Goldhanger: Smugglers & Skulduggery

Step into Goldhanger’s murkier past on this entertaining circular walk through village streets, old lanes, farmland and along the coast. Discover the ingenious methods used by local smuggling gangs to move their contraband inland—but you’ll have to join the walk to learn their secrets! After a coffee and cake stop at the Beach House Café, the route follows the seawall past the tidal causeway to Osea Island, with more colourful tales of illicit liquor and island skulduggery. Returning to Goldhanger, you’ll see the village’s historic coastguard cottages and hear about the Chequers Inn’s reputed connections with smuggling—including rumours of a secret tunnel leading towards a nearby creek. An optional pub lunch provides a convivial end to this fascinating journey through local history.

Start time: 10:00am

Distance: 6.2 miles

Time: 3.5 hours, including a 20–30 minute refreshment break, plus optional lunch after the walk

Route information

Route Length Category:  Medium

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

Start and finish: Village Pump, Goldhanger

Parking: Walkers staying for lunch afterwards may use the Chequers PH car park, Head Street, Goldhanger, CM9 8AS. Otherwise, please park considerately in Head Street or Church Street. The nearest available space may be a short walk from the meeting point, so please allow sufficient time.

Toilets: Available at the Beach House Café for paying customers and at the Chequers Pub at the end of the walk.

Public transport: Goldhanger is served by local bus services. The nearest bus stop is Head Street, close to the Village Pump. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Lunch: There will be a refreshment stop at the Beach House Café during the walk, with an optional lunch at the Chequers Pub afterwards. Please indicate whether you will be having lunch, so we can send menu details to you to place a pre-order directly with the pub.

Circular route: Village streets and lanes, field footpaths, farm tracks, short road sections, surfaced coastal paths and seawall.