Just a short journey away from London are the undiscovered waterways of Essex: We have a wealth of canals, navigable rivers and tidal rivers to explore.

For inland boating try the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation or the River Stort and discover rural Essex. The Chelmer and Blackwater has never been nationalised and so is managed by Essex Waterways Ltd (part of the Inland Waterways Association) instead of the Canal and River Trust.

The beautiful River Lee navigation forms part of the Essex county boundary with Hertfordshire. Heading south it will take the inland boater into London and eventually to the Thames or Regents Canal. Take your time and stop to eat at The Fish and Eels at Dobbs Weir and The Crown in Broxbourne. The River Stour forms the boundary between Suffolk and Essex and of course the Thames forms the boundary between Essex and Kent, from Dartford Creek to the estuary.

The River Colne is a tidal navigation from Colchester to Colne Point. The top three and a half miles are almost dry at low water. The River Crouch (also tidal) rises in Little Burstead and heads generally in an easterly direction until it reaches Burnham-on-Crouch. A major tributary of the River Crouch is the River Roach. The Crouch is the place to go sailing; or so thought Edward Heath in the 1970’s. If you enjoyed Swallows and Amazons as a child you may like to visit the Walton Backwaters. But for more adventurous sailing try navigating the Thames Estuary!

The Essex coast has so many interesting places to visit. If you’re up for a challenge you’ll discover the sandbanks and tides of Essex can offer a daring adventure. In fact, if you can sail on the East coast you can probably sail anywhere. Then, when you’re ready, you’re in a good position to head over to France.

Or you could just relax at The Jolly Sailor in Maldon.

Whatever kind of boater you are, Essex may have what you are looking for. Pop in for a coffee at our Fambridge office and tell us what adventures you have planned with your next boat.

Peggy

Image credit: Copyright Joan and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence.

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