This dynamic and diverse coastline is made up of seventy five miles of stunning landscapes and beautiful wilderness. Experience panoramic views across the wild low lying Dengie marshes between the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries. The Saltmarsh Coast is an important wildlife habitat, with plenty of wide open spaces, dynamic tidal estuaries, traditional villages and historic towns. At any time of year, it is the perfect destination to stretch your legs and discover something new.
YOUR JOURNEY ON THE SALTMARSH COAST
Along the coastline of the Maldon District, five Saltmarsh Coast Hubs are being installed as part of Maldon District Council's Dengie Gateway Project. These include:
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.
SALTMARSH TOWNS
Maldon's Hythe Quay is a historic working waterfront that is home to the largest collection of active Thames Sailing Barges. From the quay, you can take a trip on one of these barges with Topsail Charters and the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, or you can also take a cruise aboard the Viking Saga pleasure boat and take in views of the Blackwater Estuary.
Burnham's Quay is home to numerous pubs, cafés, and houseboats, as well as the Burnham-on-Crouch & District Museum. Walking along the quay, you will pass Riverside Park, Burnham's four sailing clubs, and the RNLI lifeboat station. From the quay, you can take the Burnham Ferry over to Wallasea Island from Easter to the end of September.
SALTMARSH VILLAGES

NATURE RESERVES


Rochford
RSPB Wallasea Island Wild Coast project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.
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.
Burnham-on-Crouch
Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.
Maldon
One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing marsh that is managed as a traditional coastal farm using the Trust's own rare breed livestock to encourage a superb variety of wildlife.
Maldon
Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank together with extensive saltmarsh. The spit has been built up by tidal currents and is mainly cockle and oyster shells.
SALTMARSH75 ULTRA MARATHON
Take on the challenge as a walker, a runner, or a bit of both, the choice is yours. If you're not quite up for the full challenge, then we have a variety of packages to suit all, including our new duo option.
ON THE WATER
There are also numerous events that take place on the water throughout the year, from regattas and barge matches, to gig races and river festivals.
