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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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…
Battle of Maldon - Talk by Stephen Nunn

Address

Little Ship Club, The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5HN

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Saturday 16 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Historian and former Mayor of Maldon, Stephen Nunn, will be retelling the famous story of Earldorman Byrhtnoth and his heroic, but doomed, fight against the Viking invaders.
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.
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.
Heybridge Towpath and Seawall - Self-Guided Walk No. 2.2

Address

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

Heybridge

3.58 miles. A slightly longer stroll in the Walk it Local collection, but worth the effort, taking in bustling Heybridge Basin with its boats, sea-lock, water birds and pubs, the seawall with estuary views back across to Maldon, and the historic…
The Norbertine Monks’ Trail: Maldon to Beeleigh Abbey inc Gardens & Cream Tea - Guided Walk No. 1.8

Address

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

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Tuesday 12 September. The Norbertine Monks’ Trail from Maldon to Beeleigh. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - We will explore an ancient track which linked the hilltop town of Maldon to the 12th-century Norbertine abbey at Beeleigh,…
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…
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…
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.
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"…
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…
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…
Bradwell & St Peter's Chapel - Self-Guided Walk No. 5.2

Address

Bradwell Village Hall, South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QJ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Bradwell-on-Sea

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 6.5 miles. Spectacular waterside walk taking in one of the district's most important historic sites – the ancient, lonely Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. This easy, level circular walk covers 6.5 miles, much of it…
The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival

Address

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

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

September 8 to 17. 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. The event will provide led and…
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…
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.
Tollesbury Saltmarsh Stroll - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.1

Address

Woodrolfe Road Car Park, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

Tollesbury

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.4 miles. This spectacular walk explores the historic village of Tollesbury with its bustling marina, historic lightvessel and interesting centre. Passing wildlife-rich saltmarshes, traditional sail lofts, an…
Northey Island - a talk by National Trust Ranger David Mason

Address

The Little Ship Club, The Hythe Quay, Maldon, CM9 5HN

toursm@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Monday 11 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Join National Trust ranger David Mason for a talk about Northey Island and learn more about the National Trust project to conserve and protect the saltmarsh habitat on the island.
Wallasea Island - talk by RSPB Site Manager Rachel Fancy

Address

Azar Persian Restaurant, 159 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HJ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Event Cancelled.
Wednesday 13 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Site Manager at RSPB Wallasea Island for 12 years, Rachel Fancy has seen the Island radically change and grow. At the start of her role, the nature reserve…
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…

Walking the Saltmarsh Trail

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