Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Walk
A 17-mile long-distance walk in Essex. Beginning in Maldon and ending in Chelmsford, the rivers Chelmer and Blackwater feature prominently. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TL 850 070
Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
Time: 6–8 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
183 Chelmsford and The Rodings
Summary
As the name implies, the walk follows the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, which was created by the canalisation of the Rivers Chelmer and Blackwater in Essex. However, the walk does not follow the canal initially from the starting point at All Saints Church in Maldon; instead, it heads away from the town by crossing the River Chelmer and heading east to explore Heybridge Basin, which provides excellent views of Northey Island. From there, the route joins the navigation towpath and follows it for its entire length until it finishes in Chelmsford. Places encountered during the walk along the canal include Heybridge Creek, Langford Cut, Ulting Quarry (disused), Ulting Wick, Rushes Lock, Paper Mill Bridge, Little Baddow Lock (where a short detour to Little Baddow Hall can be made), Sandford Mill Bridge, Chelmer Village, and Barnes Lock, before concluding at Chelmsford Cathedral.