Essex Way

The Essex Way is a waymarked long-distance footpath 81 miles long, along footpaths and roads in Essex, England.

The trail starts in Epping in the south-west, crosses Dedham Vale and Constable country to finish at the port of Harwich on the Stour estuary.

It leads you through ancient woodlands, open farmland, tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, unveiling historic towns and villages along the way.^[1]

Look out for the special Essex Way plaques and direction arrows. The original CPRE signs were dark green, but most of these have now been replaced with Essex County Council plaques depicting two poppies on a white background. These are attached to fingerposts, stiles, gates, footbridges and posts. The Essex Way is clearly signposted and waymarked in both directions, although it isn't clear if you start at the Harwich end that you need to start by heading towards the sea front and then turn right, so the maps in the guidebook are fairly essential in that instance. The waymarks, together with the maps in the guidebook, make the walk easy to follow. The guidebook illustrates points of interest along the way and includes an accommodation guide for the whole route.

Visit the Essex County Council's website for more information about Public rights of way in Essex. To download trail route instructions of the Essex Way visit essexway.org.uk

The Essex Way crosses three other Long distance footpaths including St Peter's Way (a 45-mile (72.5 km) walk from Chipping Ongar to Bradwell-on-Sea), the Three Forests Way (a 60-mile (97 km) circular walk linking Epping, Hatfield and Hainhault forests) and the Essex Clayway (a 28 miles (45 km) linking the Essex Way at Coggeshall to St Peter's Way at Mundon).

The Essex Way was conceived as a result of a competition organised by the CPRE in 1972.

The Essex Way is well served by public transport, especially by train services. For details of bus and train timetables contact the Public Transport section of Essex County Council (01245) 492211.

Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 "Explorer Maps" : Epping Forest & Lee Valley No. 174, Chelmsford and The Rodings No.183, Braintree and Saffron Waldon No.195, Sudbury, Hadleigh.

• Full route description from Harwich to Epping with photos and maps
• Essex Way trail instructions
• Colne Valley Pages
• Ramblers Association
• Photos of the Essex Way on geograph.org.uk

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