Bradwell Beach

Updated: May 23, 2025
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Walk Highlights

Location:
Bradwell-on-Sea
Postcode:
CM0 7HP
Parking:

Limited parking near St Peter-on-the-Wall chapel (CM0 7PN, can be donation based or P&D). Bradwell Waterside may have other options. Remote.

Distance:
5.60 miles
Time:
2.00 hours
Difficulty:
Easy
Terrain:

Coastal saltmarsh, mudflats, and shingle/shell beach. The main walking is often along the raised sea wall path, which is typically grassy, flat, and well-defined but can be uneven and exposed. Access to the beach itself from the sea wall can be via steps or slopes. The beach is a mix of shingle, shells, and sand, especially at lower tides. Can be very muddy on the saltmarsh/mudflat edges – **it is crucial to stay off dangerous mudflats.**

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Location: Bradwell-on-Sea, Dengie Peninsula, Essex. Known for: Remote and wild coastline, the historic St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel, vast skies, and the adjacent Dengie National Nature Reserve.

 

Perfect for: Dogs who enjoy long, bracing walks with plenty of open space, and owners who appreciate unique history, abundant birdlife, and a true sense of escape.

Discover the beautifully stark and atmospheric coastline at Bradwell-on-Sea, a place where wild saltmarshes meet the expansive Dengie Flats. This unique area, home to the iconic 7th-century St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel (one of England's oldest churches), offers a distinctive walking experience for you and your canine companion.

 

The Walks:

The walks here are predominantly along the sea wall and coastal paths, offering far-reaching views across the mudflats and saltmarshes of the Dengie National Nature Reserve out towards the North Sea.

 

  • St Peter's Chapel & Coastal Loop: A popular walk starts from the car park near St Peter's Chapel. You can explore the ancient chapel grounds and then head out along the sea wall path. Loops can be created by following the sea wall for a desired distance and then returning via inland footpaths or by making a longer circuit incorporating more of the Dengie coastline.
  • Sea Wall Stretches: Enjoy a linear walk along the top of the sea wall, heading either north or south. This provides excellent vantage points for birdwatching and soaking in the vast, open landscape. You can walk for many miles if you choose.
  • Sales Point Exploration: Discover the area around Sales Point, where the River Blackwater meets the North Sea, offering dynamic views and a sense of raw coastal beauty.


The terrain is generally flat, consisting of grassy paths along the sea wall, shingle sections on the foreshore, and some unsurfaced tracks. Be prepared for it to be muddy in places, especially after rain or high tides. The area is very exposed, so be ready for windy conditions.


Highlights for You and Your Pooch:

  • Historic Landmark: Visit the incredibly atmospheric St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel, a truly unique piece of English history.
  • Wide Open Spaces: A sense of freedom and remoteness with vast skies and expansive views.
  • Birdwatching Paradise: An excellent spot for observing coastal birds (bring binoculars!).
  • Bracing Coastal Air: Perfect for an invigorating walk.


Parking & Access:

  • There is a dedicated car park at the end of the road leading to St Peter's Chapel (approx. CM0 7PN). It can get busy, especially on weekends. There may be a small charge or donation request.
  • Access to the sea wall and coastal paths is directly from this area.


Facilities:

  • Toilets: Public toilets are usually available near the St Peter's Chapel car park.
  • Refreshments: This is a remote spot, and there are no cafes or shops directly at the chapel or on the immediate coastline. The nearest village, Bradwell-on-Sea (a couple of miles inland), has a village shop and pubs (check their dog policies). Bradwell Marina, a short drive away, may also have facilities. It's advisable to bring your own refreshments.

 

Overall:

A walk at Bradwell-on-Sea offers a unique and memorable experience for those who appreciate wild, unspoiled coastlines and a touch of ancient history. It’s a fantastic place for a dog walk if you come prepared for the conditions and are highly respectful of the sensitive wildlife that makes this area so special, particularly during bird breeding season.


Image: © Copyright Roger Jones and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Information Accuracy

Conditions can change. Please verify critical information locally. Your safety is your responsibility.

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