Saltmarsh - Tollesbury
Saltmarsh Trail at North Fambridge
Causeway to Northey Island, the site of the Battle of Maldon

Walking the Saltmarsh Trail

The Saltmarsh Trail, which stretches for 75 miles, can be undertaken as a single challenge, or broken into a series of interesting walks

Make no mistake, if you choose to run or walk the Saltmarsh Trail in its entirety, it will challenge you both physically and mentally. Ultra-marathons take place on this route, with a cut-off time for walkers of 30 continuous hours, which gives you some idea of the magnitude of the undertaking!

There are limited facilities along the route – part of the challenge is the isolation – so make sure you have emergency supplies, head torch and a mobile phone, plus a map or GPS, if you are planning to cover the whole trail in one hit.

But you don't have to be an endurance runner to enjoy the Saltmarsh Trail - because there are villages and towns along the route it can easily be broken into shorter walks. If you are planning on doing the trail over several days, or just dipping in and out, you will find facilities in the following locations:

Near Salcott – there are no facilities in Salcott itself, but you’ll find self-catering accommodation at Ship Ahoy Cottages, almost right on the sea wall near the Old Hall Marshes nature reserve, and luxury all-inclusive short breaks at Potters Resort Five Lakes nearby.

Tollesbury – you will find toilets in Woodrolfe Car Park and various cafes and pubs by the waterside. Tollesbury Marina has a campsite and Harbour View Bistro & Bar. A short walk into the village centre leads to more facilities, including shops and a pharmacy.

Goldhanger – if you head off the sea wall and into the village there are a couple of pubs, The Chequers Inn and The Cricketers, serving food and drink.

Osea area – as you pass the causeway to Osea Island (private) you will find two seawall cafes, Osea View Café Bar and the Beach House Bar. Camping and glamping is available at Osea Leisure Park and luxury accommodation at Osea Island Resort.

Heybridge Basin – there is a selection of pubs and cafes around the seawall.

Heybridge – the route passes briefly through the built-up area of Heybridge. Here you will find supermarkets with customer toilet facilities, fast food, cafes and restaurants. There are several options for accommodation here, including a Travelodge.

Maldon – the route heads towards Promenade Park, passing two riverside pubs, The Queen’s Head and Fish on the Quay. In the park itself there are toilets and cafes. Detour into the town centre and you will find several pharmacies, places to eat and drink, shops and hotels.

Mundon – a short walk from the sea wall, Mundon has a pub, the Mundon White Horse, and there are glamping pods at Southey Creek Glamping.

Maylandsea – there are pubs and cafes near the seawall and a few shops, including a pharmacy, slightly inland.

St Lawrence/Steeple Bay (around the halfway mark) – there’s a pub on the seawall, The Stone Inn, plus The Dairy Store convenience shop and St Lawrence Inn slightly inland. Static caravan accommodation is available at Steeple Bay Holiday Park.

Bradwell Marina – there are public toilets and the Munchies cafe at Bradwell Marina and The Green Man pub at Bradwell Waterside

Othona Community – accommodation and food may be available at the Othona Community (must be prebooked).

Burnham-on-Crouch – Burnham is the second largest town along the route and you will find a wide range of food and drink options, shops including a supermarket and pharmacy, public toilets and overnight accommodation, including camping at Silver Road Caravan Park and Creeksea Place Caravan Park.

North Fambridge – The Ferry Boat Inn is a pub restaurant with rooms, plus there’s the River Breeze Café Bar in Fambridge Yacht Haven.

Transport

Some of the areas along the walk are extremely remote with no car access or parking. If you are travelling by car for day walks, you will find convenient public car parks at Tollesbury, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, and Burnham-on-Crouch, plus smaller car parks or street parking at Goldhanger, Heybridge, Mundon (near the church), Maylandsea, St Lawrence, Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell near St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel and North Fambridge. There is no public parking at Salcott.

Part of the route runs along the railway branch line from Wickford to Southminster, with convenient stops for walkers at North Fambridge, Althorne and Burnham-on-Crouch. There are various bus routes that might be helpful, including the Hedingham service 95 which runs from Maldon to Heybridge, Heybridge Basin, Goldhanger and Tollesbury; First Bus 31, 331 and 332 services between Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch and Hedingham D1 and D2 which connect Maldon with Bradwell-on-Sea, Steeple and Maylandsea.

Our top suggestions

If you just want to dip your toe into the Saltmarsh Trail, we have put together some short, circular walks that take in some of the flavour of the area in our Walk it Local collection of family friendly strolls, as well as other slightly longer walks from our collection. You can download them here: Goldhanger Through the Ages, Heybridge Towpath & Seawall, Maylandsea Meander, North Bradwell Pirates and Pubs, Burnham & Creeksea Stroll, Fambridge Seawall Stroll or explore all our walking routes below.

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Blue House Farm Nature Reserve

Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve

An opportunity to see an abundance of coastal wetland bird species in their natural environment.
Statue of Byrhtnoth

One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon leader Byrhtnoth (sometimes written as Brythnoth, Brithnoth, Britnoth or Byrthnoth) who fought back against a Viking invasion. Ultimately he lost, but his bravery in battle was commemorated in the epic Old English poem The Battle of Maldon. The battle was fought in 991AD, and following the thousand-year anniversary, The Maldon Culture Company raised around £100,0000 to commission a lasting memorial to the district's hero, and artist John Doubleday was commissioned to create a statue of the great warrior.
St Lawrence Bay / Stone beach

St Lawrence Bay, also known as Stone, is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in the Maldon District, and the broad sweep of shingle and sand is worth the effort to get to. If you travel by car you will need to park at Jubilee Field car park as you come into the village on the left - don't be tempted to attempt to drive closer to the beach, there really isn't anywhere else to park, and it's only a 10-minute walk. Refreshments (and toilets for customers) are available at The Stone Inn right on the sea wall and St Lawrence Inn opposite the car park and there is a convenience store for picnic supplies.
The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall

This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this place the word is revealed to you’ is certainly true. The Chapel is situated at one end of the long distant walk ‘St Peters Way’. The Chapel is right on the coast and has stunning views a must for walkers and those keen on photography.

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Riverside & Historic Maldon - Guided Walk No. 1.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Promenade Park (by the main ornamental gates), Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Park Drive, Maldon

Sunday 10 September. Riverside & Historic Maldon. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - As you take in both Maldon's historic town centre and its riverside and quay, you’ll hear stories about many of the historic buildings and places you’ll…
The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and Maldon from Heybridge Basin - Guided Walk No. 2.4

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Daisy Meadow Car Park, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RW

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Basin Road, Heybridge Basin

Wednesday 13 September. The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and Maldon from Heybridge Basin. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This longer walk provides the perfect introduction to the countryside and riverside along the Saltmarsh…
Maldon Fitsteps - Ramblers Wellbeing Walks

Address

Telephone
07311625824

Maldon Fitsteps is a scheme aimed at the over 50s. The scheme offers a choice of walks three times a week in the Maldon, Dengie and South Chelmsford areas. Walks are planned to be up to 90 minutes in duration, mainly on Public Rights of Way…
Along the Blackwater Estuary, Maldon to Goldhanger - Guided Walk No. 2.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Butt Lane, Maldon

Saturday 9 September. Along the Blackwater Estuary to Goldhanger. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This linear walk of approximately 7.3 miles takes in a long stretch of the England Coast Path alongside the spectacular Blackwater…
Althorne to North Fambridge Walk

Address

Althorne, Essex, CM9 6DG

Althorne

A picturesque 5.65 mile linear walk along the coast between the villages of Althorne and North Fambridge; this allows you to get a train from North Fambridge station at the end of the walk to return to the start.
Beeleigh Falls

Address

Beeleigh Falls, Maldon Road, Beeleigh, Essex, CM9 6QA

essex@waterways.org.uk

Beeleigh

Beeleigh Falls is home to a series of water falls, locks and weirs on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.
Three Dengie Pubs Walk

Address

Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SA

Stow Maries

This walk features attractive countryside, a disused railway and three superb examples of village pubs on the Dengie Peninsula. All three offer excellent ranges of local beers and food to tempt you, before or after your walk.
Chigborough Walks

Address

2 Chigborough Road, Essex, CM9 4RE

Telephone
07702244440

chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

An annual pass, £20 per person in 2022, gives permission to use the walking path around Chigborough Farm site, with proceeds going to Farleigh Hospice. Parking is not available, so pass holders must be able to walk to the site. Commercial dog…
Sold Out - Across the Crouch to RSPB Wallasea Island - Guided Walk No. 6.5

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Burnham Yacht Harbour, Foundry lane, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BL

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Foundry lane, Burnham-on-Crouch

Sold Out - Saturday 9 and Wednesday 13 September. Across the Crouch to RSPB Wallasea Island. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - Head across the River Crouch on a scenic ferry ride from Burnham, arriving at the RSPB Wallasea Island Nature…
Burnham Town Walk - Self-Guided Walk No. 6.2

Address

Burnham-on-Crouch Library, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HQ

Burnham-on-Crouch

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. This largely mud-free stroll follows an easy circuit of the riverside yachting centre giving visitors the opportunity to explore some lesser-visited parts of the town.
A Photography Masterclass Walk - Guided Walk No. 5.2

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Bradwell Village Hall, South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QJ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea

Sunday 10 September. A Photo Walk around the Saltmarsh Coast with James Crisp. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - The wonderfully photogenic coastline near the village of Bradwell-on-Sea forms the backdrop to this bracing walk and…
Maldon Wick Nature Reserve - Walk it Local

Address

West Maldon Community Centre, Sunbury Way, Maldon, CM9 6YH

Maldon

2.6 miles. This short Walk it Local route is an easy stroll starting close to Maldon town centre, but taking in the lovely Maldon Wick Nature Reserve and part of the disused railway line. Depending on the season you might see rare butterflies,…
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Heritage Walk - Self-Guided Walk No. 1.4

Address

Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.9 miles. This beautiful walk takes in a varied section of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, as it meanders through Heybridge, passing industrial areas and then emerging into the countryside
Maldon's Medieval Pubs - Talk by Tim Howson

Address

The Blue Boar (Long Room), Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

Telephone
01621 855888

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Sunday 10 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Maldon District Council Conservation Officer Tim Howson explores the architecture of the oldest surviving inns in Maldon, bringing them back to life through colourful…
Burnham & Creeksea Stroll - Self-Guided Walk No. 6.1

Address

Millfields car park, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HS

Burnham-on-Crouch

3.5 miles. This short Walk it Local route offers a delightful stroll around the yachting centre of Burnham-on-Crouch and nearby Creeksea, taking in river views along the seawall, birdlife, vineyards and historic buildings, with plenty of refreshment…
Woods & Lanes of Southminster - Walk it Local

Address

High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AY

Southminster

2.36 miles. This walk explores the town of Southminster from its historic church and thatched cottages to the Jubilee Woodland and sculpture park and modern microbrewery. With a walk time of around an hour, and no steps or stiles to contend with,…
Goldhanger Through the Ages - Self-Guided Walk No. 3.1

Address

Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AS

Goldhanger

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 2.8 miles. Explore the charming village of Goldhanger where you can see remains from Iron Age, Saxon and Roman times, an 11th century church and a 100-year-old village pump. Along the seawall you will see a host of…
Beeleigh Falls and Heybridge Basin - Guided Walk No. 1.7

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Promenade Park (by the main ornamental gates), Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Park Drive, Maldon

Friday 8 September. Beeleigh Falls and Heybridge Basin. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside. See the scenic Beeleigh Falls, explore the Chelmer & Blackwater…
St Peter's Way

Address

Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

Bradwell-on-Sea

The St Peter’s Way is a 45 mile walk meandering through the countryside of Essex, from Chipping Ongar to the ancient chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell on Sea.
Going Beyond the Seawall: Challenges of filming the Essex Serpent - Talk by Harriet Lawrence and Jonjo Stickland

Address

The Blue Boar (Long Room), Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

Telephone
01621 855888

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Thursday 13 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - TV location manager Harriet Lawrence and marine co-ordinator Jonjo Strickland talk about the challenges of filming The Essex Serpent in the wild saltmarshes of the Maldon…

Walking the Saltmarsh Trail

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