Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival 2024
Guided Walks

WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR BOOKINGS!

Join us from 27 September to 6 October 2024 for the free walking festival. We invite you to explore our curated selection of guided walks laid out in two tabbed sections, September and October.

Simply click Explore & Book on any walk that interest you to access comprehensive details and booking options. Additionally, to stay informed about upcoming events and news, please sign-up for our updates by CLICKING HERE.
Please CLICK HERE to visit our Evening Events listings.

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Explore & Book

10:00 AM / 13:30PM

Stow Maries Figure of Eight (6.5 miles am, 5.5 miles pm - 12 miles total)

A special Ramblers walk based on Stow Maries - walk either the morning loop out to the Crouch or the afternoon loop inland to Purleigh, or if energetic, walk both!

Explore & Book

10:30 AM / 13:30PM

The Mysteries of Northey Island Revealed (3.2 miles)

Choice of two start times, and a rare opportunity to have a guided walk to this remote island in the Blackwater Estuary, once a Viking battlefield but which is now a peaceful haven for wildlife.

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Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Woodham Walter and the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation (7.5 miles)

A delightful walk across the fields from Maldon to a beautiful country pub then returning along the idyllic towpath of the Navigation.

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Explore & Book

11:00 AM

Chelmer & Blackwater on foot & by Boat

(3 miles)

A leisurely walk - perfect for families with children. Walk around the seawall from Heybridge Basin then catch a canalboat from Tesco back along the Navigation.

10.30 AM

Weekend Pub Walk with Maldon Man Cave (7 miles)

Walk with the Maldon Man Cave across the fields to the villages of Purleigh, Cock Clarks and Woodham Mortimer, visiting three lovely country pubs along the way

Explore & Book

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10.45 AM

Across the Crouch to RSPB Wallasea Island (5.3 miles)

Take a ferry ride from Burnham to the RSPB nature reserve. A guide from the RSPB will show you the newly created saltmarsh, mudflats and lagoons, bursting with wildlife.

Explore & Book

Bradwell and St Peter's AD MURUM - Credit Bradwell St Peter's Chapel Aerial © Visit Maldon

11:00 AM

Bradwell - the Chapel & the River

(6.4 miles)

A "must-see" visitor destination is the ancient St Peter's Chapel. This waterside walk is the perfect way to experience this magical place.

Explore & Book

13:30 PM

Northey Island Revealed (3.2 miles)

A rare opportunity to have a guided walk to this remote island in the Blackwater Estuary, once a Viking battlefield but which is now a peaceful haven for wildlife.

Explore & Book

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Explore and Book

10.00

Burnham - A Photographic Masterclass with James Crisp (5.6 miles)

Learn how to take memorable photos in this walking workshop with a local expert as you stroll around the historic riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch.

Maldon, Thames Barge, Blackwater Estuary, Hythe Quay, St Marys Church - John Guiver (Febr

Explore and Book

10.00

Maldon Maritime Walk (2.1 miles)

Discover some of the fascinating stories and secrets of Maldon’s maritime past on this linear walk. There’ll be opportunities to explore historic vessels on the Hythe.

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Explore and Book

10.00

Mundon and Purleigh Meander

(11.9 miles)

This special Ramblers walk takes in the characterful villages of Mundon and Purleigh, with the option of a good Sunday lunch on the way.

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Explore & Book

9:00 AM / 9:30 AM

Maldon to Burnham Slow Ways

(12.2 miles total or split)

A unique opportunity for you to help Maldon and Burnham get officially "connected" on the Slow Ways network by walking the route across the Dengie and along the river Crouch.

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Explore & Book

10.00 AM

Shut Heath Wood and Wickham Bishops (6.1 miles)

Explore the myriad of lanes and footpaths in Great Totham and Wickham Bishops, and look out for colourful fungi in the Shut Heath Wood Nature Reserve.

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Explore & Book

10.30

Riverside Birds at Blue House Farm Nature Reserve (3.1 miles)

Your Essex Wildlife Trust guide will point out the arriving migratory birds on this delightful walk, which has views across the river Crouch throughout.

Explore & Book

10.00 AM / 13:30 PM

Woodham Walter Figure of Eight

(6.2 miles am, 5.5 miles pm - 11.7 miles total)

A special Ramblers walk based on Woodham Walter - walk either the morning loop to the C & B Navigation or the afternoon loop to Danbury Ridge, or if energetic, walk both!

Beeleigh Falls and Maldon from Heybridge Basin - credit Beeleigh John Guiver Credit March

Explore & Book

10.30 AM

Maldon’s New Nature Reserve & Beeleigh Falls (2.8 miles)

Discover the area’s newest nature reserve, with one of the founders of this very special place; there'll be a chance to find unusual plants and wildlife.

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Explore & Book

13.00 PM

Historic Burnham-on-Crouch: The Hamlet by the Burn (3.7 miles)

Find out about the origins of the town by exploring the hamlet to the north of the town centre and learn how the landscape changed and the centre of the settlement moved over the centuries.

Explore & Book

10:00 AM

Beeleigh Falls and Maldon from Heybridge Basin (8.4 miles)

This is a perfect introduction to the spectacular Saltmarsh Coast. There are plenty of riverside views, and you'll be able to explore Beeleigh Falls and Maldon.

IMG_5652 Saltmarsh75 Project Specific Event Information 2015 Photos Saltmarsh 75 2015 Aeri

Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Special Walks for Wellbeing (1-2 miles)

Come along and join a low-impact walk in Maldon, led by Maldon CVS's friendly volunteers. All ages and animals are welcome.

Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Special Walks for Wellbeing (1-2 miles)

Come along and join a low-impact walk in Burnham-on-Crouch, led by Maldon CVS's friendly volunteers. All ages and animals are welcome.

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Explore & Book

11:00 AM

HMS St Mathew - Creeksea Place's Role in D-Day (3.3 miles)

Find out about the secret history of this stunning Tudor mansion on this special walk from Burnham. There'll also be an afternoon tea!

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Explore & Book

10:00 AM

Crouch Valley with Wine Tasting and Food: North Fambridge to Althorne

(6.7 miles)

A beautiful walk along the river Crouch, using the train to return to the start. Enjoy a lovely lunch with wine at a boutique vineyard (optional) near the end!

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Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Autumn on Woodham Walter Common and Danbury Ridge (4.5 miles)

Explore the delightful woodlands of Woodham Walter Common and Danbury Ridge with an expert guide from the Essex Wildlife Trust.

Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Tollesbury & RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve (6.4 miles)

A stunning walk around the lonely saltmarshes of this wonderful RSPB nature reserve. One of the best sites on the east coast to see wading birds!

Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Canal Boat Trip from Beeleigh Falls

(3.5 miles)

Explore the beautiful Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation on foot and by boat from Heybridge Basin, with a side trip to Beeleigh Falls and the historic Beeleigh Mill.

Explore & Book

11.15 AM

Trio of Thurstable Pubs (6.5 miles)

A very pleasant walk through typical Essex farmland to visit three iconic village pubs in the Thurstable Hundred, all of which serve good food and drinks.

Explore & Book

13:00 PM

Whispers of History and Nature: A Walk through Maldon Cemetery (2.1 miles)

This fascinating walk provides a rare opportunity to learn more about the secrets hidden within Maldon Cemetery from your expert guides

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Explore & Book

10:00 AM

Historic Burnham-on-Crouch: The Town in World War Two (4.75 miles)

Find out about the fascinating history of Burnham in WWII, from Dunkirk to D-Day. Your expert guide will truly bring history to life on this scenic walk.

Explore & Book

10:30 AM

Stow Maries and the Great War (4 miles)

If you like far-reaching views, disused railway lines, classic country pubs, military history and vintage aircraft, this is definitely the walk for you!

Explore & Book

11.00 AM

Birds, Boats & Big Skies: Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve

(5.8 miles)

Discover the breathtaking beauty of this nature reserve. Your guide from Essex Bird Aware will show you all the migrating birds returning here for the colder months.

Explore & Book

14:30 PM

The Wild Street Trees of Maldon

(2.5 miles)

This is a walk for everyone, including families with children. Discover the natural wonders of Maldon with your guide Jo Phillips, as she points outs the special trees along the way.

Explore & Book

10:00 AM

Follow the Fox to Tillingham (11.5 miles)

This special Ramblers walk explores some remote parts of the Dengie Peninsula, with the pretty village of Tillingham being the star attraction.

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Explore & Book

10:45 AM

Riverside & Historic Maldon (1.6 miles)

Leisurely walk through Maldon, you’ll hear stories about many of the historic buildings and places you’ll pass along the way. There's an optional tour of the historic Moot Hall.

Explore & Book

10:45 AM

Across the Crouch to RSPB Wallasea Island (5.3 miles)

Take a ferry ride from Burnham to the RSPB nature reserve. A guide from the RSPB will show you the newly created saltmarsh, mudflats and lagoons, bursting with wildlife.

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Explore & Book

10:00 AM

The Langford Loop (6.5 miles)

A special Ramblers walk which explores Beeleigh Falls and the disused canal arm at Langford before heading across fields to Heybridge Woods and back to Maldon.

Be the first to be in the know! Click the link below to get all the latest news from
the Festival.

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

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Volunteering at

the Festival

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the Festival, we'd love to hear from you!

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

What Makes Us Special

Local Expert Guides

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their love for this beautiful region with visitors from all over the world. Whether you're interested in history, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, our team is here to help you make the most your time in Maldon District.

Handpicked Walks

Our carefully chosen programme of guided and self-guided walks is designed to cater for all ages, levels of ability and interests. We've made sure to include refreshment stops at some of the best pubs, cafes and even vineyards along the way. Whatever you choose to do, prepare for an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Evening Entertainment

During the festival, a programme of evening entertainment

with guest speakers, looking at some of the rich history and heritage of the area along with some unique one off talks across the district.

For details on Evening Entertainment

CLICK HERE

Self-Guided Walks

We've got you covered! You can download our comprehensive PDF routes for all our popular walks. Click the link below to view our 2024 menu of self-guided walks and enjoy!

2023 FESTIVAL ALBUM

SCROLL THROUGH OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

Testimonials

Shirley on the

Maldon Ghost Walk

"Brilliant walk, very interesting, thoroughly enjoyed it as did our two granddaughters"

Julia on

National Trust Northey Island Walk

"This was really interesting - so much important work taking place on our doorstep that I wasn't aware of. Many thanks to the National Trust guide Matt for making it enjoyable and informative afternoon"

Siobhan on the

Heybridge Basin Walk

"Such a wonderful informative walk, thank you all so much for being a great bunch, a special thanks to our walk leader Chris for being so full of knowledge and getting me to buy pies, they were really as good as you said they were!"

Brythnoth Statue and mudflats Maldon John Guiver Credit March 2021 DSC00104_1_edited.jpg

Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival 2024 Guided Walks

What Makes Us Special

Local Expert Guides

Handpicked Walks

Evening Entertainment

Self-Guided Walks

2023 FESTIVAL ALBUM

Testimonials

“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien

Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival 2024
Guided Walks