Walking in Essex - Peter Aylmer

Discover the best of Essex on foot, with 25 day walks and an inspiring 80-mile (130km) journey across the county along the Essex Way. From the green edges of London and the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest, through picturesque market towns and unspoilt coastline, to the port of Harwich in the east, you’ll find the wide variety and hidden charms of Essex at every stage. Ideal for walkers of all abilities, Walking in Essex includes 25 circular and linear routes ranging from 4 to 18 miles (7–29km), walkable in 2 to 8 hours, and an end-to-end cross-county route divided into 11 manageable stages. Whether you wish to complete the Essex Way in its entirety, walk shorter sections, or enjoy classic day walks, this comprehensive Cicerone guide allows you to tailor your adventure to your interests, timeframe, and experience. Explore a wealth of landscapes and history as you journey through salt marshes, chalk uplands, ancient green lanes, and the iconic scenery of Dedham Vale. The routes visit lively towns and villages such as Chelmsford, Colchester, Saffron Walden, and Southend, with points of interest including Audley End, Hatfield Forest, and Constable’s beloved countryside. Enjoy Essex’s unspoilt woodlands and coastline, discovering bluebell and oxlip woods in spring, vibrant hedgerows in summer, and the spectacle of migrant birds in winter. Each walk brings to life the county’s geology, history, and famous local characters, with environmental stewardship schemes supporting the return of buzzards, otters, and butterflies. Walks in Essex can be enjoyed year-round, with most suitable for a range of abilities and offering shorter alternatives. Six routes showcase the coastline, while the others span the county’s varied heartland; linear routes include easy return options. Each stage features an information box with clear start and finish points, distances, estimated walking times, ascent and descent, and practical advice on accommodation, public transport, refreshments, and parking at key locations including Chelmsford, Colchester, Saffron Walden, and Harwich. Navigate confidently with detailed Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 map extracts for every Essex walk, featuring overlays to guide you along the described route. Plan your Essex walking adventure with confidence and immerse yourself in the county’s diverse landscapes, history, and wildlife, supported every step of the way by this definitive Cicerone guidebook.