Area: Essex

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

Gordon Davis

‘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

'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]

'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

'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

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

''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.'

'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

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.'

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

'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 ... '

The Dengie Hundred

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

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

'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.'

Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership

'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

'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.'

'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.'

Epping Forest Heritage Trust

'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

'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 ...'

Harlow Council

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

'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 ...'

'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

'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 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 ... !'

'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).'

Essex Highways

'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 ...'

'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

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'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 ...'

Visit Maldon District

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'.

Chappel Parish Council

'An Endless Trail Afoot through many medieval settlements aligned in three stages from Mucking, though Messing on to Ugley, returning via Matching to Thurrock.' Description via LDWA: 'The route is an updated version of a 1998 walk called "Anita's Mucking Ugley Ways Through Messing, Essex".'

Derek Keeble

'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.'

Natural England

ALERT  The Website originally cited here was no longer accessible at Review. So I have referenced instead a Report on the Island from Natural England with respect to the English Coast Path.

'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. ' 

Discovering Britain

The Harwich Society

'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.'

'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.'

'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

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

Royal Horticultural Society

'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.'

'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

Out of the LOOP

'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

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'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.'

 ALERT The well-established Website Essex Walks was sadly no longer 'live' at Review. So I have cited instead the LDWA Description of this Walk (which included a Link to an archival copy of the original Essex Walks Description when perused).

'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 ...'

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'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

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

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.'

Essex Highways

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'This is a walk of two halves, taking in very different faces of the River Stour, on the Essex/Suffolk border. In the east, the broad, reed and beach-lined estuary, teeming with bird life. To the west, the stunning lowland river valley of Dedham Vale, at the heart of "Constable Country". The walk can easily be shortened to take in just one of these halves ...'

Out of the LOOP

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

Member of the Ramblers - Essex Area Grouping

'Explore the 29 mile (46.6km) Thames Estuary Path through the fascinating South Essex Marshes, from Tilbury Town all the way to Leigh-on-Sea. Passing through an industrial and settled beautiful landscape with a wealth of Green Heritage - history and biodiversity ... The path is easily accessible by train, linking 6 local train stations on one of the most attractive railway lines in the country (London Fenchurch to Shoeburyness Line). The path is clearly signed and waymarked along the length with a new distinctive logo.'

'Tales of walking the coastline of Essex and Suffolk, containing low cant phrases and loose, unconnected, slipshod allusions ...'

silvermud

'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