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SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Below is our programme of self-guided walks which you can enjoy now! Apart from a detailed route explanation, each PDF contains comprehensive information about the walk and points of interest to see along the way. Our self-guided walks are graded from
Easy Going, Moderate, Long Distance or Very Long Distance with information added such as stiles, steps or gates, muddy or uneven ground. ​
If you prefer a guided walk, we’ll be showcasing a fantastic selection of beautiful trails in 2025 that cater to all skill levels, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding walks!
For more self-guided walks you can visit Maldon District Council's 'Walk it Local' pages by clicking here​
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BEELEIGH FALLS & MALDON FROM HEYBRIDGE BASIN
This waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon and Heybridge’s countryside and riverside, including the seawall, Navigation and Beeleigh Falls.
8.4 mile walk taking approximately 4 hrs 0 mins.
Walking boots recommended, muddy in areas, stile and gates
Walk Grade - Long Distance
BRADWELL & ST PETER'S AD MURUM
Spectacular waterside walk taking in one of the district's most important historic sites – the ancient, lonely Chapel of
St Peter-on-the-Wall.
6.5 mile walk taking approximately 3 hrs 0 mins.
Easy, level circular walk. Some muddy sections after rain
Walk Grade - Moderate
BRADWELL PIRATES & PUBS
A short walk around Bradwell-on-Sea and Waterside, taking in traditional country pubs, a historic church, a thriving marina and the Saltmarsh Coast.
3 mile walk taking approximately 1 hr to 1 hr 30 mins.
Mainly hardstanding, short field path that could be muddy. No stiles or steps
Walk Grade - Easy Going
BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH TO CREEKSEA STROLL
Delightful stroll around the yachting centre of Burnham-on-Crouch, taking in river views, birdlife and historic buildings, with plenty of refreshment stops.
3.5 mile walk taking approximately 1 hr 10 mins to 1 hr 30 mins.
Mainly hard-standing, but grass, field and seawall paths can be muddy. No steps or stiles.
Walk Grade - Easy Going
BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH TOWN WALK
A mud-free walk around the scenic riverside Town, featuring lots of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to explore lesser-visited parts of the town.
4.6 mile walk taking approximately 1 hr 30 mins.
Largely paved areas, suitable for everyday footwear.
Walk Grade - Easy Going
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CHELMER & BLACKWATER NAVIGATION
This beautiful walk follows the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation as it meanders through Heybridge to the sea lock at Heybridge Basin and back on the seawall.
4.9 mile walk taking approximately 2 hrs 00 mins.
Easy, level walk but can be muddy so wear stout footwear or walking boots.
Walk grade - Moderate
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CROUCH VALLEY - BURNHAM ON CROUCH TO ALTHORNE
This superb linear riverside walk starts from Burnham-on-Crouch railway station, taking you westward to Althorne where you can take a train to return.
5.4 mile walk taking approximately 3 hrs 00 mins.
Level linear walk. Some muddy sections after rain, walking boots reccomended.
Walk Grade -Moderate
GOLDHANGER & BLACKWATER ESTUARY
This lovely walk combines farmland and seawall around the charming and historic village of Goldhanger, with its cottages, pubs and 11th century church.
8.3 mile walk taking approximately 3 hrs 30 mins.
Long but level, circular walk. Some muddy sections after rain, walking boots recommended.
Walk Grade - Long distance
GOLDHANGER THROUGH THE AGES
Charming Goldhanger village has an 11th century church, remains from Iron Age, Saxon and Roman times, a host of wading birds and great pubs.
2.8 mile walk taking approximately 1 hr to 1 hr 10 mins.
Village roads, field paths and the seawall which can be muddy. There is one stile, walking boots recommended.
Walk Grade - Easy Going
HEYBRIDGE TOWPATH & SEAWALL
A slightly longer stroll but worth the effort, taking in bustling Heybridge Basin with its boats, sea-lock and pubs, the seawall with estuary views, and the canal towpath.
3.58 mile walk taking approximately 1 hr 10 mins to 1 hr 30 mins.
Mostly all-weather surfaces, sea wall can be muddy. No stiles, ramp access from car park, walking boots recommended.
Walk Grade - Easy Going
MALDON TOWN WALK
A mud-free walk around the Historic Market Town, featuring lots of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to explore lesser-visited parts of the town.
4.6 mile walk taking approximately 2 hrs 00 mins.
Largely paved areas, suitable for everyday footwear. Some steep elements around Market Hill.
Walk Grade - Easy Going/Moderate
NORTH FAMBRIDGE SEAWALL STROLL
This walk has a bit of everything – the river Crouch, boats galore, an historic pub and farmland. All within the confines of the village of North Fambridge.
3.1 mile walk taking approximately 1 hr 00 mins to 1 hr 20 mins.
Mostly field and seawall paths which can be muddy. One flight of steps to ascend the seawall.
Walk Grade - Easy Going/Moderate
RIVER CROUCH WALK
This linear riverside walk starts from North Fambridge station, taking you eastward towards Burnham-on-Crouch, from where you can catch a train to return.
10.2 mile walk taking approximately 4 hrs 00 mins
Or take a short cut 5.6 mile walk taking approximately 2 hrs 30 mins.
Long but level linear walk. Some muddy sections after rain, walking boots recommended.
Walk Grade - Long Distance or Moderate
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TOLLESBURY & OLD HALL MARSHES
A fascinating walk around Tollesbury and the surrounding marshes. This walk has plenty of stunning views, historic sites and bird-watching opportunities.
10.2 mile walk taking approximately 3 hrs 30 mins
Or short 6.4 mile walk taking approximately 2 hrs 30 mins.
Uneven/muddy, walking boots recommended. Longer walk is isolated and difficult terrain.
Walk Grade - Long Distance
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TOLLESBURY SALTMARSH STROLL
This spectacular walk explores the historic village of Tollesbury with its bustling marina, historic lightship, seawall and wildlife rich saltmarshes.
3.4 mile walk taking approximately 1 hrs 15 mins to 1 hrs 30 mins.
A mix of pavements and field paths, some of which can be muddy. There are two sets of steps on the route
Walk Grade - Moderate
TOLLESBURY WICK MARSHES
Tollesbury Wick Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. Two walk options explore the views and birdlife of the spectacular reserve.
8.9 mile walk taking approximately 4 hrs 30 mins
Or a short walk 5.8 miles taking approximately 2 hrs 45 mins.
Uneven/muddy, walking boots recommended. Longer walk is isolated and difficult terrain
Walk Grade - Long Distance or Moderate
ST PETER'S WAY
The St Peter’s Way is a 45 mile walk meandering through the countryside of Essex, from Chipping Ongar to the ancient chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell on Sea. The St Peter’s Way was conceived by members of the Ramblers' Association (Fred Matthews and Harry Bitten) and has been adopted and this guide re-produced by Essex County Council.
Uneven/muddy, walking boots recommended, stiles and field walking. Very long distance.
Walk Grade - Very Long Distance
THE NAVIGATION WAY
Walk the 14 miles of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, taking in both Hoe Mill and Paper Mill Locks all the way to Chelmsford.
14 mile walk taking approximately 8 hrs 0 mins
Walking boots recommended. Longer walk is isolated at times along the towpath.
Walk Grade - Long Distance
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SALTMARSH COASTAL PATH UNDER DEVELOPEMENT
We are working on having this part of the King Charles III Coastal Path adopted as a specific recognised section within the UK coast, The Saltmarsh Coastal Path takes in 75 miles of the Maldon District coast and countryside.
Keep up to date by signing up for our Newsletter.
Walk Grade - Very Long Distance
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