Cycle Essex
The Essex countryside is ideal for cycling. A gently-rolling landscape with green lanes winding through farmland, river valleys and picturesque villages and cottages at every turn.
Cycle Essex, comprising 9 maps illustrating circular cycle routes has been created for all those who enjoy the pleasures of countryside touring by bike. 400 miles long in total, the routes meander through some of the county's most beautiful rural areas, and pass through many of its most charming villages and towns. Each route has details on the towns and villages as well as places of interest that can be visited whilst in the area. Click here for a sample route.
For the long-distance enthusiast, the route provides the perfect opportunity to explore much of the county. Alternatively, those simply wanting a few hours of pleasant cycling can follow the variety of shorter circular routes suggested.
So, get on your bike and explore the Essex countryside. Stop at the attractions along the way and round up your visit with a well earned rest at a picnic site or a hearty pub lunch.
The complete pack costs £5.50 (includes p&p) and can be obtained calling 0845 600 7373. Check out also our more information section for other publications.
We hope you find this a useful guide to cycling around Essex. Should you have any comments to make, or suggestions about the route or this guide, we will be pleased to hear from you. Contact: Elli.Constantatou@essexcc.gov.uk
Happy cycling!
Real Essex and the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity are working in partnership to create a unique set of fun days out for individuals, families or groups. The charity, which helps thousands of people who have been touched by cancer, wants to encourage people to go out, get fit and rediscover the beauty of Essex.
To celebrate the launch of Cycle Essex a charity cycle ride with Sporting Champion and Britain's number one mountain bike racer Jenny Copnall took place on the 5 May 2007.
A big thank you to all participants and all that helped making the event a success.
The event was covered LIVE by BBC Essex's Ian Wyatt and two presenters, Steve Scruton and Angela Lodge cycled with Jenny Copnall and approximately 150 cyclists. The charity cycle ride started at Great Notley Country Park and Discovery Centre, through the Flitch Way, and on a circular route via Great Saling and then back again to Rayne Station, the start of the Flitch Way (total distance about 15 miles). For families with children the totally off road Flitch Way proved most successful.
Everybody had fun as the pictures below show. You can see additional pictures from the event by visiting the BBC Essex website.
If you were unable to participate in the event but would like to help raising money for a brand new cancer care centre in Chelmsford, please contact the charity on 01245 516547 or visit www.helenrollason.co.uk for more information.
