The gorgeous 6.5-mile coastal walk with 1,000-year-old chapel that ends in a pub

For those looking for a peaceful winter walk with a dash of history and a cosy pub to round it off, the 6.5-mile Bradwell Shell Bank Loop in Essex ticks all the boxes. 

This scenic route winds through Bradwell-on-Sea, offering coastal views, wildlife, and one of England’s oldest chapels.

The walk starts at the Dengie National Nature Reserve car park and takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete. 

It has a mix of countryside paths and coastal terrain, making it suitable for most walkers. 

Along the way, walkers will pass by the River Blackwater estuary and the Bradwell Shell Bank, which is a natural formation made of cockle and oyster shells.

However, the biggest highlight is probably the seventh-century St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel, one of the oldest churches in England. 

Built in 653AD by a missionary named Cedd, the chapel was constructed using stones from a Roman fort that once stood on the site. 

Visitors can step inside the ancient building to soak up its history or enjoy a quiet moment in its surroundings.

The trail begins in Bradwell-on-Sea, where walkers pass the King’s Head pub and the parish church before heading towards Bradwell Waterside, where yachts and small boats dot the estuary.

From there, the route follows the coastline, with the Bradwell Nuclear Power Station visible along the way.

What’s more, nature enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of birdlife in the Dengie National Nature Reserve, particularly in winter when thousands of birds gather in the area. 

The shell bank and salt marsh surrounding the reserve are a haven for wildlife, making this stretch of the walk especially picturesque.

After looping back towards the village, walkers can end their journey at the King’s Head pub, a local favourite with a 4.5-star rating from over 250 reviews. 

The pub is known for its mix of traditional food and seasonal dishes, and offers hearty meals and a warm atmosphere – just the thing after a lovely coastal walk.

Visitors are advised to plan their timing, as parts of the trail are best explored at low tide.