Maldon is a very popular area for sailing and boating, with many clubs and societies dotted along the main marina area, alongside Maldon Promenade.

Heybridge Basin

Heybridge Basin is located at the end of the 13 mile Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and contains the sea lock which joins the canal to the Blackwater estuary.

The basin was dug out of the marsh to enable sea going vessels to enter the canal and unload their cargoes onto the barges for transportation inland to Chelmsford.The navigation was completed in 1796 and commericial traffic traffic to Chelmsford canal ceased in 1972.

The canal has found a new use by leisure craft and the Basin is a favourite location for visitors and walkers, as well as being a safe haven for dozens of craft of all types and sizes.

From the sea walls at Heybridge Basin you can take in the splendid views of the Blackwater estuary and Osea Island, and you may even see an historic Thames Barge on a cruise out from Maldon.

From here you can walk the sea wall path to Maldon, or in the opposite direction, to Goldhanger and beyond. You can also walk the canal towpath to Heybridge or Beeleigh Falls and the acient hamlet of Beeleigh.

There are two pubs at Heybridge Basin, so if you prefer the less active option, you can sit and relax with a drink and a meal and watch the activity of this popular marine centre. At high tide, boats leave the safety of the Basin through the huge lock gates and enter the estuary.

There is also a tea room run by the famous Tiptree Preserve company where you can get a cup of tea or coffee and a cake, sandwich or meal. Ice cream is also available from the kiosk You can take a trip up the canal in a 1 hour cruise aboard the Elver, a 25 ft steel narrow boat. Gently winding along the canal at a leisurely 4 knots gives the passenger ample time to take in the scenery and wildlife of this little known waterway.

Also available is rowing boat hire so that you can explore the canal at your own pace. The sturdy rowing boats are designed for a maximum of 4 adults and are available for hire on an hourly basis.

Find them on the canal by the steps from the Daisy Meadow car park during the season.

Paper Mill Lock

Paper Mill Lock, North Hill, Little Baddow, Essex, CM3 4BS, Tel: 07813 014325

Public trips and charters aboard traditional 48-seat barge Victoria with bar and catering options. Cruiser and dinghy hire, lock-side tea-room, island picnic area, walks and fishing.