In the mid 1800s the line from Maldon to Witham and onto Braintree and Chelmsford was given assent in Parliament. The first goods train left Maldon East Station in August 1848 followed by the commencement of passenger services. Eastern Counties Railways had purchased the shares. Originally it was a dual track, but the line didn't perform so one track was lifted. Eastern Counties Railway was absorbed into the Great Eastern Railway in 1862. The Blackwater Trail runs along the original track bed. Some sections of the line were sold off to private buyers before Essex County Council bought the remainder, so there are diversions around those sections of which some follow the road. The tunnel which enabled the line to continue onto Witham was filled in many years ago. We suggest you ride to/from Wickham Mill Bridge instead of going all the way into Witham. There is a bridleway along the canal to Heybridge basin where there are some places to eat and ample parking. Although it is not a railway line we have included the mileage to/from this point. The total Mileage is approximately 5 miles. If intending to go right into Witham it may be possible to find parking near to or at the Maltings Academy on Sustrans route 1. Grid ref: TL 817 143 Distance 6.6 miles.

Blackwater Rail Trail - Wickham Hall © Copyright Trevor Harris and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Blackwater Rail Trail 3 © Copyright Trevor Harris and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Blackwater Rail Trail - Langford © Copyright Trevor Harris and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Blackwater Rail Trail 2 © Copyright Roger Jones and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.