Mayland lies on the Dengie peninsula in Essex, on the southern shore of the Blackwater estuary, a flat, quiet landscape of farmland, saltmarsh and wide skies. The village and its neighbour, Maylandsea, have a marina where small boats lie on the mud at low tide, and the estuary stretches away to the north, glittering in the sunlight.
The Dengie is one of the most remote corners of south-east England, despite being only an hour or so from London. At its tip, near Bradwell-on-Sea, stands the chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, built in the seventh century by St Cedd from the stones of a Roman fort. It is one of the oldest largely intact churches in England, and its setting, alone on the edge of the marshes facing the sea, is unforgettable.
The Blackwater estuary is famous for its oysters, and Maldon, at the head of the estuary, is known for its sea salt and its fleet of traditional Thames sailing barges, with their tan sails. The saltmarshes are home to many birds, and in winter, flocks of geese and waders gather on the mudflats.
For riders, the roads across the Dengie are flat and straight, with long views and very little traffic. Wind can be strong, and the roads can be muddy from farm traffic. Fuel and food are available in Maldon and nearby villages. As a photo stop, the estuary at Maylandsea, with boats on the water and the marshes beyond, is lovely, especially at sunset.