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Flitch Way is a 15-mile traffic free route for walking and cycling in north Essex. Most of the route follows a former railway line linking the towns of Braintree, Great Dunmow and Bishop's Stortford (just over the border in Hertfordshire). The railway closed to passengers in 1952, but remained open for goods until the early 1970s. Much of Flitch Way is on route 16 of the National Cycle Network.

For more information, go to the websites of:
Explore Essex: Link
The Long Distance Walkers' Association: Link
Sustrans: Link

Route 16 of the National Cycle Network, also referred to as NCN16, crosses Essex. It is currently (in late 2022) in two sections. One runs from Birchanger in the north west of the county, eastwards through Great Dunmow to Braintree, then turning southwards to Great Totham near Maldon. Between Birchanger and Braintree, much of the route is on a former railway line which is now a shared path.

A second section will link Basildon with Shoeburyness on the coast, passing through Southend-on-Sea.

More information on Sustrans' website: Link

The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes. It was created by the charity Sustrans Link (Sustainable Transport), aided by a National Lottery grant.

Many routes aim to minimise contact with motor traffic, though 70% of them are on roads. In some cases the NCN uses pedestrian routes, disused railways, minor roads, canal towpaths, or traffic-calmed routes in towns and cities.