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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 and Maldon from Heybridge

BEELEIGH FALLS & HEYBRIDGE BASIN
A waterside walk around Maldon, taking in the scenic Beeleigh Falls, Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, and locks at Heybridge Basin.
7.5 mile walk taking approximately 3 hrs. 15 mins. 
Some uneven or muddy areas, walking boots recommended

Walk Grade - Moderate 

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

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

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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 to Creeksea Stroll.jpg

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

BurnhamBurnham-on-Crouch to Southminster - Credit _Maldon district council.jpg

BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH TO SOUTHMINSTER STROLL 
Explore the ancient Dengie towns of Burnham-on-Crouch and Southminster. Enjoy stunning scenery, local beers, and great food. 7 mile walk taking approximately 3 hrs 30 mins. 
Some uneven or muddy areas, walking boots recommended.

Walk Grade - Moderate

Burnham on Crouch Town walk - Credit _ maldon district council.jpg

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

Chelmer and Blackwater Canal - July 2020 Paul Freeman credit (4).jpg

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

River Crouch Walk - River Crouch (Credit Aerial Essex) (21).jpg

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 and Blackwater estuary - Goldhanger-11 Aerial Essex P2P April 21 - cropped.jpg

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 - The Square, Goldhanger in 2009 credit _ David Newman.jpg

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 and Seawall -  Heybridge_Basin-09 Aerial Essex P2P April 21 web size cro

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

Brythnoth Statue and mudflats Maldon Joh

MALDON RIVERSIDE TRAIL 
A gentle walk exploring Maldon's historic waterfront, with plenty of opportunities to detour and explore or enjoy refreshments along the way.
1.3 mile walk taking approximately 2 hrs 00 mins
A gentle walk; with some steep paths and some steps. 

Walk Grade - Easy Going/Moderate

River Crouch Walk - River Crouch (Credit Aerial Essex) (21).jpg

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 - North_Fambridge-08 credit _ Aerial Essex P2P April 21 web

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

Crouch Valley Burnham to Althorne - credit _ maldon district council.jpg

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 Saltmarsh Stroll - Tollesbury-06 credit Aerial Essex P2P April 21 web size crop

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

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

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

Heybridge Towpath and Seawall -  Heybridge_Basin-09 Aerial Essex P2P April 21 web size cro

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

OPTION 1 Goldhanger (70) Credit James Crisp.jpg

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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