Essex Pub Walks – Setting off from The Prince of Wales, Stow Maries
The Prince of Wales, Stow Maries is perfectly positioned to access beautiful Essex countryside, making it an ideal destination for walkers looking to combine great food, a traditional country pub and unforgettable scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic pub walk before Sunday lunch, exploring walks near Maldon or Chelmsford, or searching for one of the best circular walks in Essex, you’ll find a route to suit every pace. Whether you’re walking with children, bringing your dog, or simply enjoying the Essex countryside, we’ve created two recommended routes starting and finishing at the pub.
As a dog-friendly pub, we’re always happy to welcome four-legged walkers too. Click below to explore our interactive Ordnance Survey route maps and start planning your walk.
1. Easy Vineyard Walk
Circular walk through the Crows Lane Estates and Hollands vineyards, then along the disused Victorian Railway.
2. Stow Maries Aerodrome Circular Walk
Walk through Crows Lane Estates and Hollands Vineyards before heading towards Stow Maries Aerodrome. Fantastic views of the Crouch Valley.
Vineyard walks in the Crouch Valley
The Crouch Valley has become one of England’s most celebrated wine regions, producing award-winning wines from its unique combination of maritime climate, sunshine and rolling south-facing slopes.
Several of our walking routes pass through the area’s beautiful vineyards, including Martins Lane Estate, Hollands Estate and Crows Lane Estate.
These walks offer spectacular views across the Essex countryside, with sweeping panoramas of vineyards, farmland and the River Crouch beyond. They are among the most scenic vineyard walks in Essex and provide a unique way to experience one of the county’s most exciting food and drink destinations.
For anyone looking for countryside walks in Essex or a memorable Essex pub walk, these vineyard routes are a must.
Airmen’s Way – Follow the Footsteps of First World War Pilots
The Prince of Wales has a remarkable connection to local history. During the First World War, the pub was frequented by the pilots and ground crew stationed at nearby Stow Maries Aerodrome.
Today, visitors can follow Airmen’s Way, retracing the route that those airmen would have walked between the aerodrome and the pub more than a century ago.
This unique heritage trail combines beautiful countryside with one of the most important aviation sites in Britain and offers one of the most distinctive historic walks in Essex.
Explore Stow Maries Nature Reserve
Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful walks through the Stow Maries Nature Reserve, where wildflower meadows, ancient hedgerows and diverse wildlife create a haven for birds, insects and native plants.
The reserve offers a tranquil contrast to modern life and forms part of several of our most popular circular walks in Essex.
Throughout the seasons, walkers can enjoy changing colours, abundant wildlife and some of the most peaceful countryside in the Maldon district.
The Saltmarsh Coast – part of King Charles III England Coast Path
A great place to start Essex Saltmarsh Coast
For those looking to explore beyond the village, The Prince of Wales also provides easy access to some of the finest coastal walks in Essex. We are ideally situated as accommodation for people doing the first section of Maldon’s Saltmarsh Coast.
Just a short drive away, North Fambridge connects with the new King Charles III England Coast Path, offering miles of walking along the stunning River Crouch estuary and Essex Saltmarsh Coast.
This nationally important route links waterside communities, nature reserves and some of the most spectacular estuary landscapes in the country. Walkers can enjoy vast skies, abundant birdlife, tidal creeks and breathtaking views across the River Crouch before returning to The Prince of Wales for a well-earned meal or drink.
