Essex Walks
Set beside the peaceful waters of the River Chelmer, Paper Mill Lock is the starting point for these walks, all centred around beautiful riverside scenery and gentle countryside views.
The shorter option is a simple, family-friendly there-and-back route along the river, complete with a waterside tea room at the finish.
If you have more time, the walks extend into peaceful circular routes through open countryside, with the longest heading towards Little Baddow where you’ll find a traditional village pub before looping back via scenic paths and open views.
Do be aware that riverside sections can flood after heavy rain.
Whether you choose a gentle stroll or a longer ramble, these walks offer a relaxed and rewarding day out in Essex.
Download the Essex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
We dont normally feature linear 'there-and-back' walks on the app, but in this case the riverside walk is so lovely that we thought it was worth adding this as a family-friendly option.
You'll enjoy lots of river-side walking of course as well as a visit to the lovely waterside cafe.
The area can get flooded after lots of wet weather, so best to avoid this route in those cases.
Based on 2 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.
Walk information
If you have more time, and want a longer circular walk from the Paper Mill Lock, then this second route option is the best choice for you.
You'll start off with a long walk alongside the pretty River Chelmer as in the first walk. However, instead of turning back, you'll embark on a big loop of walking through some peaceful countryside enjoying some nice views before eventually meeting up with the river again and heading back to the start.
As with the first route, the whole area can get flooded after lots of wet weather, so please be aware of this before choosing this walk. There is also some walking along a quiet lane on the route, so please be aware of cars.
Based on 6 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
No dog poo bins except at the start/ finish so expect to carry it back with you....One slightly tricky stile....Quite an exposed route so lovely on the sunny day I walked it.
Beautiful walk with dog on lead on lovely summer afternoon
Very very muddy but enjoyable
Lovely walk and views by the river but the farmer had turned the soil covering the footpath leading through the field, he stopped us to say not to walk around the field but through the toiled mud! We did it.
Parking was £5 would of liked to of known this before hand.
Walk information
The third route is basically a much longer adventure from the Paper Mill Lock that still enjoys the wonderful riverside walking and cafe from the other routes.
However, after that you'll embark on a big long countryside ramble that takes you down to the village of Little Baddow, where you can visit a nice pub for refreshments. Then, you'll walk back towards the start, passing the Heather Hills Nature Reserve and enjoying nice views as you walk.
Based on 16 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Essex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Really lovely walk - perfect for a spring day! Be sure to get there early to park though :)
A lovely walk, but quite a few roads to walk along. They are very quiet but for my spaniel that doesnt walk to heel, I prefer the shorter loop on here, so he can run free. The roads are quiet with beautiful houses to look at, lots of countryside and water. Its a beautiful walk.
Lovely walk. Nice starting from Paper Mill Lock with a coffee
Lovely walk with some shade if a hot day. Varied walk lovely tea room with amazing cakes at start and finish.of walk. Also picnic benches at the end of the walk..
Beautiful views, peaceful ambience and wonderul cafe to recharge.
Parking is slightly limited and the cafe opens at 10.00 so take water if an early start
Lovely walk with great views....
Not keen on the road section, but overall was good with nice variety of canal, fields, woodland and some lovely views....
1st walk from the app, very good although a couple of directions could have been better.
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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.
Explore the area
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