Essex Walks

Abberton Reservoir Walks & Route Maps

Abberton Reservoir walk, Essex
Abberton Reservoir · Photo: terry joyce

These walks around Abberton Reservoir explore the Nature Discovery Park, following a mix of waterside paths, woodland edges, and open stretches with views across the reservoir.

The area includes a range of habitats, from open water to grassland and woodland, with plenty of chances to see birdlife along the way. The longer route continues further around the reservoir, covering more of the shoreline and surrounding countryside.

Download the Essex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Abberton Reservoir Walk 1

Walk distance
1¼ miles
Time
30 mins
Route type
Circular

This short Abberton Reservoir route offers an easy-going walk around the woodlands of the Nature Discovery Park.

Managed in part by Essex Wildlife Trust, the area supports a range of habitats, from open water to surrounding grassland and woodland.

Birdlife can often be seen across the reservoir, while the wooded areas add a calmer, more enclosed atmosphere along the way.

Abberton Reservoir Walk 1 3.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating3.0

Mixed feedback from walkers

Dog friendly5.0 / 5
Path condition5.0 / 5
Buggy friendly5.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly5.0 / 5
Toilet facilities4.0 / 5
Pub or café3.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingTotally level
LivestockNo livestock
StilesSeveral stiles
Mud levelDry underfoot

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.

Walk information

Abberton Reservoir Walk 2

Walk distance
4½ miles
Time
2.5 hours
Route type
Circular

Like the first route, this longer Abberton Reservoir route still enjoys the lovely Nature Discovery park.

However, this walk also adds a big loop of walking around another section of the reservoir, enjoying more views of the water and more peaceful countryside.

Abberton Reservoir Walk 2 4.5 Ratings and reviews 2 ratings · 1 review

Based on 2 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.5

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly5.0 / 5
Path condition4.5 / 5
Buggy friendly2.5 / 5
Wheelchair friendly2.0 / 5
Toilet facilities2.5 / 5
Pub or café4.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockSome livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelBoots recommended

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Great walk , only downside the bugs in the air so probably go a different a different time of year next time . Toilets in visitors centre at beginning/end of walk . Cafe in centre doesnt serve hot meals so we didn’t stay but there seemed to be a good selection of sandwiches, cakes etc . Lots of birds , overall an enjoyable morning out.

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Essex Walks App

Follow the Abberton Reservoir walks with GPS guidance

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Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

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Expanded route map for Abberton Reservoir Walk 1, a 1.25 mile circular walk in Essex