Walks from Billericay

A route on mostly easy paths that get waterlogged and very muddy in places, crossing a golf course where the path is unclear and with some confusing navigation points. The Billericay-to-Stock half is lower quality and very muddy; the Stock-to-Chelmsford half has nice views and varied paths.

Time: 5h30–11h

Warnings: The path across Stock golf course is unclear and badly marked, seeming to go through the middle of holes. Take care crossing the fast-moving A414, which the main route crosses twice. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A safe, improved route avoiding the original's dangerous ring-road section by going through the pedestrianised town centre, using Mill Meadows local nature reserve and a quiet no-through residential road to avoid the busy A176. The nature-reserve paths are hand-drawn rather than snapped to the map and so the line is only a rough match. Goes through Mill Meadows local nature reserve, using its waymarked trails. Several places to stop and multiple bus routes nearby.

Time: 2h30–5h

Lunch: A Tesco Express and two pubs in Great Burstead near the central section, and eateries in a shopping park on Barleyfield Road a little off route.

Warnings: The line through Mill Meadows is only roughly drawn and may be difficult to follow on the ground.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Starts along roads, then opens into countryside across farmers' fields (paths can be faint where recently seeded) and becoming more urban but quiet on the approach to town through Hutton Mount.

Time: 2h30–5h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A walk through fields and woods on footpaths and with a long section along a main road. The ground is rough in places with several stiles.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 2h30–5h

1 lunch spot: the Nags Head

Warnings: A long section along Heath Road has little or no pavement, with fast traffic and a sharp bend, which can feel unsafe. Cattle in a field near Castledon Road may be aggressive.

Walk details: Slow Ways.