'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.'

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

Gordon Davis

'A website resource that provides free information on places, walks and recreational opportunities with disabled access for each of the counties of England and Wales.'

Accessible Countryside for Everyone - ACE

'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.'

'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.'

Bowers Marsh Walk [Essex Walks]

Access to a range of Countryside Walks leaflets in and around Brentwood.

''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

'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.'

'We have an active walks programme throughout the year with walks on both Wednesdays and Sundays. During the summer we also have Friday evening walks to gently ease you into the weekend.'

'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

'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. '

'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.'

'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.'

'Harlow and the surrounding area is a great place to live with lots of activities available, beautiful walks by the river or through wooded areas, good access to London and all it has to offer as well as the adjoining counties.'

'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.'

'An established walking group for people typically in their 20′s, 30′s and 40′s. We have walks every weekend, as well as mid week evening walks between Spring and Autumn, around the Essex countryside.'

'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 ...'

'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.'

'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.'

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

Royal Horticultural Society

'We are a friendly, informal group established in 1994 with approximately 250 members. The area we cover surrounds Southend-on-Sea in south-east Essex and includes the Rochford and Castle Point districts, the Roach and Crouch estuaries and creeks with lengthy sea wall paths amid the abundant wildlife of the marshes ...'

'Our Group organises a full programme of walks including weekend, mid-week and in the summer, evening rambles. We meet locally then share cars driving to the start of the walks which range from about 4 miles at a leisurely pace to more energetic walks up to 15 miles, so there is something for everyone. We walk mainly in Essex but also go to Kent, Surrey and Suffolk.'

'The Stort Valley group of the Ramblers was formed in 1995, the current membership is about 70 strong. The group is based in the Harlow area and also serves the nearby towns and villages situated in the Stort Valley bordering Essex and Hertfordshire.'

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

'The Tendring Group was formed in 1991 when it was decided to split the Colchester group. Tendring is in North East Essex ...'

'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.

'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.'

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.'

'Welcome to Heart and Sole, Chelmsford's Health Walk scheme. We hope that you join our programme of walks and find them enjoyable and beneficial to your health. Heart and Sole is run in partnership between Chelmsford City Council and Provide, and is accredited by Walking for Health.'

Chelmsford City Council

'Led by fully trained volunteer walk leaders our Walks are an ideal way to improve fitness or mobility in a sociable atmosphere and are held in a regular fortnightly pattern on alternate Fridays and Sundays throughout the year ... Free tea or coffee available afterwards. Stout footwear advisable.'

Colchester Borough Council

'Rochford District Council coordinates the health walks programme for both the Rochford District and the Castle Point Borough. Our Health Walks programme is designed for anyone wishing to improve their health, meet new people and take part in some fun physical activity ... For a full list of walks in the local area please visit the Walking for Health website.'

Rochford District Council

'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.'

'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.'

'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.‘

'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 ... '

'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.)

'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 ... '

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'.

'Covers an interesting selection of countryside and coastal features to be found in this part of Essex. The walks are neither arduous or long ...' Unfortunately the Document originally referenced here seems to have disappeared from the Visit Essex Website. Try instead a string search on Google "walks around brightlingsea" and you may be able to download a PDF of 'Six Walks Around Brightlingsea' published by (the no longer) Brightlingsea Society.

'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 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 ... '

'Walk through the gently rolling countryside around Castle Hedingham. It starts in the quiet village of Wickham St Paul, with its beautiful duckpond, before taking you north on well used footpaths through open farmland, then west through the hills and valleys outside Gestingthorpe, before descending the long slow slopes into Castle Hedingham itself, where you can go to see the remains of the Medieval Castle ...'

Essex Walks

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.'

Essex Walks

'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

'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 ... '

'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

'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.'

'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.'

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'.

'A free site listing rural walks in Essex countryside ... All these walks are on public footpaths, permissive paths or other land open to the public, so you never have to worry about trespassing.'

'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.'

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.'

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.

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.'

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.

'A pleasant walk in Essex with extensive views over central Essex. It takes in the unusual "twin Churches" of Willingale. Be prepared for some parts of the walk to be a bit muddy and overgrown at some times during the year.'

Matthew S Fry

'Hylands has over 574 acres of parkland, including an ancient woodland, grassland, ponds, lakes, formal gardens ... Hylands House is a Grade II* neo-classical villa situated within Hylands Park.'

Hylands Estate

'With his remarkable story as inspiration the John Clare Walk recreates, “in the spirit of John Clare", the poet’s trek northwards from High Beach in Essex to Helpston, the village of Clare’s much loved first home and the site of Clare Cottage.'

John Clare Cottage

'Links the towns of Braintree and Witham. It is linear and can be walked in either direction. The start/end point in both towns is the railway station. The walk also provides a link between two former railway lines, the Flitch Way (Braintree to Bishops Stortford) and the Blackwater Rail Trail (Maldon to Witham).'

'Short Epping Forest walks in and around Loughton from the book by Chris and Caroline Pond ... These are short walks, mostly of about an hour's duration, in that part of Epping Forest situated in the parish of Loughton. They are designed for non-specialist strollers rather than for purposeful and experienced ramblers, to whom we suspect they would seem rather short and tame.'

Loughton & District Historical Society

'A 22 mile waymarked circular walk around Maldon (with short cuts of 5 and 12 miles).'

'The district offers seasonal diversity with lush summers to explore its maritime history, walk along the many coastal paths or cycle along shady country lanes and brilliant autumns perfect for taking a lazy stroll through the countryside ...'

Seventeen locations in Manningtree Town Centre, each illustrated with a current or historic photograph.

Manningtree Museum & Local History Group

'Footpath along the side of the Mardyke from Ship Lane, Aveley to Bulphan, passing through Davy Down Riverside Park. It was opened in 2007 as part of the Thames Chase Community Forest.'

Thurrock Local History Society

Circular walk around Chappel including visiting Chalkney Wood  which holds 'a wide variety of wildlife including deer, badgers and over 30 species of breeding birds. The plant and and insect communities include a number of rare species'.

colnevalley.com

'This is a simple walk around Mersea Island. The northern half is quiet, mostly along the sea wall, with tidal flats on one side and farm land on the other. The southern half is mostly along the beach, with the Blackwater Estuary on the left and beach huts and chalets on shore. Keep an eye on the tide - in some places, when the tide comes in the beach disappears completely and you need to be on the sea wall or you could be in trouble.'

Essex Walks

'There are two waymarked trails in the Wood: the Easy Access Trail and the Norsey Trail ... The Easy Access Trail has been specially designed for those who require, or prefer, a smoother surface and gentler slopes ... The Norsey Wood Trail is the new name for the former Nature and Historical Trails and follows the same route.'

Norsey Wood Society

'This page is designed to give you a taste of old Harwich by showing you a few of its old buildings in a route that should take you about 30 minutes on foot. ' ALERT The description originally used here seems to have disappeared from its Website, so I have replaced the Link.

Discovering Britain

The Harwich Society

'This is a fairly long walk but with plenty to enjoy along the route.  The scenery is beautiful throughout, with open farmland under the wide Essex sky, paddocks full of friendly horses, tumbledown farm buildings, distant views of St Nicholas Church, Canewdon and then a walk through the village itself; then there are views across the River Crouch towards Burnham, followed by a lovely walk on top of the sea wall alongside Paglesham Pool and Paglesham Reach ...'

Essex Walks

'We are a local voluntary group that gives slide show presentations and hold exhibitions on Rayleigh's rich and varied history. Talks are given to local clubs, groups, organisations and societies and the slides are taken from our archive of over 5000 images dating from 1860 to the present.'

Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass

'To celebrate our heritage of the waterway a piece of sculpture has been sited at each of the four locks in Harlow. In addition a raised walkway in metal and glass crosses the weir at Parndon Mill. Each sculptural piece has historic reference to its location.'

Visit Essex

Pollards & Poplars of the Stort Valley

'From the slight Essex scruffiness of Rochford, this walk leads quickly to miles upon miles of deserted, silent estuary, mud flat and creek, before cutting inland through the delightful pair of Paglesham hamlets – each with its own fine pub – and ending with a ferry ride to the yachting mecca of Burnham-on-Crouch.'

Note 'This walk can only be completed when the Wallasea Island – Burnham-on-Crouch Ferry is running

'Circular walk in south-east Essex leading you through a rich variety of landscapes - from the ancient woodlands of Hockley to the expansive coastal margins of the Roach and Crouch estuaries.'

Rochford District Council

'If you fancy a stroll through one of the many woodlands in the District, you can download these guides for information about each of the areas.' (Twelve PDF guides can be downloaded.)

Rochford District Council

'Long distance footpath just over 71 miles in length stretching all the way from Southend-on-Sea in the south east of the county to Saffron Walden in the north west.'

Essex Walks

'Saffron Walden is a picturesque, medieval town, in north west Essex. It has a rich heritage of old buildings reflecting its wealth as a rural market town. A market has been held here since 1141, and market days are now Tuesdays and Saturdays.'

Saffron Walden Initiative

''Saffron Walden's rich heritage and wealth is reflected in the large number of old buildings whilst retaining the original medieval street layout. Bridge End, Castle Street, Myddylton Place and Church Street display many timbered houses dating from the 15th century, of which the Youth Hostel and the Old Sun Inn are outstanding examples ...'

'There is a network of footpaths and bridleways that traverse MOD Shoeburyness known as Public Rights of Way (PROWs). The routes are open to the public when the Red Flags are lowered and the Range is not active. You do not need permission to use the PROWs but must not attempt to access them when the Red Flags are flying.'

MOD Shoeburyness

The Longest Pleasure Pier in the World  'If you walk along Southend-on-Sea's High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world. Standing for over a century it extends 2.158 kilometres (1.341 miles) into the Thames Estuary, and is a well loved and recognised symbol of Southend and the pleasures of the English seaside ...'

Southend Pier [Wikipedia]

'Walk meandering through the countryside of Essex, from Chipping Ongar to the ancient chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell on Sea.'