The Hare and Hounds – View of Abberton Reservoir loop from West Mersea

Bike touring routes & trails

The Hare and Hounds – View of Abberton Reservoir loop from West Mersea

Moderate

riders

The Hare and Hounds – View of Abberton Reservoir loop from West Mersea

02:05

35.4km

200m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Tips

Includes short out-and-back sections

Your route doubles back at waypoints. If this isn’t intentional, adjust those waypoints’ positions.

After 17.8 km for 183 m

After 24.0 km for 27 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.04 km

The Strood Tidal Causeway to Mersea Island

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

Only impassable a few times per year but you can get stuck for an hour or more when it is. Watch out for high tide over about 5.3m for likely trouble.

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6.54 km

Malting Cottage Honey

Highlight • Other

£5 per jar from the porch of a cottage, honesty box system. Since finding this I've been back several times to buy it - the honey is good.

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14.8 km

Sustrans Route Turnoff to Oliver's Lane

Highlight • Cycleway

The Sustrans route here is over quite rough ground and may not be suitable for wider bikes. The sign says " no motorised vehicles", not sure if that applies to …

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17.9 km

The Hare and Hounds

Highlight • Restaurant

Such a great bike stop. Lovely bear and good bar food. Nice and peaceful setting.

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19.9 km

A tranquil part of the county where you'll got quiet roads and country lanes that surround this large reservoir. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife - there are thousands of wildlfowl to spot on the water.

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24.1 km

Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Another great place to stop on a long bike ride. The visitor centre features a lovely cafe with handmade hot sandwich options and a terrace with a view over the …

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33.3 km

The Strood Causeway to Mersea Island

Highlight • Cycleway

Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Mersea Island is essentially cut off by the tide for four hours at a time - check these before crossing. Adds a frisson of excitement to any ride.

Tip by

35.4 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types