One of my most favourite places for walking and picnicking is Heybridge Basin on the Blackwater Estuary. The Basin is where the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal meets the tidal Blackwater Estuary, where the fresh water merges with salt water. The tiny riverside village here retains much of the character of a bygone age and is a wonderful place to unwind.

In the winter you can enjoy the solitude and in spring there are the hardy walkers, avid birdwatchers and the first of the boat owners venturing forth with varnish and great intentions. During the summer the basin is alive with action from daybreak to dusk and you can sit and watch the comings and goings on the river for hours and hours.

One of the best things about the basin is that it’s a great starting point for exploring the Essex coastline in both directions; east takes you along the sea wall passing Osea Island, while heading west along the coastal path you wind up in the old port of Maldon at which point you can return to the basin via Wave Bridge and the canal towpath. There are plenty of perfect spots along the way to stop for a picnic and when you return to Heybridge Basin there are two great pubs – The Jolly Sailor and The Old Ship – to head to for a well-deserved drink.

Photo courtesy of sludgegulper on Flickr