North Fambridge to Burnham-on-Crouch walk

20.9 km (13.0 mi), of which 4.4 km (2.7 mi) on tarmac or pavements.

For a shorter walk, see the PDF. Time: 4 hours 25 minutes walking time. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 8 hours.

Serenity, tranquillity, solitude: you’ll find lots of it on this walk on the Dengie Peninsula in Essex, which largely follows the tidal River Crouch eastwards towards the North Sea, on a wide grassy path atop the sea wall, and with the prevailing wind in the back. Far away from any conurbations, you’ll experience wide open and scenic countryside, stark but beautiful, with constantly changing river views, salt marshes, reed ponds, mudflats, creeks, rich bird life, sailing boats and marinas, to then end along the promenade in charming Burnham-on-Crouch, with its plethora of tea options. Flat throughout (apart from the diversion inland for lunch at the good value pub The Three Horseshoes in Althorne), and with exceptionally easy route finding.

Note: the section of riverside footpath between Althorne and Creeksea is likely to be closed for a longer period as of some point in 2nd half 2018 for works on the sea wall. An alternative route has been added to map and gpx file.

It is possible to shorten the walk by taking the train back from Althorne, right before or after lunch, or to take a bus from the lunch pub in Althorne to South Woodham Ferrers.
You can also cut short the approach to the river from Fambridge station in the morning by using a more direct route (cuts 1.4 km/0.9 mi) or cut the Burnham ending short by using a more direct route to the station (cuts 2.1 km/1.3 mi). Taking both shortcuts therefore reduces the length of the walk to 17.4 km (10.9 mi), with a rating of 2/10.
Finally, if you bring your own lunch (there are no shops along the route) for a picnic by the river, you can cut out the walk inland to the lunch pub, reducing the walk by 2.9 km/1.8 mi and cutting 43m of ascent/descent.

North Fambridge and Burnham-on-Crouch are on the single track Crouch Valley Line from Wickford to Southminster, with one train every 40 minutes Mon-Sat, and hourly trains Sun.
Trains to Wickford depart from Liverpool Street (journey time to Fambridge 55 mins Mon-Sat, 66 mins Sun).

The Three Horseshoes, Lower Burnham Road, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6DP (01621 740 307). Open Mon 18.00-22.00, Tue-Wed 12.00-15.00 and 17.00-23.30, Thu-Sat 12.00-23.30, Sun 12.00-22.30. Food served Tue-Thu 12.00-14.30 and 17.00-21.00, Fri-Sat 12.00-21.00, Sun 12.00-19.00. Located 11.5 km into the walk, the Three Horseshoes provides good value, freshly prepared food, from a wide-ranging menu. It has a large garden at the back.

Plenty of options for tea in Burnham. See the pdf for details.