Little Waltham: Walks, Golf and Churches

Little Waltham offers a range of reasons to visit: natural areas and paths along the River Chelmer, golf at Little Channels Golf, church architecture and a weekly evening service. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Little Waltham, planning around your main interest can help: would you like to spend time in the countryside, play golf or explore local architecture? The options have distinct character and can be considered when making your travel plans.

Meadows, river and paths

Little Waltham Meadows Nature Reserve lies on the east bank of the River Chelmer. It includes ancient flood meadows and dry meadows, as well as alder carr woodland. The variety of these areas gives the reserve a distinct natural character: meadows and woodland are both part of the landscape. Kestrels hunt among bee orchids, saxifrage and marsh marigolds. For nature lovers, the appeal lies in the combination of different habitats, plants and a hunting bird of prey.

Walking paths and a green lane run through the nature reserve. A footpath also follows the River Chelmer through Little Waltham. This gives you a choice of focus when planning your visit: paths through the meadows or a riverside trail. The Little Waltham Public Rights-of-Way Walk starts at a small car park on Back Lane. Check route information before setting out, as practical details may change.

Golf at Little Channels Golf

Little Channels Golf is a 9-hole course with a pay-and-play option, where everyone is welcome to test their skills. The facility has a floodlit driving range with 36 bays, 26 of which have Top Tracer. There is also a chipping green with two greenside bunkers and a putting green. This offers a choice between playing and practising: the 9-hole course is for a round of golf, while the range, chipping green and putting green cover different aspects of the game. If you’d like to include golf in your trip, you can decide whether a round or the individual practice areas are more appealing.

Church architecture and services

Little Waltham United Reformed Church is a rendered brick building dating from around 1803, with corner pilasters. Its approximate date, construction material and corner detailing are specific features to look out for. Corner pilasters are flat, pilaster-like elements at the corners of a building; they divide the façade vertically. For visitors interested in architecture, this offers a clearly defined reason to visit.

St Martin in Little Waltham offers a specific time to plan around: a short evening service takes place there every Thursday at 18:00. If you’d like to include it in your plans, confirm the time in advance. The distinction is practical for planning your trip: at St Martin, the day and time are specific; for nature and golf, you can choose your focus based on the landscape and paths, or between the course and practice areas.

Discover more destinations: Southminster, West Horndon, Clavering, Loughton, Stansted Mountfitchet, Billericay, Roydon, Thaxted.

For the broader travel overview: Essex.