If you are looking to get out and about in Essex on foot, why not join a local health walk around you or visit our suggested websites below.

Why walk?

• “Walking is the nearest activity to the perfect exercise” according to Professors Jerry Morris and Adrienne Hardman in the Walking Works report.
• Walking is simple, free, and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
• A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
• Walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.

Walking groups and sports in Essex

• Walking for Health walks in Essex – view their directory of walks in Braintree, Brentwood, Harlow, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Rochford, Southend and Uttlesford
• Essex walks website– search for routes of less than 20 miles. They are nearly all circular, so once you’ve completed your walk, you’ll find yourself back at your car or public transport link.
• Essex Ramblers website– Essex Area Rambers  help local people enjoy walking and protect the places we all love to walk. They also support local groups to organise regular walks led by local experts – a great way to get outside, make new friends and discover how walking boosts your health and happiness.
• Trek Essex – aimed at people in their 20s and 30s looking to explore the county and make new friends. They offer a variety of walks, socials, footpath maintenance parties and weekends away.
• Friends of Walking for Wellbeing – an informal group in North Essex. Walks are usually midweek, for half a day, and mainly within the area covered by Braintree District Council. Anyone taking part is responsible for their own safety.
• National Trust website– See suggested walks around Essex whether you’re after a long ramble or a short stroll, they know of some great walks you might like to try.
• Visit Essex walks– Walk their most famous long-distance 81 mile path, The Essex Way from the London Underground Central Line at Epping to the historic salt-washed port of Harwich or try one of their shorter walks.
• parkrun in Essex– People are just as welcome to come to parkrun if they want to walk the whole way round. Indeed, one of the best things about parkrun and junior parkrun events is that you can run, or jog or walk at entirely your own pace.
• Walking sports such as walking hockey, football or netball which are slowed down version of the games, designed for anyone of any age looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment.
• Nordic walking in Essex– it is a full-body exercise that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Nordic walking provides fast results and can burn up to 40% more calories when compared to walking without poles.

Also….

Brentwood

New weekly walk aimed at mums, dads and grandparents with a buggy every Friday at 9.15am from Willowbrook school entrance (Rosen Crescent). For more information email swalmsley@gmail.com.

Harlow

Active Harlow social strollers: Programme of led walks which are free. For more information contact Chris Purvis on 01279 446435 or email chris.purvis@harlow.gov.uk.  Dates of walks can be found at www.harlow.gov.uk/events.

Harlow Sculpture Town is a new website from the Harlow Art Trust which provides a digital map for locals and visitors to explore the unique and growing collection of 100 public sculptures in Harlow. There are 3 trails to choose from! Access the map and website here.

Tendring

The Clacton Seafront and Garden walks

For a list of suggested walks and maps please visit the Tendring DC website

Uttlesford

Guide of walks and walking routes in the Uttlesford District

Useful links

• Download the Active10 app
• Check out our other ‘gentle’ activities such as yoga, walking football or cricket, tai chi and chair-based exercises.