With a relatively flat landscape, pretty countryside and around 236 square miles Braintree is ideal to explore on foot. Why not try the walks below?
The Blackwater Rail Trail
The Blackwater Rail Trail follows the route of the old Witham to Maldon railway branch line, closed in 1964. Essex County Council purchased the land and track bed from British Railways in September 1986 as a joint initiative with Braintree and Maldon District Councils.
The route now forms a linear wildlife-rich trail comprising a range of habitats of around 8 miles long.
Witham to Maldon - The Blackwater Rail Trail
The John Ray Walk
John Ray was a highly influential English naturalist and botanist whose contributions are considered groundbreaking and historic. To celebrate the life and achievements of this great man, the John Ray Walk has been devised. This 9 mile linear walk, linking the towns of Braintree and Witham, passes through the delightful countryside of the Brain Valley, the birthplace and home of John Ray.
Witham to Braintree - The John Ray Walk
Braintree to Stisted
if you’re looking for a walk through the Essex countryside, Braintree to Stisted is a nice option. The walk is roughly a 5-mile round trip that takes around 2 hours complete. It starts and finishes at the Bocking Blackwater Nature Reserve.
Braintree to Stisted Walk
Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership
The ESSC rail partnership offer some fantastic walk guides as well as regular walking events from rail stations. Please review the rail website for route ideas.
Essex Highways
Essex Highways has a range of walks within Essex or if you prefer to ramble, check out an interactive map showing all the Public Rights of Way.
Got a walk you love? Why not let us know by emailing tourism@braintree.gov.uk.
