Herrings Point

The walk out to Herrings Point from Maldon takes you along the Essex coast in a way that feels properly isolated, even though you're only minutes from town. It's a tidal inlet where the River Blackwater meets the Dengie Peninsula, and at low tide you can pick your way out along mudflats and shingle to get proper views across the estuary. The point itself isn't dramatic - no cliffs or towers - but that's rather the appeal. You get wide skies, that particular quality of light that Essex does better than it gets credit for, and the chance to spot wading birds if you time it right.

It's best for walkers who aren't after a destination so much as the walk itself. You won't spend hours here; it's the journey out that counts, plus standing about watching the water come in if you've got the timing right. Bring binoculars if you're into birds. The whole thing takes maybe two hours from Maldon town centre depending on tides and how much you linger.

Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming - there's no facilities, no shelter, and it's muddy underfoot in places. Teens who enjoy a proper walk will get more from it. If you're staying at Steeple Bay Holiday Park, it's only 3.5 miles away and makes for a decent morning excursion when the weather's decent. Go when the tide's coming in if you can - it's more interesting to watch than the mudflats.