Beeleigh Falls
When you think of the Essex Countryside what images are conjured? Do you think of our coastline, the vast flat fields or gushing volumes of water cascading in a waterfall? The secret little waterfall in Essex is not remotely well known but is actually easy to find. Having lived here for almost 20 years I only discovered this picturesque area last year. When the pandemic hit it became really important for our mental health to get out. We wanted to see as many local sights as we could to stop us going stir crazy!
Stuck In The Country & Stuck For Ideas?
Therefore I scoured Google for new and interesting places to visit. It was amazing what I discovered virtually on my doorstep! Only being able to travel ‘locally’ became our new challenge. Not wanting to break rules but desperate for some new sights for our sore eyes we found some amazing places. We never would have seen any of these if it weren’t for lockdown. Now they are places we regularly go for exercise and fresh air.
The merging of the River Chelmer & the River Blackwater
The waterfall is located at a point where the river Chelmer and the river Blackwater meet. Remarkably this is also where the tide comes in from Heybridge/Maldon. This area is known as Beeleigh Lock. I warn you that if you are looking forward to seeing a towering stream of water you will be disappointed. However you will discover a pretty little flow over rocks with a lovely bridge across it. I visited here the first time in the dry season and was really underwhelmed, there was hardly any flow. It had been 38 degrees and not rained for weeks so I’m not sure what I was expecting. Luckily when I went back this week I could hear it before I saw it. The sound of an actual waterfall is a beautiful sound!
Where To Park?
There are several options for parking. You can either take the lane which runs down the side of the Museum of Power in Langford. There is a free car park at the end of the lane, don’t park at the museum (although do visit here too). Secondly if you are a member of Maldon Golf Club you can take advantage of their parking. It’s literally less than a five minute walk from here along the tow path. Another alternative is Maldon town, where you can park in one of the many car parks on offer. We chose Tesco with its three hours of free parking (at time of writing) & is next to the river Blackwater. Just follow the tow path north west and you will come across the lock & the waterfall is to your left.
Another ‘issue’ in the nicest of ways on our walk from Maldon to the falls were some swans. Then decided to sit directly on the path with their 11 signets! We gave them a wide birth via the golf club grounds they had kindly nested next to. This photograph was taken last year but the two swans were still in the same area this week. Hopefully we will see more signets this year, although surely they can’t beat 11 again!
When the tide is out the tide is literally out! It is a real meeting of bodies of water that changes all day long. I really pretty find!
Circular Walk Through The Woodland
Once you have found the waterfall, take the bridge which goes over and follow it in to the woods. This route takes you between fields where you can see for miles and through lovely woodland. It was a tad muddy in places so don’t wear your best shoes if you don’t want them to get filthy! Follow it around in a circle, cross back over the river and you will be back in Maldon.
Feeling The Chill?
Are you ready to go back abroad and see some waterfalls you can swim in & not get hypothermia? Have you ever been to Thailand? If you haven’t had the chance or though that maybe it wasn’t for you I would urge you to think again. Head over to my Thailand category and see just how varied and beautiful the country is. I will never get bored of visiting this stunning place! Don’t miss out!