The Saltmarsh Trail in February, as it turns north at the end of West Quay to go along the marina’s eastern side. © 2018 Nick Skeens

The Saltmarsh  Coast Trail, as it runs through Burnham, is just part of a 75-mile seawall route around the Maldon District.

It affords a series of shorter walks – or one really long one – with great river views.

The Burnham section in particular, and especially in winter, is blessed with new flocks of birds coming in partly as a result of the Wallasea Wetlands project.

In January/February, for example, you can see flocks of Brent geese, bartailed godwits, oyster catchers, shelduck, plus redshanks, egrets and herons, with diving terns and cormorants more abundant in the summer.

Gulls (herring and black-headed) are here in large numbers all year round.

See also wildlife.

Almost the entire saltmarsh coast is deemed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Marathon runs along the coast

Maldon District Council helps organise annual runs around the coast. For more, click here.

For details of a recent Saltmarsh run, click here.