Blackwater Rail Trail
This is a nice, easy cycle or walk along a disused railway line between Witham and Maldon in Essex. The route passes through the pretty village of Langford and includes views of the River Blackwater and a riverside section along the River Chelmer into Maldon. Here you can enjoy fine views of the Blackwater Estuary at the Marine Lake in Promenade Park. You can also pick up the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal and enjoy easy waterside walking or cycling along the towpath.
To extend your walking you could try the Witham River Walk which heads south along the River Brain to the Whetmead Nature Reserve. Here you can see the confluence of the River Blackwater and the River Brain and look out for a variety of interesting flora and fauna.
Blackwater Rail Trail Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Blackwater Rail Trail Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Blackwater Rail Trail OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Blackwater Rail Trail Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In the worthy village of Wickham Bishops there's The Mitre Loungs for a pit stop. There's good quality food and a pretty garden at this pleasant pub. You can find them at postcode CM8 3NN.
The Green Man in nearby Little Braxted is another option. The old pub overlooks the village green and includes oak beams & log fires. Outside there's a lovely garden area to relax in. You can find them at postcode CM8 3LB for your sat navs.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Witham, ducks by the river near the start of the route.
Reusing a Railway
Bridge over the old Witham to Maldon railway
St Peter's Church, Wickham Bishops, Essex
Langford Weir
Chandlers Quay, Maldon. Looking across the Chelmer from this upmarket apartment/mooring complex to the flour mills on the north bank.
Elms Farm Park. This pretty park is located on the western side of the trail, just south of Langford.
Pontoons on the River Chelmer in Maldon. Just downstream from Fullbridge Wharf, these wooden pontoons allow houseboats to be moored alongside.