Canal, Countryside & Cake
8 people attending
17 places left
Come along and sample some Mid Essex Countryside, Canal and Cake!
Beginning and ending at stations on the Liverpool Street line, this linear walk is particularly perfect for anyone coming out from London to experience some Essex countryside in early summer. After a little initial road walking, the route joins a series of paths and tracks that lead down through some nice Essex Countryside to the north bank of the River Chelmer.
The walk then follows the banks of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation which is used still today by canal boats and other pleasure craft with a few locks along the way. Finally we will then end up walking though town into the center of Chelmsford.
Mostly flat for all of the route, this is a leisurely meander of approx 10.5 miles. We'll stop for tea and cake at the lovely Paper Mill Lock cafe about an hour and a half into the walk. There are also a good selection of pubs by Chelmsford Station at the end of the route for a customary end of walk pint.
Is it dog friendly? Our 4 legged friends are welcome on this walk. Please just note and abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and be prepared couple of stiles along the way Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members - I would like to warmly welcome any newbies looking perhaps to try this as their first Outdoor Lads event. You may find this link useful https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event or if you have If you have any questions then feel free to message me.
Photo credits: All photos taken by Andy Gent & Neil Sharp. Permission given to OutdoorLads to reuse
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots/Walking shoes: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Bring some snacks for walking and plenty of water / hydration. Please bring a packed lunch as we will grab a picnic on route.
We will do a midday stop off at Papermill Lock on route, which is a lovely place for a coffee and cake. We will then also be able to stop for a pint at the end of the walk in a pub near Chelmsford Station.