Walks from Rochford

A circular across countryside and along part of the sea wall, returning along the banks of the River Roach to the attractive historic market town of Rochford.

Rochford

Time: 4h

Lunch: Passes a convenient pub for refreshment.

Walk details: Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (local insights).

Time: 2h30–4h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

The walking part is 5 superb; really it's lovely - big skies, creeks, Paglesham church - very enjoyable. A walk through increasingly rural, remote Essex marshland: big skies, creeks and sea-wall paths and with some exposed stretches and a few narrow nettley paths. The route depends on a seasonal ferry across the River Crouch. Crosses the River Crouch by seasonal ferry; check times and confirm with the ferryman before travelling. Paglesham Church is open and welcoming with an eco-toilet. A loop diversion via Paglesham East End is possible.

Coastal: half along the coast.

Time: 4h–7h30

Lunch: There is also a pub at Great Stambridge for refreshment.

Warnings: The route crosses the River Crouch by a seasonal on-demand ferry (Good Friday to end of September, weather permitting); outside this period it cannot take you the whole way, and the ferry has proved unreliable, so call ahead to confirm. Long exposed stretches need sun protection. Wallasea is an island that can be cut off by very high tides covering the path.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A rural route with some lovely countryside sections and a passage through woodland and let down by busy road crossings and a stretch of road walking. Patchy waymarking in places. Approved sections of the England Coast Path will in future remove the need for the A132 crossings.

Time: 5h–10h

Warnings: Busy crossings of the A132 (Burnham Road) just west of South Woodham Ferrers, and perilous road walking on Beeches Road east of Battlesbridge. Waymarking is patchy between Watery Lane and Hullbridge Road.

Walk details: Slow Ways.