The River Crouch stretches 10nm further up river from the marina, via Fambridge, Brandy Hole and Hullbridge, to Battlesbridge – the end of the navigable part of the river. This is a lovely, sheltered

■ Distance: 9¾ miles/15.7km ■ Time: 5 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

■ Distance: 6½ miles/10.4km ■ Time: 3 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

If you are looking for a value for money, easy accessible and interesting place to keep your yacht on the east coast, Essex Marina on the south shore of the River Crouch – opposite Burnham-on-Crouch –

TONY STREETER looks at how - and why - the capital’s major rail routes arrive into different termini to form a ring around the central London area

Brilliant, flowing riding through the best that the East Midlands has on offer. No wonder its one of our favourite local routes…