Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epping-forest-big-walk-epping"><a href="https://efht.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Map-Leaflet-Sep-2022-layout-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Forest Big Walk</a>, Epping</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg" alt="Epping Forest Walk" class="wp-image-18857" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ready for a full day&#8217;s stroll? Kicking off at Manor Park station, <a href="https://efht.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Map-Leaflet-Sep-2022-layout-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this 14 miler</a> takes you through a terrain of well-trodden paths, uneven surface, grassland and woods, so is best suited for those steady on their feet and with good walking shoes. Along the way enjoy the open landscape of Wanstead Flats, with its duck-filled Jubilee Ponds. Added to that is High Beach and its ancient oak pollards, as well as an abundance of beech and oak trees. You&#8217;ll then pass one of the two Iron Age Camps in the forest, before ending up at Epping station&#8217;s Central Line.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hanningfield-reservoir-east-hanningfield"><a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hanningfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hanningfield Reservoir</a>, East Hanningfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-3.jpg" alt="Hanningfield Reservoir East Hanningfield" class="wp-image-13902" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/1-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Next on our Essex best walks round-up is this reservoir and nature reserve. Part of the <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hanningfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Wildlife Trust</a>, it spans 870 acres of woodlands and meadows. Tread the labyrinth of foot trails through the oaks and stop off at a bird hut to watch swallows and swifts dip in gin-clear pools. Little ones in particular will love the Wind in the Willows trail. With characterful sculptures from the classic book, they can make brass rubbings before exploring the ‘Wild Wood’ where Mr Toad and co lie in wait.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beeleigh-falls-maldon"><a href="https://www.itsaboutmaldon.co.uk/beeleigh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beeleigh Falls</a>, Maldon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-4.jpg" alt="Beeleigh Falls Maldon" class="wp-image-13903" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/2-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Set against a backdrop of butterscotch quarries and leaden gravel pits, this River Chelmer stretch weaves its way from <a href="http://www.museumofpower.org.uk">Langford Museum of Power</a> to Beeleigh Lock. Follow its curves to the Mill and Beeleigh Grange Farm, keeping the old gravel pits to your right then cut up towards Utling Wick. There you discover the waterway’s hidden gem; Beeleigh Falls. This series of platforms and locks merges the tide with fresh water, attracting waders and waterfowl.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palace-walk-danbury"><a href="https://www.essexhighways.org/uploads/files/nav_walks.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palace Walk</a>, Danbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-3.jpg" alt="Palace Walk Danbury" class="wp-image-13904" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/3-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another on our best Essex walks list is this cracker of a stroll. Surging past the village’s Tudor Gothic Palace, this network of locks meanders through Danbury Country Park and Old Hare Wood. It then picks up the pace at Cuton Lock, Stonhams Lock, Little Baddow Lock, Blake’s Wood nature reserve and past Danbury Church. A five-mile wander, seek out the war shelter at Cuton Lock. Afterwards, say hello to friendly kingfishers, who streak the sky blue as they dip and dance for minnows at dusk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tollesbury-wick-maldon"><a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/tollesbury-wick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tollesbury Wick</a>, Maldon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/4-3.jpg" alt="Tollesbury Wick Maldon" class="wp-image-13905" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/4-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/4-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/4-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/4-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Always a crowd pleaser with the sailing set, this route launches at <a href="https://www.tollesburymarina.com">Tollesbury Marina</a> and hugs the seawall for unrivalled views of the Blackwater Estuary. Oystercatchers, terns and little ringed plovers may thread their way with you to Shinglehead point, where ribbons of green signal Rolls Farm. Follow the natural footpath to loop back round to Church Street and sink a well-deserved wine at <a href="https://www.the-harbour-view.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Harbour View Bistro &amp; Bar</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whetmead-nature-reserve-witham"><a href="https://www.braintree.gov.uk/directory-record/157/whetmead-local-nature-reserve-witham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whetmead Nature Reserve</a>, Witham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/5-3.jpg" alt="Whetmead Nature Reserve Witham" class="wp-image-13906" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/5-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/5-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/5-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/5-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Following the River Brain for four miles, this meadow-rich route is teeming with wildlife and often throws up sightings of muntjac deer. If you&#8217;re lucky you&#8217;ll also spy otters floating their way downstream. Beginning at Chipping Hill Bridge, drop onto the river trail and head south, where you cross a small bridge before reaching the duck pond. Rest here under a fringe of weeping willows, then make the final leg to Whetmead Nature Reserve, where perfect sunset vistas of the River Blackwater await.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frinton-on-sea-to-walton-on-the-naze"><a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/frinton-to-walton-walk-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frinton-on-Sea to Walton-on-the-Naze</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-2.jpg" alt="Frinton-on-Sea to Walton-on-the-Naze best Essex walk " class="wp-image-13907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/6-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With its colourful beach huts and nod to nostalgia, a stroll along the Southcliff prom from Frinton-on-Sea to the wide beaches of Walton-on-the-Naze are what walks were made for. Stretching two miles from Frinton high street to Walton’s historic wooden pier, take in the views across the North Sea before stopping for fish and chips at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Yatesfishnchips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yates Fish Bar</a>. This is a coastal delight you won’t want to miss, especially when the waves roll in and the sun shines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southend-on-sea"><a href="https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southend-on-Sea</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/Untitled-design-2.jpg" alt="Southend on Sea" class="wp-image-13909" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/Untitled-design-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/Untitled-design-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/Untitled-design-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/09/Untitled-design-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our final meander on our best Essex walks has got to be Southend. Starting at seafront attraction <a href="https://adventureisland.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventure Island</a>, make your way west along the prom. Then, when you&#8217;re clear of the casinos and crowds, you&#8217;ll spy a series of artisan beach cafés that sit under the arches. From here, this three-mile potter threads through boat yards that clink and clatter in high winds. You&#8217;ll also spot cobbled lanes and gorgeous deserted coves. Once you hit Old Leigh, stop for a cream tea or head beachfront for a fish platter at <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-peterboat-leigh-on-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peterboat</a>.</p>



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