Langford and Great Totham Country Ramble

Led by the Chelmer and Blackwater Ramblers, this rewarding full-day country ramble links Langford, Great Totham, Little Braxted and Wickham Bishops. Beginning beside the Museum of Power, the route passes St Giles, believed to have Britain’s only surviving western church apse, before crossing open farmland to Great Totham. Continue through attractive villages and enjoy fine views across the Blackwater countryside before lunch at Braxted Bakery. The afternoon follows the River Blackwater through Benton Hall and visits Old St Peter’s Church at Wickham Bishops, with medieval wall paintings and a contemporary stained-glass studio. The return follows part of the former Maldon–Witham railway, passing the remains of Wickham Bishops station, a rare timber trestle viaduct and the scene of a dramatic railway accident in 1869. This wonderfully varied walk combines beautiful countryside, striking architecture, local industrial heritage and railway history.

Start time: 9:30am
Distance: 11 miles
Time: 6 hours, including lunch at Braxted Bakery and a visit to Old St Peter’s Church

Route Information:

Route Length Category - Long

Accessibility of route – No steps or stiles. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Start and finish – Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, CM9 6QA. Park in the event field behind the museum. The walk leader will be there to direct you.

Toilets – Available at the Museum of Power and Braxted Bakery.

Lunch – The walk includes a one-hour lunch stop at Braxted Bakery (lunch not included in Festival).

Circular route - Field paths, village lanes, riverside paths, golf-course paths and the trackbed of the former Maldon–Witham railway.