Paddleboarding-Maldon Loop

Paddleboarding-Maldon Loop

Tidal creeks, historic quays and salt marsh give way to the picturesque Beeleigh Falls and the quite waters of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

A full route description can be found in our book Paddleboarding South East

Access restrictions Licence required for Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (£6/day) https://essexwaterways.com/shop/paddleboard-licence-one-day

Starting Point Bargemasters’ Cabin, Daisy Meadow, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM94RR. Grid ref. TL 869 068; What3Words recall.files.unfit. 

Parking Daisy Meadow Car Park, Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM9 4RX. Grid ref. TL 870 069; What3Words community.dissolves.retraced.

Launching Pontoon short walk from car park.

Pitstops Coffee, breakfast rolls, homemade cakes, Bargemasters’ Cabin, Heybridge Basin, tel. 07835 657462; seafood, The Jolly Sailor, Heybridge Basin, tel. 01621 854210; a pint watching the waterside action, The Old Ship, Heybridge Basin, tel. 01621 854150; afternoon tea overlooking the River Blackwater, The Lock Tea Room, Heybridge Basin, tel. 01621 854466.

Getting there Turn R off B1026 Maldon to Goldhanger road following signs for Heybridge Basin. As Basin Road sweeps to L, turn R following parking sign.

Special points

This is a tide assisted paddle so aim to arrive at the Heybridge basin lock 2 hrs before HW Osea,  https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables/1/123a or as soon as the water has covered the mud banks below the lock gates which might be earlier on Spring tides. The first part of the estuary is exposed to East winds so check weather at Maldon  https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10qr36jh

Once around the first bend, cross over to the left bank aiming for the statue on the tip of the promenade. Check water conditions for the area at https://riverlevels.uk/flood-warning-blackwater-north-bank to avoid fast flood water over Beeleigh falls.

Paddington to King’s Cross Paddleboard route map