The beautiful 14 mile Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is looked after by Essex Waterways Ltd. The waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex. It connects the city of Chelmsford with the Blackwater Estuary at Heybridge Basin. 

We manage the Navigation on a non-profit making basis; we get no financial support from Government and we rely on a small number of dedicated staff and our amazing team of volunteers to keep the Navigation open, and hopefully make improvements as the years go by.  Every time you buy a licence, or some refreshments from the kiosk, or hire our canoes, you are helping to keep the Navigation going.

Please consider offering to volunteer for us, or help keep the waterway clear of litter, or think of us in your will!  We rely on public support and your goodwill.  We will do our best to make your visit a happy one, but if everything is not quite right, please bear with us and see how you can help – we do get a bit over-stretched at times.

For trip boat, caravan and motor home bookings, canoe hire, licences and Navigation enquires, contact our Paper Mill Office on 01245 226245