Re: South Essex Sorry, wrong end of the country for me. Have you tried googling? Sites like Dugs 'n' Pubs for eating out also do good walking areas and beaches but not sure it covers much in England.
Re: South Essex SteveF just posted about SE walks http://www.fancyfreewalks.org/index.html I'm about to look at them may be something for you amongst them.
Chelmer Blackwater Canal Chelmsford City Centre to Maldon. Good start points Paper Mill Hatfield Peverel which has a lovely tearoom cakes etc. Hoe Mill or Heybridge Basin which has pubs and tea rooms
