of Essex.

The Category Epping Forest is a subset of Essex.

The Category Harlow is a subset of Essex.

The Category Maldon is a subset of Essex.

The Category Rochford is a subset of Essex.

The Category Southend-on-Sea is a subset of Essex.

The Category Tendring is a subset of Essex.

The Category Thurrock is a subset of Essex.

The Category Uttlesford is a subset of Essex.

'Walks around the Parish of Abberton & Langenhoe by our Footpath Officer.'

Gordon Davis

'We are an independent friendly group of people who enjoy walking and will always offer you a warm welcome. We are based in the Basildon Borough Council area, but have numerous members from Chelmsford, Brentwood and Southend areas.'

'Crays Hill, Little Burstead, North Benfleet, Ramsden Crays circular walks. Norsey Wood, Wat Tyler Nature Trails.'

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'A diverse landscape of ancient woodland, grassland and lakes ... A circular walk, set up with the help of the Woodland Trust, follows the boundary of the estate and takes in five public access sites, including Belhus Chase.'

Thurrock Council

Belhus Woods [Essex Country Park] | Belhus Woods Country Park [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'An ancient landscape alive with the sights and sounds of wildlife. This grazing marsh has played a vital role in the lives of people and wildlife for centuries. Now, after careful restoration, it's ready and waiting for you to explore and enjoy. There are 4 miles (6 km) of nature trails for you to explore on foot, three viewing points and two picnic areas.'

RSPB

Find a local park or countryside site ... Keep active ... Stay safe, healthy and well ...

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

''Features of the gorges include: Well surfaced paths but some steep inclines; A variety of habitats, including grassland, meadow, ponds and woodland; A variety of plants and wildlife, including orchid, bats, newts and glow worms; Picnic areas at Warren Gorge set within meadows and beside lakes.'

Thames Chase

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'This 16 hectare (39 acre) site runs along the eastern banks of the River Chelmer for approximately 2.5km from Valley Bridge down to Victoria Road.' ALERT Links changed.

Visit Chelmsford

'We have weekends away about once a month to Youth Hostels and bunkhouses around the country, occassional local Sunday walks, and various social events in and around Chelmsford. Also there are longer trips such as New Year in the Peak District, Easter in the Lake District or a week in Scotland. Most trips are based around hill walking, and we also have some cycling weekends and other outdoor activities.'

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'This guide is designed to allow visitors and residents to enjoy the large number of footpaths that exist in and around the historic village of Dedham, in north-east Essex. Many of the views that you will see have been immortalised in the pictures of John Constable RA, who lived in the neighbouring village of East Bergholt, and attended school in Dedham ... '

Dedham Parish Council

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'London’s largest open space, at approximately 6,000 acres. The forest stretches 12 miles from Manor Park in east London to just north of Epping in Essex. '

City of London Corporation

'Was formed over 50 years ago as a Group for those people who want to do a range of activities in the outdoors. We don't specialise but will try nearly anything. We arrange something for most weekends, with walking and cycling being our most frequent activities, but also have a range of social events which our members might put on the programme.'

'Walking is a popular recreational pursuit and the greenest form of transport available. Regular walking can help improve your health and we work in partnership with many other organisations to promote and encourage it ... Visit Essex is the official tourism site covering the county. The section Walk Essex provides maps and information on five circular routes taking you through some of the county's most attractive towns, villages and countryside.'

'The Forest Ramblers are a London walking club founded in 1884. We are generally believed to be the oldest rambling club still in existence in the UK: on November 30th 2014 we celebrated the 130th anniversary of the club’s formation.'

'Galleywood is very fortunate in having a network of footpaths and bridleways, totalling 23 km (14 miles): these are set out on the free Galleywood Parish Footpaths Map (3rd Edition). Galleywood Parish Council is very pleased to release walks 1-6 of our "new look" walk leaflets for 2014.'

'An informal group who meet once a month to walk the local footpaths. The walks vary in length but usually last about two hours. We have footpaths on all sides of the village and different routes are chosen from month to month to give as much variety as possible. This is a good way to get to know your local countryside without having to be super-fit.'

Great Yeldham Footpath Walks

'Overlooking the Thames Estuary, near Southend on Sea, Hadleigh Country Park offers unrivalled opportunities for countryside recreation and wildlife watching, as well as magnificent views over the estuary to Kent. Extending to 152 hectares (387 acres) it is one of the largest country parks in Essex and comprises an intimate mix of woodland, pasture, hay meadow and marsh with old hedgerows and ponds.'

Explore Essex

Member of the U3A - Essex Grouping

'Run, jog or saunter along the many paths through Hatfield Forest. Follow the Tree Walk or the Forest Walk our two popular waymarked trails. You can download them before your visit or purchase a laminated copy from our shop.'

National Trust

Member of the Wellbeing Walks - Essex Grouping

'One of Colchester's beauty spots. The Park provides habitats for thousands of different birds and mammals, including woodland, a lake, wildflower meadows, marshes, hayfields, scrubland, and open spaces (ideal for picnics).'

Colchester Borough Council

Member of the Wellbeing Walks - Essex Grouping

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'Been for a walk lately? – How about a stroll through the ages along the Centenary Walk or celebrate with Royalty on the Jubilee Walk! You might just be surprised at the number of attractive walks that are situated in the Hockley parish and now you will be able to easily identify them ... !'

'A series of leaflets depicting circular walks of varying lengths and styles has been developed by Kelvedon Parish Council. There are six routes available ... These leaflets are available to download ... in the original (full colour) or printer-friendly (black and white) versions.'

'If you look in our calendar, you will see some of the events organized by our Group. Only members of the LDWA are automatically allowed to participate in our social walks but, by arrangement, we welcome visitors who are not members. As our name implies, we cover substantial distances on our walks and maintain a brisk pace across country using footpaths that may not be as well maintained as we would wish.'

'We walk at a leisurely pace, talk a lot and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly ... Have you ever thought that you need more exercise? Well, walking with us is a fairly painless pursuit as we're not into route marches or hill walking ...'

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

Member of the Wellbeing Walks - Essex Grouping

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'Officially one of the finest parks in the country, after receiving a sought after Green Flag award ... Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country. The Reserve is the first open space in Harlow to be put forward and accepted for this status.'

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Parndon Wood Nature Reserve [Visit Harlow]

'One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range. We managed to acquire the site in 2000 and set about transforming it into an important place for nature and a great place for people to visit. Now you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter. Birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen too. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies flit across the boardwalks.'

RSPB

'Essex Area Ramblers has nearly 5000 members divided into 19 Groups. These Groups also provide programmes of led walks which are open to all their members. Members can also join walks organised by Ramblers Groups across Britain all at no charge.'

Member of the Wellbeing Walks - Essex Grouping

'There's always something exciting going on in the garden, from woodland walks and gardening workshops to fun family events.'

Royal Horticultural Society

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'Tendring has beautiful countryside, rural areas and villages to explore.'

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'The Thorndon Countryside Centre is situated in Thorndon Country Park. There are some fantastic walks through ancient woodland and historic deer parks which lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures ... The Countryside Centre is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust and the Park is managed by Essex County Council in a joint venture.'

Essex Wildlife Trust

Access to details of the Parks and Countryside in Thurrock, as well as Walking related activities.

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'A stunning and innovative visitor centre built on a former landfill site, with superb views over Mucking Flats SSSI and the Thames Estuary (SPA). Footpaths and cycle ways in 120 acres of nature park, which will expand to 845 acres. Great birdwatching - and ship watching.'

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

PDFs of seven Countrycare Walks: [1] Abridge - - - : [2] Chigwell - - - : [3] Greensted - - - : [4] Lambourne - - - : [5] Nazeing - - - : [6] Theydon Bois - - - : [7] Sheering

'Our five maps illustrate circular routes meandering through some of the county's most beautiful rural areas and passing through many of its charming villages and towns. Each route has details on the area, the visitor attractions as well as listings of quality assured accommodation, should you wish to stay longer, and places to eat.'

Walk Colchester is 'a green community mapping initiative. Its main aims are to record and protect Colchester’s paths, parks, woodland and open spaces, and to promote enjoyable, accessible, informed pedestrianism for walkers of all ages and abilities'.

'Offers 125 acres of stunning parkland in the heart of the beautiful south Essex marshes in which to relax and explore ... Download our PDF Wat Tyler Trails Guide and plan a walk around our exciting explosives, World War II and sculpture trails.'

'Weald Country Park is located to the west of Brentwood. At nearly 500 acres it is the largest of the Essex County Council Country Parks. Parkland has been established here for more than 700 years; the lakes, the tree-lined avenues, and large parkland trees are the result of the landscaping carried out in the 18th century.'

Explore Essex

'West Canvey Marsh is the largest single area of green space on Canvey Island. This wonderful wetland reserve includes nearly two miles (3 km) of new nature trails, three viewing points, a picnic area and children's adventure area.'

RSPB

'Parish Walks - enjoy, explore and walk our picturesque village.'

‘This walk cuts across the wide open, wood-spotted Hertfordshire fields, before descending into the sylvan valley of the Ash, following old railway lines and navigations to the lakes and reedbeds of the Lee valley.‘

Out of the LOOP

'Basildon is a thriving town. Surrounded by open spaces, iconic buildings and stunning examples of public art you will find that this sixty year old town isn't short of historical interest: beneath its modern open streetscape and abundant and bio-diverse green spaces can be found the remains of previous cultures going back many thousands of years ... '

John Harris’s Walking in England

'Circular walk, based on Leigh-on-Sea railway station, includes a climb to see the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, a walk along Benfleet Downs and a return walk along Benfleet Creek alongside Hadleigh Marsh.' ALERT This Entry formerly referenced an 'Essex Pub Walk': Leigh-on-Sea & Hadleigh Castle Walk  But since the relevant Website seems no longer, I have replaced it with a 'Saturday Walkers Club' Walk. (I have retained the original description.)

Saturday Walkers Club

'Chelmsford is the county city of Essex, and with a rich heritage, beautiful green spaces, first-class sporting, leisure and arts facilities, shopping, dining and vibrant nightlife, there is definitely something for everyone. Situated in the heart of Essex and only 30 miles from London ... '

AllTrails

'Braintree has a long and fascinating history - emerging from a Bronze Age valley settlement as an important and flourishing market town located at the crossroads of two Roman roads ... '

John Harris’s Walking in England

The Borough of Brentwood 'is named after the town of Brentwood which is the main development in the area. There are still large areas of woodland including Shenfield Common, Hartswood (named after its last private owner, a Mr Hart), Weald Country Park, and Thorndon Country Park. The original district council was formed in 1974 from the former area of Brentwood Urban District, part of Epping and Ongar Rural District and part of Chelmsford Rural District'.

Brentwood Borough Council

'Visitors for an afternoon, a day or much longer periods are part of the lifeblood of Burnham on Crouch. Many of our visitors return time after time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the historic Conservation area, the top class restaurants and the constant buzz of activity on the River Crouch.'

Marshland

The Walk 'follows the Cam valley to Saffron Walden, crossing into the Pant river valley and then near Wimbish to the river Chelmer valley that it follows south via Thaxted and Great Dunmow to Chelmsford. Here the Chelmer turns east, joining the Blackwater (Panta in Roman times) to reach the head of the Blackwater estuary at Maldon, where the site of the battle is finally reached ... Links include West Anglian Way / Fen Rivers Way and Essex Way, Icknield Way Path and Centenary Circle (of Chelmsford)'.

The Long Distance Walkers Association

'The Camuplodunum was conceived in 1974 by Derek Keeble as a 25 mile, long distance route around Colchester's town boundary to be used as a training ground for his then favourite pastime, orienteering.  On the one hand it retains its original objective as a complete long distance path. On the other hand it has been broken down into sixteen short sections between Colchester's radial bus routes for the less adventurous. Whichever way you prefer to enjoy its varied route, Colchester Ramblers hope that you share Derek's undying enthusiasm for our surrounding countryside. '

Colchester Ramblers

'I did this walk on Sunday 23rd September 2007. I had been going to walk along the Medway Valley from Strood to Maidstone but I had got up a bit too late (again) to get a suitable train and thus drove to Canvey Island instead to continue my series of walks on the Essex coast. It was a fine day with plenty of sunshine and felt quite warm for the time of the year despite a fairly strong breeze ... '

Tim Bertuchi

Daws Heath Woodland  Three ancient woods beside the A127

Thundersley Common One of the finest surviving heaths in Essex

Shipwright’s Wood Discover the beauty of this hidden wood.

Thundersley Glen  An open woodland once used for charcoal burning.

West Wood  Explore this ancient wood which once belonged to the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Castle Point Borough Council

'Circular footpath encircling Chelmsford.'

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation is the canalisation of the Rivers Chelmer and Blackwater in Essex, in the east of England. The navigation runs for 13.75 miles (22.13 km) [1] from Springfield Basin in Chelmsford to the sea lock at Heybridge Basin near Maldon. It was opened in 1797, and remained under the control of the original company until 2003. It is now run by Essex Waterways Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Inland Waterways Association.'

Essex Waterways

'Imagine a remote countryside edged on three sides by water - two rivers and the sea - and a great expanse of sky, sea and marshland that is The Dengie Peninsula. It lies east of Chelmsford and reaches all the way to the North Sea. To the south it is bounded by the River Crouch and the River Blackwater to the north ... ' Note that I originally referenced here PDFs accessible via the Visit Essex Website.

The Dengie Hundred

Map A in Natural England's Report to the Secretary of State for this portion of the England Coast Path 'shows the whole of the Maldon to Salcott stretch divided into five short numbered lengths of coast, from Maldon Promenade Park at the head of the Blackwater Estuary heading generally eastwards to Heybridge Basin (Chapter 1) then onward passing close to the villages of Goldhanger and Tollesbury to end at Salcott (Chapter 5)'.

Natural England

'It is likely that the Forum will often be discussing contentious issues and that their advice will guide policies and actions of the County Council. Therefore, it is vital that the membership of the forum represents a wide range of interests and is balanced between the wish to increase access and the need to protect the landscape and its economic use ... We're looking for new members to join us, please contact the Secretary for more information.'

Essex Highways

'This is an ECC-funded community-based scheme that enables local volunteers to look after and/or promote their local Public Right of Way network. More information is contained in the P3 manual. If you want to volunteer, the Public Rights of Way and Localism Officer will be able to put you in touch with an existing local group, or help you start up your own group.'

Essex Highways

The interactive Map of Public Rights of Way 'is for general purposes only. It is not the statutory Definitive Map which is held at County Hall. District, borough, town and parish councils must also keep copies for their particular areas ... In law the Definitive Map provides conclusive evidence of the existence of any Public Rights of Way shown on it. This interactive map does not'.

Essex Highways

'Path stretching frm Epping to Harwich ... You can walk it in stages, or make a holiday of it staying in accommodation along the way ... Along the way there are waymarks posts to help you.'

Essex Highways

Braintree to Little Dunmow: 'Open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the Flitch Way is flat and mostly traffic free. There are many public footpaths exploring the countryside just off the route.'

Sustrans

The Friends of the Flitch Way and Associated Woodlands

'A varied programme of walks throughout the Forest is organised by the Friends of Epping Forest. Led by knowledgeable Forest enthusiasts, these walks provide an opportunity to find out more about the Forest. Some are a gentle stroll, while others are taken at a faster pace. The walks are free, but donations to support the work of the Friends are welcome.'

Friends of Epping Forest

'Set in a picturesque part of Essex is open for visitors to enjoy a day out in the beautiful landscape ... Woodland walks, access to the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre and nature reserve, easy accessibility by road and free parking make a trip to Hanningfield Reservoir a great day out ...'

Essex Wildlife Trust

'Runs in a figure of eight between Harlow and Cambridge with the intersection of the two loops by Newport.' Tim actually describes the Walk in seventeen stages starting from Roydon.

Tim Bertuchi

Harcamlow Way [Trailman] | Harcamlow Way [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'This is a fairly easy walk with the advantage of being close to London, making it ideally suited for a short winter's day.'

Saturday Walkers Club

The Harlow Art Trust, a voluntary body established in the 1950s, acquired works by up-and-coming sculptors and assisted them by providing a permanent, public exhibition of their works. A collection of sculptures of national significance are sited throughout the town ...'

Visit Harlow

'For some months now, the Henham village magazine, The Dragon, has been reproducing a series of suggested walks around our village. These walks had previously also been available for quite a number of years for sale in the village shop, but the original stock has been exhausted. The editorial team of The Dragon and those involved in setting out the routes, etc. have agreed that I can further reproduce them on this site ...'

Chris Wallington and The Parish of Henham.