Route Overview & Walk Experience
Riverside Walk Chelmsford to Papermill lock
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Riverside Walk Chelmsford to Papermill Lock | Scenic Essex Canal Route
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Enjoy the Riverside Walk from Chelmsford to Papermill Lock. A 7-mile Essex canal path with wildlife, countryside views, and a popular café at Papermill Lock.
Introduction: A Relaxing Riverside Adventure
The Riverside Walk Chelmsford to Papermill Lock is one of Essex’s most enjoyable long walks, following the tranquil Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. This peaceful canal-side path offers everything walkers could ask for: riverside wildlife, charming bridges, wide open countryside, and the reward of a stop at the welcoming Papermill Lock café. At around 7 miles (11 km) one way, this route is ideal for a half-day walk or can be shortened to suit your pace.
Whether you’re a seasoned rambler, a family looking for a day out, or a senior walker seeking flat, accessible routes, the Riverside Walk is a wonderful way to escape city life and enjoy the best of Essex countryside.
Starting Point and Parking in Chelmsford
The walk begins in Chelmsford city centre, where the canal joins the River Chelmer. For those driving, parking is available at several city car parks, including Meadows Car Park (CM2 6FD), just a short stroll from the river. If you’re travelling by train, Chelmsford Station is only a 10-minute walk from the riverside.
From the city centre, simply join the towpath near the Essex Record Office and head east, keeping the water on your side as you leave behind the bustle of Chelmsford.
Route Overview and Distance
- Distance: 7 miles (11 km) one way
- Time: 2.5–3.5 hours depending on pace
- Start/Finish: Chelmsford city centre – Papermill Lock
- Difficulty: Easy, flat towpath
- Terrain: Gravel paths, grassy towpath, some uneven surfaces
The route follows the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation from Chelmsford to Papermill Lock near Little Baddow. It’s a linear walk, so you can either return the same way, arrange a pickup at Papermill Lock, or shorten the walk by turning back earlier.
Walking the Riverside Path
Leaving Chelmsford Behind
As you begin the Riverside Walk Chelmsford to Papermill Lock, the urban scenery quickly gives way to quiet stretches of canal lined with willow trees. Within minutes, you’ll feel transported from city to countryside, as moorhens, swans, and ducks paddle alongside.
Bridges and Locks
Along the way, you’ll encounter several charming locks and bridges. Each one adds character to the walk and provides great photo opportunities. The gentle sound of water flowing over the lock gates is calming and a reminder of the canal’s historic purpose.
Wildlife and Countryside Views
The Chelmer Navigation is a haven for wildlife. Expect to see herons, kingfishers darting across the water, and butterflies in the meadows during summer. The open countryside stretches out on both sides, with occasional fields of crops and grazing horses.
Approaching Papermill Lock
The final stretch is especially scenic as the river meanders through meadows and woodlands before reaching Papermill Lock. Here, boats are moored, and the area comes alive with walkers, cyclists, and visitors enjoying the café.
Terrain and Accessibility
The terrain along the Riverside Walk Chelmsford to Papermill Lock is generally flat, making it a good choice for families, older walkers, and anyone looking for a relaxed walk. However, some sections of the towpath can be narrow or muddy after rainfall.
- Flat, easy gradient suitable for most abilities
- Surface: Gravel, grass, and some uneven sections
- Accessibility: Mostly good, though not ideal for wheelchairs or pushchairs in wetter conditions
- Dog-friendly: Yes — dogs love the open space and riverside setting (leads recommended near livestock or cyclists)
Points of Interest Along the Route
The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation
Built in the late 18th century, the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation was designed to connect Chelmsford with Maldon, allowing goods to be transported by barge. Today, it’s used for leisure boating and provides a picturesque corridor for walkers.
Historic Locks and Bridges
The engineering of the locks is fascinating, and many are still operational. These working reminders of the past give the walk a unique historical charm.
Riverside Wildlife
Keep your camera ready, as the Riverside Walk is full of birdlife. From elegant swans to noisy coots, the riverbanks are alive with activity.
Papermill Lock Café – A Perfect End to the Walk
The Papermill Lock café is one of the main highlights of this walk. Nestled beside the lock itself, the café offers indoor and outdoor seating with fantastic views over the boats and river.
Food and Drink
The café is well-known for its hearty breakfasts, homemade cakes, and freshly prepared lunches. Popular choices include toasted sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and classic cream teas. The portions are generous, and the coffee is strong — just what you need after a long walk.
Atmosphere
On sunny days, the outdoor terrace is the perfect place to relax and watch the boats pass through the lock. There’s a friendly, community feel, with plenty of cyclists, dog walkers, and families stopping by.
Service and Facilities
Staff are welcoming, and the service is quick even when busy. The café also provides public toilets and is dog-friendly, with water bowls available outside.
Why It Stands Out
What makes the Papermill Lock café truly special is its location. Few cafés in Essex have such a scenic riverside setting, and it feels like a well-earned reward at the end of the walk.
Practical Information
- Distance: 7 miles (11 km) one way
- Time Required: 2.5–3.5 hours walking
- Start/Finish: Chelmsford – Papermill Lock, Little Baddow
- Parking: Car parks in Chelmsford (start) or limited parking near Papermill Lock (finish)
- Terrain: Flat towpath, gravel and grass surfaces
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Refreshments: Papermill Lock café and Chelmsford cafés at the start
- Public Transport: Chelmsford Station is well connected, though Papermill Lock has limited links
Why Walk the Riverside Trail to Papermill Lock?
The Riverside Walk Chelmsford to Papermill Lock is one of the most rewarding canal-side walks in Essex. It’s long enough to feel like an adventure yet easy and accessible for most walkers. With riverside wildlife, historic locks, and the welcoming Papermill Lock café, this walk offers a perfect balance of exercise, relaxation, and history.
Whether you’re seeking a solo stroll, a family outing, or a dog-friendly adventure, this walk provides an authentic taste of Essex countryside. Flat, peaceful, and full of character, it’s a must-do walk for anyone in or around Chelmsford.
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