KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL

​ 

Choosing the Right Walk 

We’ve graded all our walks to help you pick one that suits your fitness and experience. The aim is to choose something you’ll enjoy and feel comfortable completing—rather than something that might feel like too much. 

Our grading system: 

• Short – 1–4 hours. Suitable for most people in good health, on well-marked paths 

• Medium – 4–7 hours. Ideal if you walk regularly and are reasonably fit 

• Long – 8+ hours. For experienced walkers with a good level of fitness 

You’ll also find extra details in each description, such as stiles, steps, gates, or uneven/muddy ground. 

 

What to Expect 

Our walks take place in beautiful countryside and along the coast, often on unmade footpaths and bridleways. Paths can be muddy after rain, and routes may be exposed to the elements—so it’s best to come prepared for all weathers. 

 

What to Bring 

To help you have a safe and comfortable walk, please bring: 

• Walking boots or sturdy shoes with good grip (trainers aren’t recommended) 

• Comfortable socks 

• Warm layers (like a fleece—you can always take it off!) 

• A waterproof jacket (and trousers if you have them) 

• A rucksack for your essentials 

• Food and drink suitable for the length of your walk 

• Cash or card if you’d like to buy anything along the way 

Please note: stops at pubs or cafés aren’t guaranteed unless stated in the walk description. 

 

On the Day 

• Please arrive ready to start at the advertised time 

• Stay with your group throughout the walk 

• Follow your Walk Leader’s guidance—they’re there to keep everyone safe and make sure you have a great time 

If you decide to leave the walk early, just let your Walk Leader know. From that point, you’ll be responsible for your own safety. 

 

Medical Information & Looking After Yourself 

Your wellbeing is really important to us. If you have any medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, severe allergies, or mobility issues), please let us know in advance at: 
info@saltmarshcoastwalkingfestival.co.uk 

We’ll treat this information confidentially and only use it to help us support you during the walk. 

On the day, please: 

• Bring any medication you might need (e.g. inhalers, insulin, EpiPens) 

• Let your Walk Leader know (quietly) if there’s anything important they should be aware of 

• Make sure the walk you’ve chosen feels right for your fitness and comfort level 

Our Walk Leaders are experienced but not medically trained, so it’s important that you feel able to manage your own health during the walk. 

 

Accessibility 

Most of our walks take place on unmade paths and uneven terrain, and therefore unsuitable for wheelchair users. Where a walk is considered wheelchair-friendly, this will be clearly stated in the walk description. 

 

A Few Important Things to Know 

• Dogs aren’t permitted on our guided walks (except for registered assistance dogs), for the safety of walkers, wildlife and livestock. This also helps ensure a comfortable experience for those with allergies or who may be uneasy around dogs. 

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 

 

Walk Leaders & Group Safety 

Our Walk Leaders are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the group, so please follow their guidance at all times. 

Very occasionally, they may need to ask someone to leave the walk. This would only happen if: 

• Someone isn’t properly prepared (e.g. unsuitable footwear or not enough food/water) 

• They’re unable to keep up with the group at a reasonable pace 

• Their behaviour puts themselves or others at risk 

• Instructions from the Walk Leader aren’t being followed 

• There is disruptive or inappropriate behaviour 

• There is damage to the environment, littering, or access to private land without permission 

Any such decision will always be made with the safety of the whole group in mind. 

 

Photos 

We may take photos during the walks to share afterwards. If you’d prefer not to be included, just let your Walk Leader know. 

 

Bookings & Cancellations 

• A £3 booking fee applies per walk (this is refunded to you, unless you cancel within 24 hours or don’t attend) 

• A £0.75 transaction fee applies (non-refundable) 

You can manage your booking online up to 24 hours before your walk, or contact: 
📧 bookings@saltmarshcoastwalkingfestival.co.uk 

If we need to cancel a walk (for example, due to unsafe weather), refunds will be offered where applicable. 

 

A Few Final Notes 

• Your e-ticket will be emailed to you—no need to print it 

• Please make sure you’ve booked in advance (we can’t accept walk-ups) 

• If you’ve booked a meal or other paid extra and have an issue, please contact the provider directly first 

We do our best to avoid cancellations, but sometimes they’re unavoidable if conditions are unsafe, such as very bad weather. 

 

Privacy 

We’re committed to protecting your privacy. For more information, please visit the Maldon District Council website. 

​​

Privacy Statement

​Maldon District Council is committed to protecting your privacy when you use our services. Information on this can be found on the Maldon District Council website.