Walk and Cruise the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation

Enjoy the best of both worlds by combining an attractive estuary walk with a relaxing return cruise along the historic Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. Beginning at Heybridge Basin, the eastern end of the waterway designed by celebrated canal engineer John Rennie, the walk offers expansive views across the Blackwater Estuary towards Northey Island and Maldon. The estuary, former gravel pits and surrounding marshes provide excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of birdlife, while other points of interest include the distant statue of Anglo-Saxon leader Byrhtnoth and the community-managed Chelmer & Blackwater Nature Reserve. At the end of the walking section, board an Essex Waterways boat for a leisurely 40–50-minute journey along the Navigation, experiencing this peaceful historic waterway from an entirely different perspective before returning to Heybridge Basin.

Start time: 11:00am

Distance: 3 miles

Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, including stops and the 40–50-minute return cruise

Route information:

Route Length Category – Short

Accessibility of route – The route includes steps or a ramp leading from Daisy Meadow Car Park to the towpath, together with steps into Tesco Car Park at the end of the walking section. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Start and finish – Daisy Meadow Car Park, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RW. What3words: ///directly.organ.centuries

Boat departure point – The boat landing beside Tesco, Fullbridge, Maldon. What3words: ///shapeless.lads.loved. The boat is scheduled to depart at 1:00pm and return walkers to Heybridge Basin at approximately 1:40pm.

Parking – Parking is available at Daisy Meadow Car Park. Please ensure that you pay for sufficient parking time to cover the complete walk and cruise.

Toilets – Available at Tesco at the end of the walking section.

Public transport – Heybridge Basin is served by local bus services. The nearest bus stop is Heybridge Basin, a short walk from Daisy Meadow Car Park. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Lunch and refreshments – There is no formal lunch stop. Walkers will have a short opportunity to purchase picnic supplies and use the toilets at Tesco before boarding the boat. Food and refreshments are not included in the Festival and must be paid for by walkers.

Circular route – A one-way estuary and towpath walk followed by a return boat journey to Heybridge Basin.