Maldon is a historic maritime town that is known nationally and across the world for its connections to the Saltmarsh Coast, with its sea salt, infamous mud race and the iconic Thames Sailing Barges. The town is also famous for the Battle of Maldon 991, where Viking raiders defeated the Saxons on the causeway of Northey Island, and this is the oldest recorded battlefield site in England. Maldon is the second oldest town in Essex and received its Royal Charter from Henry II in 1171.
HISTORY OF MALDON
Maldon also had a prominent history with shipbuilding and the town had been providing a ship for the royal cause since the Anglo-Saxon period. In 1347, the town supplied two ships and thirty two men to Edward III for the Siege of Calais. At the Battle of Solebay 1672 against the Dutch, a Maldon ship the ‘Jersey’ took part and Samuel Pepys was made Captain of this vessel.
In the 19th century, Maldon had seen much growth and being a centre of admiralty jurisdiction had established the town as the largest in Essex after Colchester. It owed much of its success to its sea trade and carrying corn to London was a major trade until the 1870s. When it became no longer economic to grow it in Essex, the Thames Sailing Barges carried hay and straw to London instead. With the arrival of the railway to Maldon in 1846 and the revolution of transport, over the next several decades the use of the barges gradually declined as did the town's reliance on its port.
MAIN WALKING ROUTES
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A CIRCULAR WALK TAKING IN MALDON'S HERITAGE ALONG THE HIGH STREET VIA THE RIVER CHELMER & PROMENADE PARK (1.75 MILES)
Continue along past Church House and you will see the roundabout up ahead. Turn right at the roundabout, where you will pass the St. Peter’s Building on your right. The ground floor houses the Maeldune Heritage Centre, and on the top floor is the Plume Library. Head past the pedestrian crossing, passing the Town Hall on your left and continue down Market Hill. Before the road bends to the left, on the right you will see Maldon United Reformed Church, where Reverend Joseph Billio preached in 1696 to 400 Protestant Dissenters.
Turning back the way you came, head back up Market Hill, and cross over the pedestrian crossing to turn right down the High Street. Up ahead you will see the Moot Hall with its pillared balcony and large black and white clock. Continuing forward you will see All Saints Church to your right, known for its unique triangular tower. At the junction of the High Street at Silver Street, you will see Thomas Cook, and this building was the original Moot Hall. Turn right onto Silver Street, passing the Blue Boar Hotel on your left. Turn right down Cromwell Hill, pass through the bollards and continue left down Market Hill, crossing over Cromwell Lane. The building immediately to your left served as Maldon’s workhouse from 1719 to 1835 and was built with proceeds from Thomas Plume.
Continue down Market Hill, along the bridge over the River Chelmer, and cross over the road using the pedestrian crossing. Turn back the way you came, heading back over the bridge and then turn left at Anchorage Hill. Pass through the car park, and rather than following the road as it bears right, continue straight forwards onto Chandlers Quay with houses to your left. Continue through the alleyway ahead and you will soon see the black Maldon Salt Company building (not open to the public). You will walk slightly uphill to reach Downs Road. Walk straight head, passing the houses and the recreation ground to your left.
At the end of the road, turn left and continue along the road until you see the white building. This was John Howard’s home, 1849 to 1915 who was a Master Shipbuilder, and the prolific output from his yard included 22 sailing barges. Turn back the way you came and continue left, heading past the Marinestore Chandlery. Follow the road, passing the Queen’s Head pub to your left and you will soon reach the Hythe Quay, where you can then circle back through Promenade Park to reach your starting point.
ALONG THE SEA WALL TO ENGLAND'S OLDEST RECORDED BATTLEFIELD SITE AT THE CAUSEWAY OF NORTHEY ISLAND RETURNING BACK TO PROMENADE PARK (2.5 MILES)
Continue alone the lane for nearly half a mile, passing through South House Farm. Turn right at the staggered crossroad of footpaths when you see the bungalow to your left. Follow the path along the right side of the field, and as the path bends right, you will reach a housing estate, and the path soon bends to the left. Continue along until you reach Park Drive, turn right and walk along the pavement which goes past the football club, Madison Heights and the Blackwater Leisure Centre.
Ignore two roads turning right, where one goes towards the Recycling Centre and the other heads into the Park Drive Health Club. Continue forwards and turn right into the main entrance of Promenade Park, following the road and then make a left. Walking under the trees, you will come out to a group of kiosks up ahead. From here you can turn right, heading past the Splash Park and play areas to walk back towards your starting point.
Optional Walk on Northey Island
After crossing the causeway, continue ahead on the lane for half a mile, ignoring a kissing gate on your right. You can enjoy views of the estuary to the left, and there is also a bird hide on the left as well. When you reach a ‘Private’ sign, you will approach Northey House, turn left to take the path which goes around the back of the house, follow the path as it turns right. When you reach the kissing gate at the back of the house, continue forwards, ascending the steps and heading onto the sea wall. Follow this path for approximately ¾ of a mile as it twists and turns around the eastern part of the island. Go through the kissing gate at the end of the path and turn left to head towards the causeway.
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HEYBRIDGE BASIN VIA THE CHELMER & BLACKWATER NAVIGATION (9.2 MILES)
Instead of following the road when it bears left continue straight on where you will soon pass a black building to your right, which is owned by Maldon Salt. The site is however not open to the public and doesn’t have a shop or museum for you to visit. Continue straight on as the path narrows, passing a car park onto your right, and head onto the road ahead, this is Chandlers Quay. Passing houses on your right, follow the road right which takes you closer to the river. Heading towards the main road ahead and turn right, crossing over the bridge and continuing straight ahead for nearly half a mile.
You will pass Lidl on your right, cross over the road by the roundabout, and then head past the new retail estate to your right and the second roundabout. Continue straight ahead, crossing over another road, past the garage and houses. Ignore the next road on the right which leads to an industrial area, instead turn right down Bates Road. Walking straight ahead, follow the road as it bears left and then turn left down the smaller road. Continue along this path as it makes a sharp right, and follow the path as it runs adjacent the industrial estate to Bates Road.
As the path diverges, continue left and then right, continuing along the sea wall for 1 ½ miles where you will reach Heybridge Basin and the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation lock that meets the Blackwater Estuary. Follow the path and head up the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation for two miles. You will pass Bentalls Warehouse and other typical canalside buildings, and you will then pass underneath the Wave Bridge. As the canal bears left, you will walk underneath two more bridges, and then you'll pass the Oak Tree Meadow play area, and on your left is Tesco.
The canal path will bear to the right, and goes underneath the A414 road bridge, after 300 yards head onto the yellow-brick bridge to cross over the canal. With the Maldon Golf Club to your left and Elms Farm Park on your right, continue for half a mile and you will reach Beeleigh Falls, where the canal meets the River Chelmer. Bear left to cross the wooden foot bridge. At this point, you will leave the canal path which continues the whole way to Chelmsford. Turn left just before the lock, passing through a small wooded area and cross another bridge to reach Beeleigh Steam Mill.
Continue along Abbey Turning and turn left down Beeleigh Chase, Beeleigh Abbey is to your left. Follow the path and the canopied green lane and turn left at the T-junction. It will take you under the busy A414 close to the River Chelmer, so that you can avoid the traffic. Continue right along the path and head uphill, passing the Leech Memorial Garden and after 50 yards, follow the path until you reach the tarmacked part of Beeleigh Road. Continue onto Silver Street, passing the Blue Boar to reach the High Street. Turn left and continue along the High Street, passing the roundabout, a set of traffic lights, and continue onto Mill Road. You'll see Maldon Museum to your left, and the entrance to the Promenade Park, where you can then make your way back to your starting point.
ATTRACTIONS
The beloved Steam Tug Brent, which is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet, is moored at the Hythe Quay along with the Barge Tea Room Resourceful which is open year round.
Along with the Splash Park and beach huts, Promenade Park has several play areas, Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, a model boating and crabbing lake, skateboard ramps, wildlife areas, as well as plenty of places to enjoy a picnic. During the warmer months, the Maldon Splash Park is very popular for the kids, along with the beach huts which make for great bases during the day.
EVENTS
You can also enjoy regular concerts, live gigs, open mic nights and tribute bands. If you're looking for intimate music nights, macTheatre holds regular gigs from a variety of high calibre performers.
During the colder months, watch the annual fireworks display at Promenade Park, or get into the Christmas spirit at the Maldon Vintage Fair which takes place along the High Street.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
WHERE TO STAY
LOCATIONS NEARBY

Maldon
Small Island in the Blackwater Estuary with a large area of undisturbed salt marsh. Site of special scientific interest. Site of the Battle of the Maldon in AD991. Guided tours by prior arrangement.
Maldon
Heybridge Basin is popular with both local residents and visitors alike, and is an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely day with family and friends.
Maldon
This beautiful historic island, accessible by car only during low tide, is open as a holiday destination. Just 45 miles from central London at the base of the Thames Estuary.
Along the coastline of the Maldon District, five Saltmarsh Coast Hubs are being installed as part of Maldon District Council's Dengie Gateway Project. Aside from Maldon, they are located in:
These inspirational visitor information points make the perfect starting point for your journey and provide you with engaging facts and details about this fascinating part of Essex's Discovery Coast.

Additionally, audio posts, signage and waymarking will continue to be installed. This work has been undertaken as part of the Maldon District Council’s Dengie Gateway Project funded by the Coastal Community’s Fund.
These inspirational visitor information points make the perfect starting point for your journey and provide you with engaging facts and details about this fascinating part of Essex's Discovery Coast.
Additionally, audio posts, signage and waymarking has also been installed. This work has been undertaken as part of the Maldon District Council’s Dengie Gateway Project funded by the Coastal Community’s Fund.
