
The Beeleigh Falls area is home to some of the many locks and weirs on the River Chelmer, here rivers meet creating a very special environment
We will meet in the free car park near the lock before taking a circular walk (just over 2 miles) along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navagation returning via the Ironworks Meadow nature reserve and the River Chelmer. On route we will take a small detour to visit a lake.
Once back at Beeleigh Falls we will take some time exploring the various locks, weirs and bridges in this unique area where the freshwater rivers feed into the tidal salt water below the weir.
The rivers here support diverse wildlife including fish like carp and trout, various bird species such as kingfishers, swans, herons, and kestrels, mammals including otters and water voles have occasionally been spotted at various points on the river. The surrounding riverbanks and meadows also host rich flora, with wildflowers, willow trees, and aquatic plants like water lilies providing vital habitats.
Unfortunately no faculties are available on the walk but the nearby town of Maldon and surrounding area offer much in the way of eating and refreshment

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Meeting point 10.00am at Beeleigh Lock Car Park (free parking)
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Head for the Langford & Ulting Village Hall, Hatfield Rd, Langford, Maldon CM9 6QA
Take the turning opposite the hall (signposted for Maldon Golf Club and NOT The Museum of Power} and keeping left follow the signs for the Golf Club, after about a hundred yards it leads to a single track road with speed bumps, follow this down to the car park.
We should be covering just over 3 miles in total. The walks will be mainly on unmade public footpaths and although flat in most places can be uneven so walking shoes or boots are strongly recommended. We will be near water most of the time so caution must be taken and along section we will be walking on a public footpath at the edge of a golf course. To access some of the weirs we will be taking a short walk though a wooded area on a marked but slightly uneven path.
Please wear clothing appropriate for the time of year
Due to the nature of the terrain this walk is not considered suitable for wheelchairs or people of limited mobility