St Peter’s Way: The Maldon District – Day Two (Steeple to Bradwell-on-Sea

Continue the journey along St Peter’s Way into the remote and deeply atmospheric landscapes of the Dengie Peninsula. From Steeple, the pilgrim path crosses farmland, passes through a small wood and winds through peaceful countryside towards the historic village of Tillingham. Beyond the village, the scenery becomes increasingly open and dramatic as the route heads across the coastal plain towards the North Sea. A memorable stretch of seawall then offers expansive views across saltmarsh, tidal flats and the seemingly endless Dengie sky. Near the journey’s end, enjoy afternoon tea and cake at the welcoming Othona Community before continuing to the ancient Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall—one of Essex’s most extraordinary and evocative historic buildings—and the conclusion of this rewarding two-day exploration.

Start time:  9:30 am - this will be the time walkers must assemble at the St Peter-on-the-Wall car park for the transfer, commentary stops, a packed-lunch break and afternoon tea at Othona.
Distance: 8.7 miles

Route Information:

Route Length Category – Long

Accessibility of route – The route includes stiles and long, exposed sections with little shelter. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Meeting point, parking and walk finish – St Peter-on-the-Wall Car Park, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PN. Walkers should drive to the car park and leave their cars there before travelling by Festival-arranged transport to Steeple.

Parking – Parking is available at the St Peter-on-the-Wall car park. Please park considerately and follow any directions given by the Festival team.

Walk start – The Star, The Street, Steeple, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7LF.

Transport arrangements – Transport will take walkers from the St Peter-on-the-Wall car park to The Star at Steeple. The walk then returns to the cars parked near St Peter-on-the-Wall.

Toilets – Toilet facilities will be available at the Star prior to the walk start and at Othona Community.

Public transport – This linear walk is planned around walkers travelling by car and assembling at the finish, then travelling to the start by Festival minibus transport. No suitable public-transport alternative has been identified.

Lunch and refreshments – Walkers should bring a packed lunch, sufficient drinks and snacks, as there will be no scheduled pub lunch stop. Afternoon tea and cake will be available at the Othona Community near the end of the walk at an additional cost of £5 per person. Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking. Refreshments are not included in the Festival and must be paid for by walkers.

Linear route – Village streets, country roads, woodland and field footpaths, and long stretches of exposed seawall.

Location

St Peter-on-the-wall Car Park, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PN