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Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival 2025

The popularity of this event owes much to the hard work of our organisers and volunteers but above all the participants in the walks. The enthusiasm displayed by all the "walkers" significantly contributed to the Festival's remarkable success. We are now looking forward to the 2026 Festival and would greatly appreciate your feedback to improve the experience. Please take a moment to fill out this brief questionnaire. Your thoughts are essential for planning the next series of walks. Scroll down to find out more about self-guided walks and how you can get involved in the Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival 2026.

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Maldon & Dengie Ramblers Walk - Blue House Farm Nature Reserve and North Fambridge

(5.50 miles)

10:15am

Monday 29th September

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

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

Chelmer Blackwater Nature Reserve/Beeleigh Steam Mill

(2.8 miles)

10.30am

Monday 29th September

See how the area's newest nature reserve is recovering after the devastating wildfires of July 2025 and enjoy a special tour of the Beeleigh Steam MIll. Optional lunch at the Maldon Smokehouse alongside the river Chelmer.

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Shut Heath Wood and Wickham Bishops

(6.10 miles)

10:00am

Sunday 28th September

Explore the myriads 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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Opens 29th Aug

Railway 200: A Lost Railway Line and a Miniature Railway

(4.90 miles)

10:30am

Sunday 28th September

Visit a little-known miniature railway in Cold Norton and walk along a section of the lost line between South Woodham Ferrers and Maldon.

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Taprooms and Lost Pubs of Maldon with Stephen Nunn

(1.80 miles)

10:30am

Sunday 28th September

Travel with local historian Stephen Nunn around the streets and lanes of Maldon to hear the unique tales of pubs past and present, finishing off with a refreshment in the Mighty Oak Tap Room.

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Woodham Walter and the

Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation (7.5 miles)

10:30am

Sunday 28th September

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

Early Autumn in Hazeleigh Wood (5.40 miles)

09:30am

Tuesday 30th September

An excellent opportunity to see the flora and fauna in this privately-owned wood, including early changing colours and fungi. There'll be a stop for lunch (optional) at the Hazeleigh "Royal Oak" during the walk.

Revealed! The Mysteries of Northey Island (4.5 miles)

10:00am

Tuesday 30th September

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

East Essex Friends Ramblers Special Walk - Tillingham and St Lawrence (4.8 miles)

10:30am

Tuesday 30th September

This pleasant walk will reward you with superb views of the Blackwater Estuary along the way. There's an optional lunch at the Fox & Hounds at the end of the walk.

The Norbertine Monks' Trail

Maldon To Beeleigh Abbey & Falls (3.50 miles)

10:30am

Tuesday 30th September

Explore an ancient track which linked the hilltop town of Maldon to the 12th-century Norbertine abbey at Beeleigh. Enjoy a private tour of the Abbey gardens with a cream tea.

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Maldon & Dengie Ramblers Walk - A Figure of Eight Around Purleigh (10.8 miles)

10:00 am

Saturday 27th September

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

Revealed! The Mysteries of Northey Island (4.5 miles)

10:00 am

Saturday 27th September

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

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The Crouch Valley: Views and Vineyards (Burnham to Althorne) (6.4) miles)

10:15am

Friday 27th September

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!.

Chelmer & Blackwater and Langford Heritage Walk

(3.5 miles)

11:00 am

Saturday 27th September

A fascinating walk which takes in an 18th century canal, a 19th century railway line and station, and a 20th century water pumping station.

Revealed! The Mysteries of Northey Island (4.5 miles)

09:30 am

Friday 26th September

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

Across the Crouch to RSPB Wallasea Island (5.3 miles)

10:45am

Friday 26th September

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.

Chelmer & Blackwater on foot

and by boat (3.00 miles)

11:00am

Friday 26th September

Walk around the seawall from Heybridge Basin then catch a canalboat from Tesco back along the Navigation.

Railway 200: Blackwater Rail Trail (6.9 miles)

11:00am

Friday 26th September

Walk almost the entire length of the former Maldon to Witham railway line and marvel at the only surviving wooden trestle railway viaduct in the country.

Revealed! The Mysteries of Northey Island (4.5 miles)

10:00am

Wednesday 1st October

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

Tollesbury & Old Hall Marshes with the RSPB (6.40 miles)

10:30am

Wednesday 1st October

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

Goldhanger, Lauriston Farm & Blackwater Estuary (8.00 miles)

11:30am

Wednesday 1st October

An energetic but lovely walk from Goldhanger alongside the river, with a tour and lunch at Lauriston Farm (a community-owned biodynamic farm).

Canal Boat Trip from Beeleigh

Falls (4.30 miles)

10:00am

Friday 3rd October

Explore the beautiful Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation on foot and by boat from Heybridge Basin, with a special tour of the historic Beeleigh Mill.

Crouch Valley with Wine Tasting and Food: North Fambridge to Althorne (6.70 miles)

10:00am

Friday 3rd October

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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Burnham and Creeksea Place

(3.30 miles)

11:00am

Friday 3rd October

Discover the secret history of this stunning Tudor mansion on this special walk from Burnham. There'll also be tea/coffee and cake!

"Man About Country" Walk - Stories of the River Blackwater and Goldhanger (8.3 miles)

10:00am

Saturday 4th October

Find out why James Lawrence is a social media "star", with his deep love and knowledge of our landscapes and history, on this beautiful walk to Goldhanger.

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

Maldon Maritime Heritage Walk

(3.3 miles)

10:00am

Saturday 4th October

A leisurely walk through Maldon, you'll hear stories about many of the historic buildings and places you'll pass along the way. Includes short tours of Maldon's historic Moot Hall and a Thames sailing barge (with optional lunch on board).

Dengie Peninsula Walk with Craft Beer and Food (7.0 miles)

10:15am

Saturday 4th October

An invigorating walk from Burnham-on-Crouch across the rolling farmland of the Dengie Peninsula, before reaching Southminster and a tour of Wibblers brewery (with an optional lunch and beer tasting).

The Petrified Trees and Lost Church of Mundon (3.9 miles)

10:45am

Saturday 4th October

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

Maldon & Dengie Ramblers Walk - Dengie Hills and River Blackwater Views (10.20 miles)

10:00am

Thursday 2nd October

The Maldon & Dengie Ramblers has developed this spectacular walk for the Festival. Plenty of views and points of interest to see along the way, with lunch at the Green Man at Bradwell Waterside.

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Purleigh and the Vineyards

(3.80 miles)

10:30am

Thursday 2nd October

With the grape harvest well under way, this is the perfect time of year to explore the vineyards, followed by a special tasting of New Hall wines at the village pub.

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The Norbertine Monks' Trail: Maldon To Beeleigh Abbey & Falls (3.5 miles)

10:30am

Thursday 2nd October

Explore an ancient track which linked the hilltop town of Maldon to the 12th-century Norbertine abbey at Beeleigh. Enjoy a private tour of the Abbey gardens with tea and cake.

Beeleigh Falls and Maldon

(7.90 miles)

10:00am

Sunday 5th October

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

Tollesbury Wick - a Photographic Masterclass with James Crisp

(5.80 miles

10:00am

Sunday 5th October

Learn how to take memorable photos in this walking workshop with a local expert as you stroll around the spectacular landscapes of Tollesbury Wick and the Blackwater Estuary.

Autumn in Woodham Walter and Danbury Ridge (4.5 miles)

10:30am

Sunday 5th October

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

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Across the Crouch to RSPB Wallasea Island (5.30 miles)

10:45am

Sunday 5th October

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.

Revealed! The Mysteries of Northey Island (4.5 miles)

Book Now

10:00am

Wednesday 1st October

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

Tollesbury & Old Hall Marshes with the RSPB (6.40 miles)

Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival 2025

Festival Feedback

Get Involved!

Picture This!

Tollesbury

Beeleigh Falls

Chelmer & Blackwater Canal

Goldhanger

Maldon Maritime Walk

Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Prize Draw

New For 2025 - Festival Self Guided Walks We've created some special walks that you can complete in your own time

Riverside Park Walk with Dogs

Heybridge and Basin Heritage Walk

Maldon Town Heritage Walk

Elms Park Walk with Dogs

The Tolleshunts and Goldhanger

New For 2025 - Festival Self Guided Walks
We've created some special walks that you can complete in your own time

Elms Park
Walk with Dogs