Discover the beautiful countryside of Essex with this pocket-sized guide to some of the best circular walks in the county. There are 20 routes here, varying in length from 11/2 to 5 miles. Each walk includes a recommended local pub, cafe or restaurant, all of which are known for their good food and warm welcome. Explore the salt marshes of nature reserves Tollesbury Wick, RSPB Rainham Marshes and RSPB Wallasea Island; parkland around the estates of Audley End, Langleys at Great Waltham and Hylands; water meadows along the River Colne and the valley of the River Stour made famous by artist John Constable; the pretty villages of Bartlow, Castle Hedingham and Matching; and the wild countryside and sea views of the Naze. Along the way you'll uncover rugged countryside, tranquil woodland, historic villages, castles, rivers and seashore, not to mention the spectacular views that make Essex such a great place for walking.

Len Banister lives on the border of Essex and is an active member of the Ramblers. He is also the author of a number of popular walking guides including Essex Year Round Walks and Essex A Dog Walker's Guide.