Essex


<p>Summer strolls are on the horizon, but there&#8217;s still time for those welly-wielding hacks through muddy fields, followed with a pint and grub in a pub. Not sure where? Here’s the best walks in Essex – and perfect pubs to end up in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chelmsford-the-walk-hylands-estate">CHELMSFORD<br>The walk: <a href="http://hylandsestate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hylands Estate</a></h2>



<p>For a stately stroll, head to <a href="http://hylandsestate.co.uk/https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hylands-estate-chelmsford/https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hylands-estate-chelmsford-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hylands Estate</a>; 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 <em>Pride and Prejudice</em> experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-the-windmill-chatham-green">The pub: <a href="https://thewindmillchathamgreen.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Windmill Chatham Green</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Windmill-February-132-scaled-1.jpg" alt="The Windmill Chatham Green" class="wp-image-28617" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Windmill-February-132-scaled-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Windmill-February-132-scaled-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Windmill-February-132-scaled-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ll have to hop in the car for this 20 minute journey, but my, <a href="https://thewindmillchathamgreen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Windmill Chatham Green</a>&#8216;s worth it. A family-run and dog-friendly restaurant and pub run by Michelin Star chef Tom and his partner Nancy, here you can expect modern cuisine using foraged and seasonal ingredients. This plate of lush-ness pretty much says it all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-billericay-the-walk-norsey-woods">BILLERICAY<br>The walk: <a href="https://www.basildon.gov.uk/article/2410/Norsey-Wood-Local-Nature-Reserve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norsey Woods</a></h2>



<p>First on our walks in Essex is Billericay and <a href="https://www.basildon.gov.uk/article/2410/Norsey-Wood-Local-Nature-Reserve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norsey Woods</a>. Go for a four-mile trek that cuts through hectares of woodland before ending up in <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/essex/stock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stock</a>. 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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-the-hoop">The pub: <a href="https://www.thehoop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hoop</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-copy.jpg" alt="Burger at The Hoop" class="wp-image-28618" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-copy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-copy-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Constructed in 1640 from the timber of warships at Tilbury Docks, <a href="https://www.thehoop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hoop</a>&#8216;s 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 pint of local ale before tucking into classics like a whopper of a burger and chips. They also make a cracking pizza on a Friday night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedham-vale-the-walk-stour-valley">DEDHAM VALE<br>The walk: <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford/trails/flatford-and-constable-country-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stour Valley</a></h2>



<p>For walks in Essex you can&#8217;t beat this one, which also takes in <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flatford Mill</a> and the ribbons of green made famous by John Constable’s paintings. This 1.8 mile route from Manningtree station ends in the village of Dedham, where you can stop off for some fabulous gastro fare. With seemingly endless valley vistas, it&#8217;s one to save for sunny days with your mates.&nbsp;If you&#8217;re lucky enough to nab one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-the-sun-inn">The pub: <a href="https://www.thesuninndedham.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sun Inn</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-sun-inn-1.jpg" alt="Pub garden at The Sun Inn" class="wp-image-28624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-sun-inn-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-sun-inn-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-sun-inn-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.thesuninndedham.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sun Inn</a> 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, and a glorious garden for when the sun is playing. 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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epping-the-wal-k-epping-forest">EPPING<br>The wal<strong>k:</strong> <a href="http://www.visiteppingforest.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Forest</a></h2>



<p>Another of our 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&#8217;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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-theydon-oak">The pub: <a href="https://theydonoak.co.uk/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Theydon Oak</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/22/2024/12/2-4.jpg" alt="Roast dinner at Theydon Oak" class="wp-image-20310" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Framed by the ancient boughs of Epping Forest, <a href="http://www.thetheydonoak.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Theydon Oak</a>&#8216;s a gem. Even local Rod Stewart agrees: he opened up the venue’s gardens. Choosing what to eat takes time, as there&#8217;s lots of tasty dishes on offer. The bar menu offers classics such as a good old Ploughman&#8217;s and a cracker of a roast, with an à la carte if you fancy a bit more fancy. Just look at that Yorkie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harwich-the-walk-dovercourt-bay-to-harwich-harbour">HARWICH<br>The walk<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.historicharwich.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1046-Harwich-Flyer-v10-Website.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dovercourt Bay to Harwich harbour</a></h2>



<p>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 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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-the-pier">The pub: <a href="https://www.milsomhotels.com/the-pier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pier</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PIER20-023.jpg" alt="Fish and chips at The Pier" class="wp-image-28621" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PIER20-023.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PIER20-023-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PIER20-023-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PIER20-023-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PIER20-023-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.milsomhotels.com/the-pier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pier</a> 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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leigh-on-sea-the-walk-the-thames-estuary-path">LEIGH ON SEA<br>The walk: <a href="https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/create-your-day-out/thames-estuary-walks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Thames Estuary Path</a></h2>



<p>Up for a walks in Essex challenge? This 29-miler wiggles its way through some of the county’s most dramatic landscapes. We&#8217;re talking mud flats in the south and Tilbury&#8217;s industrial docks, to cockle-shed bays that bid the Thames goodbye in Old Leigh. The trail&#8217;s clearly marked and you can easily break it up, with lots of train stations slicing the route into manageable romps.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-the-peterboat">The pub: <a href="https://thepeterboat.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peterboat</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy.jpg" alt="Benches at The Peterboat" class="wp-image-28622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Situated in Old Leigh and with estuary views, it’s no surprise that <a href="https://thepeterboat.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peterboat</a> 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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wivenhoe-the-walk-wivenhoe-trail">WIVENHOE<br>The walk: <a href="https://www.visitcolchester.com/things-to-do/the-wivenhoe-trail-p1250381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Trail</a></h2>



<p>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&#8217;s Castle Park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pub-church-street-tavern">The pub: <a href="https://churchstreettavern.co.uk/#welcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Church Street Tavern</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="676" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/church-street-tavern.jpg" alt="Food at The Church Street Tavern" class="wp-image-28623" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/church-street-tavern.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/church-street-tavern-800x541.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/church-street-tavern-768x519.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://churchstreettavern.co.uk/#welcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Church Street Tavern</a> 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.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-coastal-walks-in-east-anglia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fancy a ramble? 22 stunning East Anglian coastal walks to try this National Walking Month</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/dog-friendly-places-to-eat-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paws for thought: Dog friendly places to eat and drink in Essex</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/east-anglias-top-6-gastropubs-to-bookmark-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Anglia’s top 6 Gastropubs to bookmark in 2026</a></li>
</ul>


Off you stroll! Walks in Essex with pub-lunch pitstops

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