South Woodham Ferrers to North Fambridge Walk

25.7 km (16.0 mi), with 268m ascent/descent. For a shorter or longer walk or an Alternative Ending see below Walk Options

5 out of 10, with 5 hours 30 minutes walking time. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 8 ½ hours.

This varied walk offers splendid views of the Crouch Valley and some mildly undulating landscape featuring plenty of vineyards. After winding its way out of South Woodham Ferrers through some arable fields, it leads across plenty of rolling hills and past the large RHS Garden at Hyde Hall, then passes through a disused cemetery dense with bluebells in season and along more fields to lunch.
The afternoon route passes a couple more bluebell woods as well as some of the vineyards of the Martins Lane and Crows Lane Estates and then features an extended stretch between trees along a long disused railway line.
The finish is a very serene stretch along the tidal River Crouch and through the grassy salt marshes of Blue House Farm Nature Reserve.

Early Finish: Bus Line 3 (Chelmsford – Southend-on-Sea, six buses per day Mon-Sat) from the lunch pub in East Hanningfield stops by Battlesbridge station, one stop closer to Wickford than SWF.
Alternative Ending back in South Woodham Ferrers (19.4 km/12.0 mi).
Shortcut in North Fambridge: use a more direct route to the station (22.9 km/14.2 mi).
Extension in North Fambridge: add more riverside walking and a loop along a permissive path around the Blue House Farm Nature Reserve and its bird hides (28.8 km/17.9 mi).

South Woodham Ferrers and North Fambridge are on the single-track Crouch Valley Line from Wickford to Southminster, with at least one train an hour Mon-Fri, one every 40 minutes Sat, and hourly trains Sun. Trains to Wickford depart from Liverpool Street. Total journey time is from 50 minutes to South Woodham Ferrers, and from 59 minutes returning from North Fambridge.

Saturday Walkers' Club: Take the train closest to 09.30 hours.

The Folly Bistro, The Tye, East Hanningfield, Chelmsford CM3 8AA (01245 400 315). The Folly is located 9.0 km into the walk. Currently closed after a change of ownership.
Vita Bella, The Tye, East Hanningfield, Chelmsford CM3 8AF (01245 400 204). Vita Bella is located 300m off route, 9.3 km from the start of the walk.

The Prince of Wales, Woodham Road, Stow Maries, Essex CM3 6SA (01621 828 971). Located 8.3 km from the end of the full walk. A pub with rooms, voted South Essex CAMRA’s ‘Pub of the Year’ on several occasions.
The Ferry Boat Inn, Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex CM3 6LR (01621 738 844). Located 2.1 km from the end of the walk. A 500-year-old riverside inn with rooms.

The Railway, 50 Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford CM3 5NG (01245 323 300). Right by the station on the Alternative Ending in South Woodham Ferrers

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Mar-26 Thomas G