Think Outside the Car in Essex

Walks, Collections

Boost your mental and physical health by ditching the car and exploring Essex on foot and by public transport. Enjoy the county’s beauty on these strolls through nature reserves, parks and along the coast.

  • Preview of Brentwood Butterfly Meadow Puzzle

    Brentwood Butterfly Meadow Puzzle

    Shenfield, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    30 minutes / 0.1km
    A kid-friendly puzzle trail around Brentwood’s Butterfly Meadow. Find the clues & crack the puzzle. Fun for all the family!
    Great views Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Brentwood to Shenfield Trail

    Brentwood to Shenfield Trail

    Brentwood North Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 10m / 5.5km
    Walk from Brentwood station to Shenfield Station via Merrymeade Country Park.
    Wildlife Refreshments Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Sculptures Along The Stort

    Sculptures Along The Stort

    Netteswell Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 15m / 3.8km
    A nature filled jaunt, complete with gorgeous sculpture, historic flour Mills turned art studios & canal boats galore.
    Wildlife Water feature Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of The South Woodham Ferrers Wander

    The South Woodham Ferrers Wander

    South Woodham Ferrers, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    45 minutes / 1.4km
    Take a wander around South Woodham Ferrers’ Compass Gardens & a lagoon Fen. Nature, wildlife & a play park. Fun for all the family.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of River Stort Sculpture Trail

    River Stort Sculpture Trail

    Netteswell Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 30m / 2.2km
    A nature filled jaunt, complete with gorgeous sculptures, a historic flour Mill turned art studio & canal boats galore.
    Wildlife Water feature Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Todd Brook Path to Netteswell Pond

    Todd Brook Path to Netteswell Pond

    Harlow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1 hour / 1.5km
    Follow the Todd Path to Netteswell Pond. A great place for kids & dogs, with lots of wildlife to spot on your way.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Stroll Around St Faith’s Park

    Stroll Around St Faith’s Park

    Brentwood North Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    25 minutes / 0.8km
    A nature filled jaunt around St Faith’s Countryside. Perfect for dog walkers or those looking for a nature filled walking route.
    Wildlife Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Merrymeade Country Park - Brentwood

    Merrymeade Country Park - Brentwood

    Brentwood North Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    55 minutes / 2.5km
    Enjoy nature on this walk from Merrymeade Country Park to Brentwood station. Woodland, ponds & wildlife galore on this jaunt.
    Wildlife Refreshments Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Merrymeade Country Park - Shenfield

    Merrymeade Country Park - Shenfield

    Shenfield, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 15m / 3km
    Take a nature filled walk from Merrymeade Country Park to Shenfield station. Woodland, ponds & wildlife galore on this jaunt.
    Wildlife Public transport Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of The Warley Park Wander

    The Warley Park Wander

    Warley, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    45 minutes / 1.8km
    Enjoy a woodland stroll around Warley Country Park. Spot birds, butterflies & bees whilst exploring woodlands, grasslands & ponds en-route.
    Wildlife Water feature Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of The Hepworth Sculpture Trail

    The Hepworth Sculpture Trail

    Harlow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 20m / 6.4km
    Discover nine sculptures & their stories during this circular walk from Harlow Town Park.
    Wheel friendly Public toilets Public transport Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Town Park to Museum & Gardens

    Town Park to Museum & Gardens

    Harlow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1 hour / 2km
    A short walk from Harlow Town Park to Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, passing through Glebelands & Mark Hall Park on the way.
    Wheel friendly Public toilets Refreshments Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Central Park to Hylands Park Wander

    Central Park to Hylands Park Wander

    Chelmsford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 20m / 2.3km
    Take a walk from Central Park to Hylands Park, via Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve & the Chelmsford Clock Tower.
    Wheel friendly Refreshments Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Central Park to Hylands Park Trail

    Central Park to Hylands Park Trail

    Chelmsford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    55 minutes / 2.2km
    A short walk from Central Park to Hylands Park, passing Chelmsford Museum as you go.
    Wheel friendly Refreshments Public transport History Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Brentwood - Merrymeade Country Park

    Brentwood - Merrymeade Country Park

    Brentwood North Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    55 minutes / 2.5km
    A linear walk from Brentwood station to Merrymeade Country Park. Woodland, ponds & wildlife galore on this jaunt.
    Wildlife Refreshments Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Shenfield - Merrymeade Country Park

    Shenfield - Merrymeade Country Park

    Shenfield, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 15m / 3km
    A linear walk from Shenfield station to Merrymeade Country Park. Woodland, ponds & wildlife galore on this jaunt.
    Wildlife Public transport Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Harlow Town Park Puzzle Trail

    Harlow Town Park Puzzle Trail

    Harlow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    30 minutes / 0.5km
    A kid-friendly puzzle trail around Harlow Town Park. Find the clues & crack the puzzle. Fun for all the family!
    Wheel friendly Public toilets Refreshments Public transport Parking Child friendly
  • Preview of Ingatestone to Ingatestone Hall

    Ingatestone to Ingatestone Hall

    Ingatestone, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    50 minutes / 2.4km
    Enjoy this short walk from Ingatestone Station to the 16th century Ingatestone Hall. Can be muddy in places. Great for dog walkers.
    Great views Public transport Parking History Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of The Ancient Hartswood Wander

    The Ancient Hartswood Wander

    Brentwood, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    40 minutes / 1.2km
    Enjoy a circular walk around the ancient Hartswood. Great for wildlife spotters, kids and dogs too. Can get very muddy in wet weather.
    Public toilets Public transport Parking Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of River Stort Nature Trail

    River Stort Nature Trail

    Harlow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    45 minutes / 1.6km
    Enjoy this short nature walk along the River Stort. Complete with sculptures en-route, beautiful riverside views & wildlife.
    Water feature Public toilets Refreshments Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of River Stort Ramble

    River Stort Ramble

    Harlow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    45 minutes / 1.6km
    Take a short walk along the River Stort. Beautiful waterside views, wildlife encounters & lots of narrowboats to spot whilst walking.
    Water feature Public toilets Refreshments Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Broomfield Hospital Nature Trail

    Broomfield Hospital Nature Trail

    Broomfield, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    45 minutes / 1.5km
    Take a nature filled walk around Broomfield Hospitals green spaces. Including two woodland areas & a tranquil well-being terrace.
    Wildlife Water feature Public transport Parking Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of The Chelmsford Green Space Trail

    The Chelmsford Green Space Trail

    Chelmsford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    40 minutes / 2.3km
    A relaxed stroll around Chelmsford’s beautiful green spaces, including Bell Meadow, Central Park & Admirals Park Local Nature Reserve.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Melbourne Park Meander

    Melbourne Park Meander

    Chelmsford , Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    35 minutes / 1.4km
    This circular walk around Melbourne Park takes you through College Wood, on the lush playing fields & past the kids play park.
    Wildlife Parking Dog friendly Child friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Central to Hylands Park via Writtle

    Central to Hylands Park via Writtle

    Chelmsford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 5.7km
    A walk from Central Park to Hylands Park via Admirals Park. This route mostly follows the flat Writtle Cycle Path.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Bell Meadow to Hylands Park

    Bell Meadow to Hylands Park

    Chelmsford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 6.5km
    A walk from Bell Meadow to Hylands Park, via Central Park, Admirals Park. Passing by Hylands School & Writtle.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of High Woods Country Park

    High Woods Country Park

    Colchester, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 45m / 2.8km
    Beginning at Colchester station, this walks follows the yellow path around the High Woods Country Park.
    Wildlife Water feature Public transport Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Rochford Circular Walk

    Rochford Circular Walk

    Rochford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 35m / 11.1km
    This circular walk around the historic market town of Rochford. With countryside views, the sea wall & plenty of pubs along the way!
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Refreshments Public transport Botanics
  • Preview of Brookes Natural Woodland Wander

    Brookes Natural Woodland Wander

    Braintree, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 25m / 1.6km
    A lovely walk through a Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Great for kids, dogs and grown ups too. Bring a picnic and muddy boots.
    Wildlife Picnic spot Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Meandering in Mill Meadows

    Meandering in Mill Meadows

    Billericay, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    40 minutes / 1.3km
    A nature walk around Mill Meadows in Billericay. Only minutes from the high street. Tranquil and perfect for picnics, jaunts and more.
    Wildlife Public transport Picnic spot Hilly & steep Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Harlow Town Park

    Harlow Town Park

    Netteswell Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 45m / 2.7km
    A lovely jaunt around one of the largest urban parks in the country with 5 unique stunning gardens and much more.
    Wheel friendly Public toilets Refreshments Picnic spot Parking Child friendly
  • Preview of Parndon Woods Nature Reserve

    Parndon Woods Nature Reserve

    Sumners and Kingsmoor Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1 hour / 1.3km
    Beautiful scenery, wildlife hides, den building and an amazing bug hotel at this wonderful nature reserve. Cafe on site too.
    Wildlife Public toilets Refreshments Picnic spot Parking Child friendly
  • Preview of Witham to Whetmead Nature Reserve

    Witham to Whetmead Nature Reserve

    Witham, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 50m / 6.7km
    A walk from Witham Station, along the River Brain to the Whetmead Nature Reserve and back.
    Wildlife Water feature Refreshments Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Bures Station to Chappel Station

    Bures Station to Chappel Station

    Chappel, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 40m / 6.3km
    A walk from Bures to Chappel. With varied terrain, rolling countryside views & railway history.
    Wildlife Great views Public transport Hilly & steep Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Chappel Station to Bures Station

    Chappel Station to Bures Station

    Chappel, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 40m / 6.3km
    A walk from Chappel to Bures. With varied terrain, rolling countryside views & railway history.
    Wildlife Great views Public transport Hilly & steep Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Chappel Station to Marks Tey

    Chappel Station to Marks Tey

    Chappel, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 30m / 8.7km
    Explore the high plateau of north east Essex, enjoying views across the valleys of the River Colne & passing under the Chappel viaduct.
    Wildlife Great views Public transport History Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Marks Tey to Chappel Station

    Marks Tey to Chappel Station

    Marks Tey, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 30m / 8.7km
    Explore the high plateau of north east Essex, enjoying views across the valleys of the River Colne & passing under the Chappel viaduct.
    Wildlife Great views Public transport History Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Paper Mill Lock

    Paper Mill Lock

    Little Baddow, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 5m / 1.8km
    A peaceful stroll along the River Chelmer. Complete with easy terrain, wildlife & waterside views.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Refreshments Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Flitch Way Path to Rayne Café

    Flitch Way Path to Rayne Café

    Braintree, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 40m / 3.5km
    A short, easy walk from Braintree Station, following the Flitch Way Path to Rayne Café. Packed with railway history! 🚂
    Wildlife Refreshments Public transport Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Althorne to North Fambridge

    Althorne to North Fambridge

    Althorne, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 7.9km
    A 5 mile, easy walk along the sea wall, through the Blue House Farm nature reserve.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Public transport Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of North Fambridge to Althorne

    North Fambridge to Althorne

    North Fambridge, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 8km
    A 5 mile, easy walk along the sea wall, through the Blue House Farm nature reserve.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Public transport Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Wrabness Circular Loop

    Wrabness Circular Loop

    Wrabness, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    45 minutes / 3km
    A circular stroll with great views through Wrabness in Essex. Great for families and dogs. Features Grayson Perry’s, ‘A House for Essex’.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Langdon Hills Loop

    Langdon Hills Loop

    Langdon Hills, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 30m / 3.9km
    Meander through meadows, wander through woodlands and explore Marks Hill Nature Reserve.
    Water feature Public toilets Picnic spot Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Manningtree to Flatford Mill

    Manningtree to Flatford Mill

    Lawford, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 3km
    A gorgeous stroll from Manningtree to Flatford Mill, taking Constable’s birthplace. Some paths may be a little bumpy for those with wheels.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Public transport Child friendly
  • Preview of Burnham-on-Crouch Circular Route

    Burnham-on-Crouch Circular Route

    Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 10m / 8.6km
    A circular stroll through Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. Great views and some history en route.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Refreshments Public transport Child friendly
  • Preview of Leigh-on-Sea to Southend-on-Sea

    Leigh-on-Sea to Southend-on-Sea

    Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 30m / 5.9km
    A 4-mile jaunt along the coast from Leigh-on-Sea to Southend. An accessible beachside walk with fab views & lots of history.
    Wheel friendly Great views Public transport Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Gloucester Park Loop - Step Free

    Gloucester Park Loop - Step Free

    St. Martin's Ward, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    30 minutes / 1.6km
    A circular stroll around the beautiful park with the Crouch River, central to the stunning landscape throughout. Why not bring a picnic?!
    Wheel friendly Water feature Public transport Picnic spot Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Southend-on-Sea to Leigh-on-Sea

    Southend-on-Sea to Leigh-on-Sea

    Southend-on-Sea City Centre, Southend-on-Sea

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 5.9km
    A 4-mile jaunt along the coast from Southend Central to Leigh-on-Sea. An accessible beachside walk with fab views & lots of history.
    Wheel friendly Great views Public toilets Public transport Picnic spot Child friendly
  • Preview of Wivenhoe Trail (Wivenhoe to Hythe)

    Wivenhoe Trail (Wivenhoe to Hythe)

    Wivenhoe, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1 hour / 4.3km
    An easy stroll along the River Colne. Beginning in Wivenhoe & ending up in Colchester’s Hythe.
    Wildlife Wheel friendly Great views Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Wivenhoe Trail (Hythe to Wivenhoe)

    Wivenhoe Trail (Hythe to Wivenhoe)

    Colchester, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 35m / 4.1km
    A lovely riverside walk to Wivenhoe. Can be muddy in places but suitable for children, buggies & dog walkers.
    Wildlife Wheel friendly Great views Public transport Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Promenade Park Trail - Step Free

    Promenade Park Trail - Step Free

    Maldon, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 15m / 2.5km
    Lakes, playgrounds and fab views await you on this family friendly walk. Step free with the option for a short off road wildlife detour.
    Wheel friendly Water feature Public transport Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Beeleigh Falls Bimble

    Beeleigh Falls Bimble

    Maldon, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 20m / 3.9km
    A riverside and woodland stroll along the River Blackwater and River Chelmer to where they meet at the impressive Beeleigh Falls.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Public transport Parking Dog friendly
  • Preview of Roaming The Roman River Valley

    Roaming The Roman River Valley

    Layer-de-la-Haye, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1 hour / 4.2km
    Discover ancient woodlands, historic Roman rivers & rolling countryside on this walk in Layer-de-la-Haye.
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Picnic spot Parking Dog friendly
  • Preview of Circling Around Canvey Heights

    Circling Around Canvey Heights

    Canvey Island, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    30 minutes / 1.7km
    A lovely short circular walk around Canvey Heights Country Park with sweeping views. Please note it’s currently only open during the week.
    Water feature Great views Parking Dog friendly Child friendly
  • Preview of Cudmore Grove Country Park

    Cudmore Grove Country Park

    East Mersea, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2 hours / 5.3km
    A circular walk around Cudmore Grove Country Park. With great views, history & an abundance of wildlife.
    Wildlife Great views Public toilets Picnic spot Parking Dog friendly
  • Preview of Walking Through Thrift Wood

    Walking Through Thrift Wood

    Bicknacre, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    2hr 30m / 9km
    Enjoy countryside views & ancient woodland on this jaunt which will be muddy in wet or wintry weather. Tearoom at the end!
    Wildlife Great views Picnic spot Parking Dog friendly Botanics
  • Preview of Aubrey Buxton Reserve & Surrounds

    Aubrey Buxton Reserve & Surrounds

    Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1hr 30m / 3.2km
    A shorter jaunt encompassing a nature reserve, farmland & wildflower meadows. Muddy boots maybe required in wet weather.
    Wildlife Parking History Dog friendly
  • Preview of Bradwell-on-Sea circular

    Bradwell-on-Sea circular

    Bradwell on Sea, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    3hr 30m / 10.1km
    Enjoy the tranquility of the saltmarshes, the songs of the seabirds and the history of this corner of the Dengie Peninsula
    Wildlife Water feature Great views Parking History Dog friendly
  • Preview of Magnolia Park & Nature Reserve Walk

    Magnolia Park & Nature Reserve Walk

    Hawkwell, Essex

    by safergreenerhealthier

    by safergreenerhealthier

    1 hour / 3.3km
    A loop through the park and nature reserve. Beautiful whatever the season although it will be muddy underfoot if it’s been raining.
    Public transport Picnic spot Parking Dog friendly Child friendly

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