Those summertime strolls may have long given way to welly-wielding hacks through muddy fields, but there’s enough daylight left for a walk when the mood strikes. Followed; naturally; with a pint and some grub in a cosy pub. Not sure where? Here’s our edit of the best winter walks in Essex – and perfect pubs to end up in.

BILLERICAY

The walk: Norsey Woods

First on our winter walks in Essex is Billericay and Norsey Woods. Go for a four-mile linear trek that cuts through hectares of woodland before emerging in the village of Stock. Kids will love climbing the low-level trees and scrambling through the family-friendly wooden dens. Dogs and walkers, meanwhile, can take in the sounds and scents of the forest floor.

The pub: The Hoop

Constructed in 1640 from the timber of warships at Tilbury Docks, The Hoop is big on hearty dishes and premium pub dining. Inside you’ll find roaring fireplaces, rustic wooden tables and plenty of village cheer. Order a full-bodied viño or a pint of local ale before tucking into a classic plate of pie, mash and liqueur. They also make a cracking pizza on a Friday night.

CHELMSFORD
The walk: Hylands Estate

For a stately stroll, head to Hylands Estate – an elegant grade II*-listed public parkland set in 574 acres of historic grounds. Loop one of the five woodland walks, which range from a 30-minute stroll to a four-mile hike. You should also take a tour round the elegant Neo-Classical villa, then navigate your way to the House’s manicured beds for the full Pride and Prejudice experience.

The pub: Galvin Green Man

Galvin Green man Chelmsford Essex fish and chips

Set in the countryside fringing Chelmsford, this beautiful building dates back to 1341 and serves up panoramic views from a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Owned by the Galvin brothers – both award-winning Essex-born chefs – Galvin Green Man boasts Bib Gourmand credentials. Just looking at the pub menu alone’s made us convince the other half to cancel dinner plans and book here instead.

DEDHAM VALE
The walk: Stour Valley

For winter walks in Essex you can’t beat this one, which also takes in Flatford Mill and the ribbons of green made famous by John Constable’s paintings. This 1.8 mile route from Manningtree train station ends in the village of Dedham where you can stop off for some fabulous gastro fare. With seemingly endless valley vistas, it’s one to save for sunny days with your mates.

The pub: The Sun Inn

The Sun Inn is an attractive-looking watering hole in the heart of Dedham. Perfectly placed, it also has a cracking fire pit complete with squishy sofas for post-ramble sinkage. Set up camp under the character-filled oak beams, order a glass of something local and peruse the menu, always season-led and a favourite with foodies.

EPPING
The walk: Epping Forest

Another of our winter walks in Essex takes you to Epping Forest, spanning more than 8,000 acres. Try one of the nine marked trails on offer, all circular and fully signposted. There’s the Gifford path – a gentle, undulating 1.25-mile jaunt – or the more challenging Oak trail (6.6 miles), which launches from Theydon Bois underground station.

The pub: Theydon Oak

Framed by the ancient boughs of Epping Forest, Theydon Oak is a gem of a pub. Even local Rod Stewart agrees: he opened up the venue’s gardens. Choosing what to eat takes time, as there’s a lot of tasty dishes on offer. The bar menu offers classics such as a good old Ploughman’s, with an a la carte if you fancy a bit more fancy, with calamari and whole baked camembert on offer.

HARWICH
The walk: Dovercourt Bay to Harwich harbour

Set against the backdrop of a commercial shipping hub, this 3.5-mile stretch starts from Dovercourt where sand and shingle beaches mark this quiet corner of Essex. Head for the far end of the beach for blustery views up to Cornwallis Battery and Beacon Hill Fort. You can also trek out to the Victorian lighthouses at low tide before winding your way towards Harwich harbour.

The pub: The Pier

The Pier is a favourite with foodies, who flock for its catch-of-the-day dishes and views across Harwich harbour. Fancy a longer stay and hot soak after all that activity? There’s 14 Scandi-style bedrooms to choose from. But we love The Mayflower Suite for its super-king luxury, plus in-room telescope for stargazing before bed.

LEIGH ON SEA
The walk: The Thames Estuary Path

Up for a winter walks in Essex challenge? This 29-miler wiggles its way through some of the county’s most dramatic landscapes. We’re talking mud flats in the south and Tilbury’s industrial docks, to cockle-shed bays that bid the Thames goodbye in Old Leigh. The trail’s clearly marked and you can easily break it up, with lots of train stations slicing the route into manageable romps.

The pub: The Peterboat

Situated in Old Leigh and with estuary views, it’s no surprise that The Peterboat is an all-seasons staple. Famed for serving the freshest fish dishes in Leigh since 1695, head early to bag a table overlooking the sea and order its Peterboat cockle chowder. If you’re lucky, you might just catch one of the pub’s buzzy live music nights too.

WIVENHOE
The walk: Wivenhoe Trail

Always a crowd pleaser with the sailing set, this 10-mile route launches at Wivenhoe Quay. From here it weaves its way through Hythe for unrivalled views of the River Colne. Watch terns and little ringed plovers dip over the natural footpath, which threads through allotments before landing in Colchester’s Castle Park.

The pub: Church Street Tavern

Church Street Tavern dinner menu Colchester Essex

Church Street Tavern is found in a handsome townhouse 10 minutes from Castle Park. Its ground-floor bar and top-floor bistro delivers sunken sofas, premium regional plonk and local art you’ll Google where to buy afterwards. Quality grub comes as standard, but we love the cured meat and cheese platter with pickles and focaccia for that perfect post-walk refuel.

Off you stroll! Winter walks in Essex with pub-lunch pitstops

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