ESSEX
The View Finder Trail��18 miles, circular
 This cycle ride starts from�Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester. From here the route heads east��following the River Colne towards Wivenhoe, before taking in elements of the town’s varied landscape.�Colchester�is a place with an important past, a vibrant cultural present and an exciting future and you can�discover the town and its gentle landscape for yourself on this 171/2 mile/28km cycle route. The trail is the initiative of artist Michael Goodey, who was inspired by early 20th century landscape painter Lucien Pissarro’s painting of a view across Hilly Fields, which is now in the care of Colchester Museums. A further inspiration was�Colchester�’s distinctive skyline featuring the Victorian tower of the Town Hall and the Jumbo water tower. This cycle route weaves history and contemporary culture together through the eyes of the artist. At ten locations, Michael has placed a sign depicting the view. Initially giving the appearance of a typical road sign, they are in fact meticulously handmade paintings. The trail is in effect, an artwork in itself, which encourages people to discover new viewpoints.  Download
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The Witchfinder’s Way��26 miles, circular
This cycle ride starts from the town of�Harwich, famous for its seafaring history and heritage. From here the route heads through rolling countryside and picturesque villages, to the�little port of Mistley, haunt of Matthew Hopkins - ‘The Witchfinder General’. From 1645-1646, he was employed to hunt out the area’s witches. The route returns to Harwich via the River Stour with its views and riverside hamlets. Along this route you can see Robert Adam’s 18th C. towers, discover the bird life in a riverside coppiced wood and stroll atop the historic Ha’penny Pier. Download
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Two Rivers’ Way��12 or 26 miles, circular
This cycle ride starts from one of�England’s leading yachting centres, Burnham-on-Crouch. From here the route heads north to explore the�DengiePeninsula, situated between the Rivers Blackwater and Crouch. Here, under a backcloth of sky, saltmarsh and water, are weather-boarded villages and tiny sailing hamlets. Much of the countryside was reclaimed�by man from the sea and today is internationally renowned for its wildlife. Along this route you can take a ride on a real steam train, visit the Saxon�church of�St. Peter’s and try the local oysters at Burnham. Download
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Flint and Forge��14 or 30 miles, circular
This cycle ride starts from the historic�village of�Stansted�Mountfitchet. From here the route heads west, into an�attractive landscape of low hills, rich farmland, woods and�river valleys - set on the borders of Hertfordshire and�Essex. Explore leafy lanes, leading to picturesque villages�of plaster, timber, flint and thatch, such as Manuden,�Braughing and Much Hadham - the former country seat�of the Bishops of London. Look out for the ancient art of�pargetting (raised decorative plasterwork). Along this�route you can travel back in time to a reconstructed motte�and bailey castle, discover a working blacksmith’s forge�and visit the former home of sculptor Henry Moore. Download
Medieval Markets, Mazes and Morris Dancing Download
Picture-perfect Villages��54 miles, circular Download
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Five Essex Routes
Route 1:�Medieval markets, mazes and Morris dancing���34 miles, circular Download
Route 2:�Designer shopping and country living��54 miles, circular Download
Route 3:�Picture-perfect villages��54 miles, circular Download
Route 4:�Cultural sites and Constable country��47 miles, circular Download
Route 5:�Chelmsford�treats and riverside Retreats��57 miles, circular Download
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Waltham Abbey to Tottenham� 7 miles, linear
 Wildlife and London's industrial history. Further information
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Cycling Around Maldon
Route 1:�Far and Wide��14 miles, circular
Quiet country lanes visiting Beeleigh, Woodham Walter, new Hall Vineyard and Purleigh village. Download�
Route 2:�The Two Rivers Way��28 miles, circular
Burnham-on-Crouch to the towns and villages of the Dengie Hundred including the marshes and higher areas lying between the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries. Download
Route 3:�The Byrhtnoth Tour��22 miles, circular
To the south of Maldon visiting the north shore of the River Crouch, a smugglers haunt, the site of the Battle of Maldon and a 14th�century church in a wood. Download
Route 4:�The Blackwater Ride��34 miles, circular
Journey to two villages on the north shore of the Blackwater estuary and then inland to join the River Blackwater as it meanders through the Essex countryside. Download
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More Essex Rides
Witham and Maldon Cycle Routes��5 to 36 miles, circular Download
Harwich, Manningtree and Dedham Cycle Routes��5 to 29 miles, circular Download
Stapleford Tawney Cycle Route�7 miles, circular Download
Colchester Circular Cycle Route��4 miles Download
Chipping Ongar and Ingatestone cycle routes��5 to 29 miles, circular Download
Chelmsford�and the Rodings cycle route�12 to 48 miles miles, circular Download
Pleshey Cycle Route�9 miles, circular Download
Clavering Cycle Route�13 miles, circular Clavering, the murder capital of Victorian England Download
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Dedham�Vale and�Stour�Valley�Cycle�Route��25 to 69 miles, circular
The Painters’ Trail is a 69-mile long cycling route through the picturesque and historic Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This itinerary contains details of three shorter one day cycle rides based on the Painter’s Trail route. Download
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Tendring�Peninsula�Rides
Harwich and Mistley��23 miles
Harwich and Wix��16 miles
Harwich and Great Bromley��23 miles
Lawford and Great Bromley��15 miles, circular
Lawford and Little Bromley��8 miles, circular
Around Harwich��6 miles
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WATERSIDE CYCLING
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation���linear, 14 miles
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Essex Waterways
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FAMILY CYCLING
Country Parks
Explore local country park by bike with the whole family, finding rolling hills, coastal cycle routes, historical parklands and wooded wonderlands.
The maps�below highlight the cycle routes for each country park.
Belhus Woods Country Park
Cudmore Grove Country Park
Hadleigh Country Park
Great Notley Country Park and the Filtch Way
Marsh Farm Country Park
Thorndon Country Park
Weald Country Park
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Lee�Valley - Short Cycle Rides for Families
Otter Discovery Trail��2 miles, circular
Valley Views��8 miles, circular
Waders and Waterfowl��2 miles, circular
Lakes of the River Lee��8 miles, circular
Farm and Wetland Trail��3 miles, circular
Urban Oasis��4 miles, circular
Walk on the Wild Side��2 miles, circular
Gunpowder Woodland Trail��2 miles, circular
Art on the Marshes��2 miles, circular
Marshes and Meadows��5 miles, circular
Rockets ro Woodland��3 miles, circular
Walthamstow Wonder��2 miles, circular
Lee Valley Cycle Rides
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