The Suffolk bank of the tidal River Stour takes us to Cattawade, where we join the Stour Valley Path past Flatford Mill and cross the boundary to the Essex village of Dedham.

A day on the Essex Way, Britain’s oldest county trail. We pass through Manningtree and Mistley, and are never far from the banks of the Stour

We take the final UK miles of cross- European Trail E2 to the ferry terminal at Parkeston Quay and then enter the Georgian old town of Harwich. Friday 9th July is a rest day

We’re back by the North Sea coast through Dovercourt before venturing inland near Great Oakley, then Hamford Water provides wonderful estuary walking.

A circuit of the Naze Peninsula to start with. Then, back in Walton, we take the prom through the popular seaside towns of Frinton and Clacton.

There’s coastal marshland on the way to Point Clear and St Osyth. From here we go inland for a little while before returning to the coast at Brightlingsea.

A circuit of the most gastronomic island in Essex – we pass saltmarsh grazing, oyster beds, brewery and a vineyard! Access from Brightlingsea Ferry or Cudmore Grove on the island

The Colne and one of its creeks take us to Wivenhoe, where we cross
the river by ferry to Fingringhoe. From here we walk inland to the small village of Peldon.

We circuit the Abberton Reservoir before returning to the coast at Salcott and the desolate Old Hall Marshes. For bird-watchers, a day in paradise.

Around the Tollesbury Wick Marshes to start with, passing the remains of the most unlikely branch line in Essex. Then we turn west to follow the tidal Blackwater estuary.