Manningtree – England's smallest town
Our view
With your back to the station building, turn right at the public footpath sign to Flatford and after a few steps turn left along a steep, grassy path to St Mary's Church. Go through the black gate and, keeping the church on your right, cross the stile over the church wall. Turn left, and at the wooden post follow the yellow waymark half right across the meadow. Cross the earth bridge over Wignell Brook, then go left uphill. Keep the line of trees on your right and go through a kissing gate to join the Essex Way. Just before the house at the top of the hill, go through another kissing gate and bear left to Cox's Hill, onto the A137.
Cross Cox's Hill with care, turn left and after 40yds (37m), at a public footpath sign marking the Essex Way, turn right. Walk downhill passing to the left of a pond and cross the plank bridge over a stream. Bear right to join the grassy path through the Owl's Flight Dell Conservation Area, and pass to the right of a housing estate. Ignoring the concrete path on the left, turn half right onto the cross-field path towards playing fields and join a concrete path to the road. Cross Colchester Road, and at the T-junction turn right into Trinity Road, ignoring signs for the Essex Way. At the Evangelical church turn left between houses to New Road.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
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