The gently rolling landscape of Essex, sprinkled with rivers and lit by constantly changing East Anglian skies, miles of country lanes, hidden byways, bridleways and public footpaths is best explored by walking.
Walk our most famous long-distance 81 mile path, The Essex Way, from the London Underground Central Line at Epping to the historic salt-washed port of Harwich or try one of our shorter walks. Meander through some of the county's most beautiful rural areas passing through many charming villages and towns. Or hop on/off the train on the Liverpool Street - Cambridge line and explore The Hundred Parishes, a lovely area of the county.
Do it your way. Pick your route, pull on your boots and get walking!
Thorndon Country Park
These boots are made for walking
Bounded by the North Sea and the rivers Crouch and Blackwater, the Dengie is a beguiling mix of the country's richest arable farming, thatched and weather-boarded villages. In Burnham-on-Crouch, the major town of the Dengie, you get the lot - great places to stay and eat, riverside walks and pubs, art galleries, gorgeous Georgian homes and even an eccentric octagonal bell tower.
The maritime town of Harwich stands at the tip of a peninsula in north east Essex commanding the entrance to a magnificent harbour. There are fine views over the busy harbour, especially from The Ha'penny Pier, with vessels of all shapes and sizes constantly moving. Harwich makes an excellent place to visit, with its narrow medieval streets and many interesting visitor attractions.
Mersea Island is ideal for indulging in walking and watersports such as sailing and wind surfing. There are excellent bird watching opportunities as the island teems with wading birds. What is most memorable to many is the fresh seafood. Sit in a restaurant beside the sea, watch the daily catch come in and savour it a few minutes later together with some Mersea wine from the island's own vineyard.
Keep walking...
This very attractive town, set in unspoilt rural countryside, has some of the finest preserved examples of a quintessential medieval market town. Within its Conservation Area you can find examples of every style of architecture from the 12th to the 21st century. Spend hours walking through the town admiring the many buildings of special architectural or historic interest. So why not stay longer and enjoy this enchanting gem in the north east of our county?
The trail is using Southend-on-Sea as a base where you and your family can enjoy a variety of activities. But just beyond the confines of the town lies a variety of landscapes, from the ancient woodlands of Hockley in the west to the coastal margins of the Roach and Crouch estuaries in the south and north. Often decribed as moody and of subtle shapes and colours, a place of shifting margins and hauntingly beautiful cloudscapes.
The Essex Way is a long-distance path stretching from Epping to Harwich a distance of 81 miles. You can walk it in stages, or make a holiday of it staying in accommodation along the way. The path will lead you through ancient woodlands, open farmland, tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, visiting historic towns and villages along the way. Walk the Essex Way and celebrate some of the finest countryside in the county!
Consider also these
Slicing through the Essex countryside along the former Bishop’s Stortford to Braintree railway line, this largely level, wildlife-rich track is accessible year-round and perfect for little legs. Stop off for afternoon tea at the old station now a café.
