It's the Only Way to go - the Essex Way!

1:14am Thursday 15th May 2008

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IT may not have the height or the length of the Pennine Way, but Essex's finest has its moments.

Where the Pennine Way - 268 miles from the Peak District to the Cheviots - goes for sheer rugged splendour, the Essex Way adopts a more gentle approach. Handy, that. Anyone with a decent pair of trainers can walk every bit of the Essex Way's 81-mile route, which can't really be said for its big brother up north.

Pioneered by the Essex branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and members of the Ramblers Association, the Essex Way opened its footpaths in 1972. It was an instant success. Hundreds of thousands of people have since walked at least part of the Epping to Harwich route; some have done the whole 81 miles.

There is a lot to see, too. Essex can do stunning as well as the next county - and it's all there on the Essex Way. Ancient woodland, open farmland, tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, historic towns and landmarks such as the seventh century Greensted Church, 12th century Cressing Temple Barns, Coggeshall with its mix of Tudor, Restoration and Georgian houses and the beautiful Stour Valley are all there for the viewing.

Now UK tourist boards and walkers have voted the Essex Way one of the East of England's best public rights of way in the East of England's Hidden Gem 2008 category.

In the poll, conducted by Insight magazine, those who took part said the Essex Way was "spectacular" and "changed preconceptions" about walking in Essex.

For those who have yet to have the pleasure, the summer promises to be perfect walking weather.

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THE Essex Way stretches 81 miles from Epping to Harwich and is signposted in both directions via special dark green Essex Way plaques and direction arrows attached to fingerposts, stiles, gates and posts.

• Epping The first section of the walk crosses the line of the Roman Road from London to Colchester, built in 49AD.

• Chipping Ongar Greensted Church, a famous Saxon church believed to be the oldest wooden church in the world, built around 645AD.

• Willingale
• Good Easter
• Pleshey
• White Notley
• Cressing
• Coggeshall Stunning scenery along the banks of the River Blackwater
• Great Tey
• Great Horkesley
• West Bergholt Langham Hall, once home to Sir Walter Tyrell who was suspected of killing King William II in 1100.

• Dedham
• Manningtree
• Wrabness Bell-Cage
• Stour Wood
• Stour Estuary
• High and Low Lighthouses of Harwich Built in 1818, the Low Lighthouse is now home to the Maritime Museum, whilst the High Lighthouse marks the end of the Essex Way.

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The Essex Way is well-served by public transport, especially train. For details of bus and train timetables ring Essex County Council's public transport section 01245 492211. Tourists Information Centres:

• Braintree 01376 550066
• Chelmsford 01245 283400
• Colchester 01206 282920
• Flatford (seasonal) 01206 299460
• Harwich 01255 506139
• Waltham Abbey 01992 652295
  Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer Maps:
• Epping Forest and Lee Valley No. 174
• Chelmsford and The Rodings No.183
• Braintree and Saffron Waldon No.195