Hiking, walking in nature as a recreational activity. Because hikers can walk as far as they want, there is no physical strain
Essex Way (access onto the Essex Way is approximately a 15 minute walk from Swallows Field)
A long distance footpath of over 80 miles running from Epping to Harwich
Woodland Trust- Fordham Hall Estate (2 miles)
Wonderful walking & off road cycling
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/5512/fordham-hall-estate/
Alton Water (18.5 miles)
Alton Water Park is a 400 acre site offering great walking, cycling (with cycle hire) fishing and watersports.
https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/alton-water
Mersea Island (13 miles)
An island measuring five miles by two miles, in the Blackwater and Colne Estuaries, connected to the mainland by the Strood, a causeway that can flood at high tide! Outstanding walking and if you are feeling energetic you can walk the 13 miles around it! Famous for Mersea or sometimes called Colchester Oysters. Outstanding seafood available at The Company Shed http://www.thecompanyshed.co/ in West Mersea or Mehalahs http://www.mehalahs.co.uk/ in East Mersea. Boat trips available on the Lady Grace https://essexboattrips.co.uk/
A useful website for other walking routes