Woodham Walter and the Tranquil Navigation Towpath

Enjoy a varied circular walk linking Maldon with the peaceful countryside around Woodham Walter. Leaving the town past All Saints’ Church and the historic Blue Boar Hotel, the walk visits the hidden Leech Memorial Garden before continuing past Beeleigh Abbey and across fields and quiet lanes. There will be a packed-lunch stop at The Cats—one of Essex’s prettiest traditional pubs—before the walk continues towards Hoe Mill Lock and joins the tranquil Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. Follow its waterside towpath past locks, rural scenery and abundant wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the changing views, before reaching the impressive meeting of waterways at Beeleigh Falls and returning to Maldon.

Start time: 10:30am

Distance: 7.5 miles

Time: 4 hours 30 minutes, including a one-hour lunch stop

Route information

Route Length Category: Long

Accessibility of route: The route includes three stiles. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Start and finish: Butt Lane Car Park, Maldon, CM9 5HD, near the public toilets.

Toilets: Available at Butt Lane Car Park and The Cats.

Public transport: Maldon High Street is served by several local bus routes. The nearest bus stop is All Saints Church, a short walk from Butt Lane Car Park. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Lunch: There will be a one-hour lunch stop at The Cats in Woodham Walter. The pub does not serve food on Sundays, but walkers are welcome to bring and eat their own packed lunches on the understanding that they purchase refreshments from the pub. Sandwiches and scones are available to pre-order from one of our festival partners - please select this option at checkout and further details will be sent regarding lunch options.

Refreshments are not included in the Festival and must be paid for by walkers. The Cats does not accept card payments, so please remember to bring cash.

Circular route: Town streets, field footpaths, quiet country lanes, riverbank paths and the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation towpath.