About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Essex
Essex, located on England’s southeastern coast, is a delightful escape for lovers of the great outdoors. Renowned for its wildlife filled nature reserves, tranquil waterways, and gentle coastline, Essex offers a variety of activities that cater to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families alike. From paddleboarding and island exploration to walking coastal paths and discovering hidden nature reserves, Essex is a county that invites exploration.
Essex is home to some of the UK’s most family-friendly beaches. Frinton-on-Sea, with its golden sands and vintage charm, is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Walton-on-the-Naze offers the opportunity to combine swimming and fossil hunting, thanks to its unique geological features and historic cliffs. For a more secluded experience, Tollesbury’s marshes and beaches provide tranquillity and a chance to spot rare birds in their natural habitat.
Walking will love the variety of trails in Essex. The Essex Way, a 81-mile path stretching from Epping to Harwich, traverses rolling countryside, quaint villages, and historic landmarks. For coastal views, the Dengie Peninsula offers peaceful routes along the sea walls, revealing vast mudflats and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. The Thames Estuary Path near Southend offers a mix of industrial history and coastal beauty, while Hatfield Forest, one of England’s best-preserved ancient woodlands, provides shaded trails and a glimpse into the county’s rich natural history. Of course the England Coastal Path covers the whole coast of Essex.
Essex is home to an impressive array of nature reserves. Abberton Reservoir, a haven for birdwatchers, attracts a variety of waterfowl, especially in the migratory seasons. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve near Colchester offers stunning estuary views and a chance to see nightingales in the spring. For a truly immersive experience, the Hanningfield Reservoir provides tranquil woodland walks and bird hides, perfect for spotting kingfishers and herons. Wallasea Island features salt marshes and wetlands rich in wildlife.
Paddleboarding in Essex
Essex’s diverse waterways and coastline offer a wealth of paddleboarding opportunities for all skill levels. Explore the unique Essex islands, such as Two Tree Island near Leigh-on-Sea or Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary. Glide along tidal routes like the Maldon Loop or the scenic waters around Brightlingsea and up the River Colne. For a more tranquil experience, paddle the peaceful stretches of the River Stour from Cattawade to Dedham or Sudbury to Bures, where history and natural beauty combine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Essex’s waterways promise rewarding adventures.
Here are some of our favourite paddleboard spots in Essex
Two Tree Island Loop – link
Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation – link
River Crouch Hullbridge to Battlebridge- link
Tollesbury Explorer – link
Osea Island Circumnavigation – link
Mersea Boating Lake – link
Brightlingsea Explorer – link
St Osyth Mill Dam – link
River Colne Rowbridge to Colchester and the Roman River – link
River Stour Cattawade to Dedham
River Stour Sudbury to Bures – link
Islands in Essex
Essex has around thirty islands (more than any other English county) each with its own character and appeal. Mersea Island, renowned for its oysters and accessed via a tidal causeway, is a haven for food lovers and nature enthusiasts, offering beach walks, water sports, and the Mersea Island walk. Canvey Island blends seaside charm with a rich history, featuring an arty seafront and intriguing links to its Dutch-inspired heritage. For birdwatchers and walkers, Two Tree Island near Leigh-on-Sea is a tranquil reserve with salt marshes and lagoons teeming with wildlife. Northey Island, steeped in history as the site of the Battle of Maldon, offers a peaceful retreat into unspoiled nature. Meanwhile, the remote Foulness Island, one of the largest in England, is a unique destination for those seeking solitude, with its quiet landscapes and fascinating connections to Essex’s coastal history and military. Together, the islands of Essex promise a diverse range of adventures for visitors to explore.
Where to go Paddleboarding in Essex
We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our Route Map page
Essex’s diverse waterways and coastline offer a wealth of paddleboarding opportunities for all skill levels. Explore the unique Essex islands, such as Two Tree Island near Leigh-on-Sea or Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary. Glide along tidal routes like the Maldon Loop or the scenic waters around Brightlingsea and up the River Colne. For a more tranquil experience, paddle the peaceful stretches of the River Stour from Cattawade to Dedham or Sudbury to Bures, where history and natural beauty combine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Essex’s waterways promise rewarding adventures.
