Danbury Ridge and Little Baddow Circular
Essex
Danbury Ridge is the highest point in Essex, cresting at around 110 metres above the Crouch and Chelmer valleys, with Blakes Wood beneath it nationally known for spring bluebells. This dog friendly circular starts beside the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation at Paper Mill Lock, follows the towpath west, then climbs through Heather Hill Nature Reserve and Blakes Wood onto Danbury Ridge before looping back via Little Baddow village.
Terrain is varied for Essex: a flat canal towpath at the start and end, mature woodland and heath underfoot through the National Trust ridge sections, and a gentle but sustained climb in the middle. Dogs are welcome but must be on lead through the National Trust reserves to protect ground-nesting birds and the bluebells in spring. Park at Paper Mill Lock (free, with a tearoom) and time the route so the pub at Little Baddow is open on the return.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.4 km (7.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Canal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Paper Mill Lock Tearooms at the start. Pubs in Little Baddow village mid-route. Toilets at Paper Mill Lock.
- Parking
- Free car park at Paper Mill Lock beside the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. Limited spaces, fills on sunny weekends.
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