WITH the temperature having dropped heavily in recent weeks, some of us don’t want to brave the cold.

However, there are many who love nothing better than getting out and feeling the cool, fresh air.

For those, we have rounded up some of the best places in Essex for a winter walk, as chosen by you – Echo Facebook users.

1. Southend Seafront:

Southend Seafront is miles long with stunning sea views all year round.

We are lucky to have such a stunning coastline in south Essex, and whether it is a short stroll, or a long stroll, the seafront is perfect for that.

The total route from Shoebury to Leigh is around 7.5 miles.

There are plenty of places to stop along the way too from ice cream shops, and fish and chip restaurants.

However, if you are going for a winter stroll along the seafront, wrap up warm as it can be very windy!

2. Belfairs Woods:

Belfairs Woodland Centre introduces visitors to the 1160-acre living landscape, a third of which is woodland.

Much of the woodland is officially “ancient woodland”; some is more than 1,000 years old, making it the earliest woodland recorded in Essex.

It is an area which is very popular with dog walkers and in Belfairs Woods is a visitor, community, and education centre.

This is the perfect stop for refreshments after a walk around the woods.

3. Hyde Hall:

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England.

This 365-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern.

Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought-resistant plants and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders.

There is also a café, restaurant, children's play area, gift shop, and garden centre to see while enjoying a winter walk.

4. Hadleigh Country Park:

One of the largest green spaces in Essex, Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone including idyllic countryside, magnificent views over the Thames Estuary, important historical features, and excellent cycling trails.

Since hosting the Mountain Biking during the London 2012 Olympics, Hadleigh Country Park has developed into a leisure facility and green space for everyone.

Combining a 400-space car park, cafe, bike hire, walking and cycling trails as well as kid’s play area and pump track, there is plenty of room and opportunity for everyone to get active.