Clayhill Vineyard, River Crouch and Wine Tasting

Discover the beautiful landscape surrounding Clayhill Vineyard, wonderfully positioned on south-facing slopes overlooking the scenic Crouch Valley. Vineyard owner Dale Symonds will lead you through the vines, sharing the history of the farm and explaining what makes the Crouch Valley—one of the world’s fastest-growing wine regions—such a special place for producing quality wines. Continue across the marshes to the seawall for expansive views over the River Crouch, its saltmarshes and Bridgemarsh Island, before returning through the vineyard. Afterwards, enjoy an optional tasting of three Clayhill wines, lunch or both at the vineyard café.

Start time: 11:00am
Distance: 2.87 miles
Time: Approximately 2 hours walking time, followed by optional lunch and wine tasting

Route Information:

Route Length Category – Short

Accessibility of route – Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Start and finish – Clayhill Vineyard, Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Chelmsford, CM3 6HF.

Parking – Free parking is available at Clayhill Vineyard.

Toilets – Public toilets, including an accessible toilet, are available at the vineyard.

Public transport – Althorne railway station is approximately one mile from Clayhill Vineyard, around a 15–20-minute walk. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Lunch and wine tasting – The following optional choices will be available after the walk:

• Tasting of three Clayhill wines – £5 per person
• Cheese and ham ploughman’s lunch – £10 per person
• Cheese and biscuit platter – £10 per person

Vegan cheese and gluten-free bread or biscuits can be provided when requested in advance. Please indicate when booking whether you would like to stay for lunch or the wine tasting and provide details of any dietary requirements. Lunch and wine tasting are not included in the Festival and must be paid for by walkers. Card and cash accepted.

Circular route – Vineyard tracks, field and marsh footpaths, seawall, and grass and gravel farm tracks.