About

This more challenging but lovely circular walk combines a good stretch of walking in Essex countryside with a decent hike on the seawall alongside the Blackwater estuary from the charming village of Goldhanger. Walk Highlight: The chance to see brent geese, grey plovers, black-tailed godwits and dunlins, and occasionally boats harvesting the oyster beds in the river. This is a challenging walk of around eight miles. Timings include taking a bus to and from Maldon and an optional lunch stop at The Chequers in Goldhanger after the walk.

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival is a 10-day festival, designed to help visitors and locals enjoy the Maldon District's rich tapestry of history and heritage along its 75 miles of coastline. The event will provide led and self-guided walks to suit everyone, from family-friendly short strolls to longer walks for walking enthusiasts. Walks will start from a number of "hives" around the district, including Maldon, Heybridge Basin, Tollesbury, Goldhanger, Burnham-on-Crouch, Bradwell-on-Sea and North Fambridge. Plus, in the evenings there will be a programme of talks and entertainment.

For more information, or to sign up for further details about the daily walks programme and events, head to www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk/walkingfestival.