North Fambridge to Burnham-on-Crouch Walk

20.9 km (13.0 mi), with 126/120m ascent/descent. For a shorter or longer walk see below Walk Options

Serenity, tranquillity, solitude and ‘Big Skies’: you’ll find lots of it on this walk on the Dengie Peninsula in Essex, which largely follows the tidal River Crouch eastwards towards the North Sea, on a wide grassy path atop the sea wall, and with the prevailing wind in the back. Far away from any conurbations, you’ll experience wide open and scenic countryside, stark but beautiful, with constantly changing river views, salt marshes, reed ponds, mudflats, creeks, rich bird life, sailing boats and marinas, to then end along the promenade in charming Burnham-on-Crouch, with its plethora of tea options.
Flat throughout (apart from the diversion inland for lunch at the good value pub The Three Horseshoes in Althorne), and with exceptionally easy route finding.

Shortcuts:

• It is possible to shorten the walk by taking the train back from Althorne, right before or after lunch.
• You can also cut short the approach to the river from Fambridge station in the morning by using a more direct route (cuts 1.4 km/0.9 mi) or cut the Burnham ending short by using a more direct route to the station (cuts 2.1 km/1.3 mi). Taking both shortcuts therefore reduces the length of the walk to 17.4 km (10.9 mi), with a rating of 1/10.
• If you bring your own lunch (there are no shops along the route) for a picnic by the river, you can cut out the walk inland to the lunch pub, reducing the walk by 2.9 km/1.8 mi.

An Extension near the end, further along the Crouch towards the Sea, then turning back inland through the saltmarshes and along farm tracks, adds 6.0 km (3.7 mi).

North Fambridge Station, map reference TQ 855 977, is 5 km east of South Woodham Ferrers and 7m above sea level. Burnham- on-Crouch Station, map reference TQ 984 965, is 9 km east of North Fambridge and 14m above sea level. Both are in Essex. North Fambridge and Burnham-on-Crouch are on the single track Crouch Valley Line from Wickford to Southminster, with one train every 40 minutes Mon-Sat, and hourly trains Sun. Trains to Wickford depart from Liverpool Street (journey time to Fambridge 55 mins Mon-Sat, 66 mins Sun).

Saturday Walkers’ Club: Take the train closest to 9.30 hours.

The Three Horseshoes Lower Burnham Road, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6DP (01621 740 307). Located 11.5 km into the walk, the Three Horseshoes provides good value, freshly prepared food, from a wide-ranging menu. It has two bars and a large garden at the side.

Plenty of options for tea in Burnham. See the pdf for details.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Jan-22 Thomas G