Essex Way

Location: Essex

OS Maps: Explorer 174, 183,195, 184, 196

A relaxing and enjoyable route, now over 21 years old, which meanders in a generally northeastward direction across the agricultural landscape of Essex to the coast at Harwich. It passes to the north of Chelmsford and Colchester, passing through many attractive villages. At Coggeshall on the old Roman Stane Street you can visit Paycocks House (NT), a fine example of a half timbered Tudor house. The Woolpack inn here is very picturesque.

The highlight of the route is probably the area around Dedham Vale, designated an AONB; there is a countryside centre in the village. Flatford mill (NT) near here is forever associated with the great landscape painter John Constable, particularly 'The Hay Wain'. The scene here is memorable and well worth the visit. After Manningtree, where there are a number of Georgian and Victorian buildings of character, the route follows the south bank of the River Stour estuary. On the estuary is the Alton Water visitor centre and a number of nature reserves.