Burnham on Crouch is home to some of the most scenic walking routes in Essex. From the historic town centre, to stunning quayside views, it certainly has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for Essex villages to visit, then we would highly recommend coming to the beautiful village of Burnham on Crouch, to see what it has in store!

Of-course, the countryside isn’t just for you to enjoy; if you have a four-legged friend or two, bring them along for a blustery coastal walk, or a stroll amongst the houseboats. There’s plenty of fun to be had and enough nature to keep everyone on their toes! Here, we detail our favourite dog friendly locations, perfect for a walk in Burnham on Crouch.

In fact, with research suggesting that having a pet in retirement can have many health benefits, if you a considering a retirement village with bungalows, such as the one we have on offer in Burnham Waters, if you don't already own a pet, now could be the time to get one!

Our Top 5 Dog Walks in Essex:

1. Burnham Circular

One of the most scenic walks in Essex villages to visit is the ‘Burnham Circular. It’s around 5 miles, but certainly doesn’t feel that long. If you’re looking to tire the dogs out, and make room for a roast one Sunday, this is the route for you! This walk is a perfect one-stop tour, giving you a true flavour of Burnham and shows you the many beautiful landscapes it has to offer. From Riverside park to the marina, the views are incredible.

If you’re a history fan, on route, you’ll see the commemoration site of a World War One Airfield, operationally used by the Royal Air Force, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service between 1914 to 1919. The walk then loops back to the town centre via the railway station.

Saltmarsh Coast Trail

Past the houseboats on the quay, you’ll find the saltmarsh coast trail, which is a favourite among dog owners. This coastal path takes you just outside of Burnham on Crouch centre and curves around the yacht harbour. Be sure to look at the tide times before taking this walk as it can cut the trail short, if the tide is high. When low, you can walk through the Crouch estuary and right through the boatyard. This path is edged inland, where you can get a great view of local wildlife and a variety of colourful low shrubberies. We recommend bringing the binoculars for a closer look!

Burnham Cliff

In the heavily populated parts of Essex, it can be a little more challenging to see local wildlife around Essex villages to visit. Burnham on Crouch, however, is quaint and coastal, so spotting an abundance of local inhabitants whilst out walking isn’t unlikely. One of the best places to see local wildlife in the area is at Burnham Cliff. To find the cliff, simply continue along the saltmarsh trail and you’ll reach the unexpected gradient amongst the flat landscape. 

This cliff is made up of natural clay and is rich in fossils! You’re likely to find sharks’ teeth, shells, fossilised wood and even bird bones, dating back some 50 million years. It’s the perfect location to go exploring with your fluffy companion, whilst enjoying some beautiful views of Burnham. From this cliff, you can access the beach below, again, when the tide is low.

Sea Wall Walk

Adjacent to the River Crouch, you’ll find Burnham sea wall. If you’re looking for a leisurely walk, scattered with shops and eateries along the way, this is the route for you. Rest assured, the sea wall is a popular walking route and has been built to accommodate walkers of all abilities. It’s safe and wide, so there’s plenty of room for you and your dog to stroll along comfortably. 

Further along this walk, you’ll see the yacht club, – Burnham is known for its yachting culture – and you can walk through this if you’re a maritime fan. You’ll also be able to pop into the RLNI station, if you’re interested. Along this route, there are lots of riverside public foot paths if you do fancy going a little off-piste.

Don’t forget to stop at some of the dog friendly pubs for a well-deserved bite to eat. We’d recommend Ye Olde White Harte, The Anchor and Cabin Dairy. If you’d rather lunch on the go, why not try the local oysters at the Oyster Bar or treat yourself to classic fish and chips on the sea wall seats! 

Burnham Waters Ramble

If you’re looking for a countryside ramble in Essex villages to visit, the upcoming Burnham Waters - a new retirement village with bungalows, offers a range of walking routes, which will be the perfect place to explore with your dog! As a quaint, residential community village, both residents and the local community will be able to enjoy the many walking routes and nature trails on offer, including a scenic lake route. We are completely dog friendly and plan to have an off-leash dog park, where your fluffball can enjoy the great outdoors uninhibited, in our safe space.

At Burnham Waters, we know what an important part walking has to play for both our mental and physical health, so want to encourage the local community to get out and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible. After your venture, both residents and locals can enjoy access to the other facilities on site, including a bakery, grocery shops and cafes and restaurant, including a fish and chip shop.

We understand that a healthy lifestyle is important at any age. Alongside extensive dog-friendly walking routes, we offer group fitness opportunities and other activities that can be enjoyed as part of an active and social lifestyle. Take a look at our amenities and facilities here.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to receive more information about Burnham Waters, our retirement village with bungalows, Burnham on Crouch, one of Essex villages to visit, our friendly team are on hand to help you.

Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. You can also fill out our contact form for a downloadable brochure. We look forward to hearing from you!