Walk, explore, laugh, compete, relax, collect your postcards, share your photos and celebrate every milestone.
Sign up, choose your route and join the Headway Essex Virtual Backpacking Tour.
Because every step counts – and every adventure can make a difference.
Walk approximately 290,000 steps over the month of September. Your route will take you to across Essex.
Send us updates of your travels and we will mark your successes along the way!
Stop 1: Start at Colchester Castle ~ 0 miles
Your Essex adventure begins at Colchester Castle, right in the heart of one of Britain’s oldest recorded towns. Take your first steps and start your journey through the county’s fascinating history.
Stop 2: Dedham Vale ~ 7 miles walked
Enjoy the scenery as you make your way through Constable Country.
Stop 2: Walton – on- the – Naze ~ 21 miles walked
Take in the sea air and imagine the waves crashing against the famous Naze cliffs as you clock up another milestone.
Stop 3: Mersea Island ~ 35 miles walked
Famous for its seafood, beaches and beautiful coastal scenery, it’s a great place to pause and celebrate reaching 35 miles.
Chappel Viaduct ~ 50 miles walked
Chappel Viaduct is one of Essex’s most impressive railway landmarks, stretching across the Colne Valley. At 50 miles, your journey is really starting to gather pace.
Stop 4: Layer Marney Tower ~ 60 miles walked
Continue through the Essex countryside to Layer Marney Tower, one of the county’s most spectacular Tudor landmarks. Take a moment to admire the architecture before putting your walking shoes back on and continuing your adventure.
Stop 5: Tiptree Jam Museum ~ 63 miles walked
A sweet stop on your Essex journey! Arrive at the Tiptree Jam Museum and discover the story behind one of Essex’s best-known food brands. You’ve reached 63 miles — perhaps it’s time for a well-deserved jam-filled treat!
Stop 6: Maldon Promenade ~ 71 miles walked
Your journey continues to Maldon, famous for its maritime history, beautiful waterfront and traditional sailing barges. Enjoy the views along the promenade as you pass the 70-mile mark.
Stop 7: Hylands House ~ 82 miles walked
Surrounded by parkland and gardens, this is another fantastic Essex landmark to discover on your virtual journey.
Stop 8: Kelvedon Hatch Bunker ~ 92 miles walked
Hidden beneath the Essex countryside, this fascinating Cold War site has plenty of secrets to uncover. You’ve now travelled more than 90 miles — keep going!
Stop 9: Romford Greyhound Stadium ~ 102 miles walked
You’ve broken through the 100-mile barrier! Your next destination is Romford Greyhound Stadium, bringing you into the eastern edge of Greater London.
Stop 10: Tilbury Fort ~ 117 miles walked
Continue south to Tilbury Fort, a historic defensive stronghold overlooking the River Thames. With more than 115 miles behind you, you’re well into the final stretch of your Essex adventure.
Stop 11: Canvey Island ~ 134 miles walked
The finish line is getting closer! Head towards Canvey Island, surrounded by the waters of the Thames Estuary. At 134 miles, you can almost hear the seaside calling.
Stop 12: Southend Pier ~ 145 miles walked
Your final destination is Southend Pier, one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Essex coast and a fantastic place to complete your challenge.
Don’t forget to set up your Just Giving page to help you raise funds for your epic walk.
Share your journey – Set up your Just Giving Page, or grab a sponsor form and the update your friends, workmates and family and watch your impact grow
