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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Tollesbury & RSPB Old Hall Marshes - Guided Walk No. 4.4

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Woodrolfe Road Car Park, 42 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

42 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury

Sunday 10 September. Tollesbury & RSPB Old Hall Marshes. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - The two walks offered (short and long) are around Tollesbury and the surrounding marshes, much of which is a RSPB nature reserve. Both walk…
A Tale of Three Villages - Walk it Local

Address

Wickham Bishops Village Hall, Snows Corner, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3JZ

Wickham Bishops

2.96 miles. This walk explores three pretty villages in the north of the district - Wickham Bishops, Little Braxted and Great Totham. Taking in tree-lined lanes and footpaths, this gently undulating walk is a great introduction to this part of the…
Crouch Valley: North Fambridge to Althorne - Self-Guided Walk No. 7.3

Address

North Fambridge Station, Station Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6NP

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

North Fambridge

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 6.7 miles. This is a beautiful linear walk along the River Crouch, using the train service to return to the start. The expansive views of the river and landscape are breathtaking. On the map, follow the "short cut"…
Along the England Coast Path: Goldhanger to Tollesbury - Guided Walk No. 3.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, The Square, Fullbridge, Goldhanger, CM9 8AS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Fullbridge, Goldhanger

Thursday 14 September. Along the England Coast Path: Goldhanger to Tollesbury. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - Fancy a long walk around the Saltmarsh Coast on the England Coast Path? This is the walk for you. A bracing hike along the…
Crouch Valley with Wine Tasting and Food: North Fambridge to Althorne - Guided Walk No. 7.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, North Fambridge Station, Station Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6NP

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Station Road, North Fambridge

Monday 11 September. Along the Crouch Valley: North Fambridge to Althorne. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This is a beautiful linear walk along the River Crouch, using the train service to return to the start. Includes Blue House…
Beeleigh Falls & Maldon from Heybridge Basin - Self-Guided Walk No. 2.4

Address

Daisy Meadow car park, Basin Road, Heybridge, CM9 4RW

Heybridge

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 8.4 miles. This long waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon and Heybridge’s countryside and riverside, including the seawall, Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and Beeleigh Falls, returning via…
Tillingham Village & Fields - Walk it Local

Address

West Field car park, North Street, Tillingham, CM0 7TP

Tillingham

2.73 miles. This gentle walk lets you explore Tillingham, with its pretty village green lined with weatherboarded cottages, and the wide-open expanses of the surrounding Dengie farmland. There's a historic church to investigate, and two historic…
Maylandsea Meander - Walk it Local

Address

Bakersfield car park, The Drive, Maylandsea, CM3 6GT

Maylandsea

3 miles. Explore a tucked-away nature reserve that's famous for its butterflies and take in the lovely views from the seawall of Lawling Creek, with its yachts, barges and birdlife.
The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival

Address

Around the Maldon District including from, Promenade Park, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival is a 10-day festival, designed to help visitors and locals enjoy the Maldon District's rich tapestry of history and heritage along its 75 miles of coastline.
For more information, or to sign up for further…
Riverside and Historic Maldon - Self-Guided Walk No. 1.3

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5HN

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 1.6 miles. A circular self-guided walk starting and finishing at Maldon's Promenade Park, taking in traditional boatyards and maritime industry, historic buildings and the bustling high street. The walk is all on…
Explore the Dengie Peninsula with Craft Beer and Food - Guided Walk No. 6.4

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Burnham Station, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch

Thursday 14 September. Explore the Dengie Peninsula with Craft Beer and Food. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This invigorating walk takes you from the charming riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in a steady ascent across the final…
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation on foot and by boat - Guided Walk No. 2.1

Address

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

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Basin Road, Heybridge Basin

Saturday 16/Sunday 17 September. Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation on foot and by boat. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This leisurely 3-mile walk is perfect for families with children. Walk around the seawall from Heybridge Basin,…
Woodham Walter Common Walk

Address

The Street, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6SA

Woodham Walter

This walk starts and finishes in the ancient and attractive village of Woodham Walter. The views across rural Essex are lovely. The terrain is varied, with arable fields, horse paddocks, a nature reserve and woodland.
Crouch Valley Rail Ale Trail

Address

Southminster Railway Station, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EG

Southminster

A voyage of real ale discovery along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford to Southminster in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula
Crouch Valley: North Fambridge to Burnham - Self-Guided Walk No. 7.4

Address

North Fambridge Station, Station Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6NP

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

North Fambridge

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 10.2 miles. This is a long and challenging, linear walk along the scenic River Crouch, using the train service to return to the start. The views of the river and landscape are breathtaking and Butts Cliff is an…
Beeleigh Falls & Heybridge Basin - Self-Guided Walk No. 1.7

Address

Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.25 miles. This most enjoyable waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside, including the scenic Beeleigh Falls and the seawall beside the Blackwater Estuary.
Tollesbury Wick Marshes Walk - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.2 / 4.3

Address

Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8QU

Tollesbury

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 5.8 or 8.9 miles. Tollesbury Wick Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Tollesbury is now renowned as a yachting centre; once upon a time the marshes were the haunt of smugglers.
North Fambridge Seawall Stroll - Self-Guided Walk No. 7.1

Address

Blue House Farm Nature Reserve car park, Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

North Fambridge

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.1 miles. This walk has a bit of everything – the river Crouch, boats galore, an historic pub and farmland. All within the confines of the village of North Fambridge. Enjoy a walk along the seawall, with…
Saltmarsh Coast Wildlife - talk by John Buchanan

Address

Drapers Farm Sports & Social Club, Drapers Chase, Heybridge, CM9 4QT

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Heybridge

EVENT CANCELLED
Tuesday 12 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Author of Wildlife of Maldon: The Natural History of a Riverside Town John Buchanan gives an illustrated talk exploring the wide variety of habitats and the…
Maldon Town Walk - Self-Guided Walk No.1.5

Address

White Horse Lane car park, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QP

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…

Walking the Saltmarsh Trail

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