Best walks in Essex by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in Essex and plan your next day of green.
Bures Station to Sudbury Station
1h 15m from Liverpool Street, with one change.
17km. Moderate ascents. 4h30–7h30.
Gently rolling farmland, river meadows, woodland, open fields, historic market town, and pastoral common lands. Can be muddy.
Lunch stop: the Bulmer Fox (3h–4h30 in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Angel, the White Horse, or Ree's.
Newport Station to Audley End Station
1h from Liverpool Street, with one change.
14km. Moderate ascents. 4h–6h30.
Spoiled by a long trek along a busy road near Audley End.
Highlights: Saffron Walden.
Lunch stops in Saffron Walden: the Temeraire, Waffle, the Courtyard Tearoom, the Kings Arms, or the Eight Bells.
End-of-walk reward: Audley End House and Gardens.
Stratford Station to Stratford International Station
7m direct from London St. Pancras International.
Easy: 0km, moderate ascents. 30m.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
White Notley Station to Marks Tey Station
1h from Liverpool Street, with one change.
Tough: 21km. Moderate ascents. 7h.
Beautiful. Field paths with street sections at either end and flat and easy-going.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Manor Park Station to Epping Station
15m direct from Liverpool Street.
24km. 5h30.
Ancient woodland, open flats, commons, forest rides, gravel tracks, residential roads, and meadows. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
[Rainham Station](/train-stations/south-east-england/kent/rainham) to Grays Station
30m direct from Fenchurch Street.
16km.
Flat riverside path, marshland, industrial scenery, flood defences, graffiti art walls, former wharves, and Thames views throughout. Flood risk eastern half.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Ingatestone Station to Battlesbridge Station
30m direct from Liverpool Street.
24km. 5h30.
Wid Valley fields, riverside paths, cattle farm estate, bluebell woods, tree-lined tracks, open fields with far views, and Crouch Valley finish. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Harlow Town Station Circular
30m direct from Liverpool Street.
14km.
Flat, easy farmland, open fields, riverside, and quiet villages. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
[Rainham Station](/train-stations/south-east-england/kent/rainham) to Purfleet Station
30m direct from Fenchurch Street.
12km. 3h.
Completely flat, tarmac and hard surfaces, riverside sea wall, reed beds, marshes, and industrial-edge landscape with Thames views. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Laindon Station Circular
30m direct from Fenchurch Street.
20km. 5h.
Hilly Essex countryside, ancient and modern woods, flower-rich meadows, farmland, panoramic Thames Estuary views, and conservation village. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Wickford Station to Battlesbridge Station
30m direct from Liverpool Street.
21km. 4h30.
Rolling grassy fields, quiet lanes, scattered woods, reservoir nature reserve, river valley, and tidal mudflats. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Tilbury Town Station to East Tilbury Station
45m direct from Fenchurch Street.
13km.
Flat Thames Estuary coast path, riverside sea wall, wild flower meadows, salt marsh views, former landfill landscape, and brief inland section. Check tide timings.