07essex blackmore

■ Distance: 7 miles/11.2km ■ Time: 4 hours ■  Grade: Moderate

The nearest station is Manningtree, on the Great Eastern Main Line, which is around 1 hour 15 minutes from London Liverpool Street and is also reachable from Colchester and Ipswich. If coming by car,

THE BIG RIDE

■ Distance: 5¼ miles/8.5km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

■ Distance: 8 miles/12.8km ■ Time: 4½ hours ■ Grade: Challenging

■ Distance: 5½ miles/8.8km ■ Time: 3 hours ■ Grade: Moderate