Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest The Ditches Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest The Ditches Walking Route

This a very short 2 mile circular walk in Epping Forest and ideal for toddlers. After a very successful mile long linear walking route (in a straight line) last week in Knighton Woods I decided on a more adventurous 2 mile circular challenge in Epping Forest this weekend with Tedi. I plotted a very rough course from The Ditches car park to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary and back.

You’ll have to forgive me for the map because I forgot to start the walk at the beginning so the ‘straight line’ bit isn’t exactly accurate. From The Ditches car park we turned to the road and then walked right where there was a feint track going in the right direction. The basic premise of the walk is to head towards the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary (which basically meant turned right out of the car park and head down the road) keeping to the forest tracks with the road close to our left hand side.

Walks And Walking Epping Forest Walks The Ditches Map

Tedi found an abundance of muddy puddles, sticks, leaves and fictional spiders to make the first mile section of the walk last a good hour and I made sure he had plenty of fallen trees to clamber over before we had to join the road by the house (there is only one to contend with). So, carefully walking along the side of the road we then reached the entrance to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary at Birch Hall.

We then walked right along the lane until we joined the tracks to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary fence passing the footpath signpost and gate on our right hand side on the way. Sadly, the Deers were over the other side of the enclosure so I didn’t get a decent photograph. We then walked back on ourselves to the footpath signpost where we then walked left down the hill and at this stage Tedi was asking for ‘a carry’.

Walks And Walking Epping Forest Walks The Ditches

We then piggybacked down the hill to the next few gates before crossing the small stream and zig-zagging back up The Ditches to the car park, only stopping for muddy puddles and sticks on the way. This walk took us just under 2 hours to complete about 2 miles and, in terms of adventure, it is perfect for small children and toddlers that just want to run around, get muddy, climb trees and invent spiders!

Walks And Walking Epping Forest Walks The Ditches Muddy Puddles

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes Walking Route

This is the shortest walk ever documented on Walks And Walking but one of the most enjoyable.

Now that Tedi has reached the grand old age of 2 and a half he has asked to go walking in Epping Forest more often, so apart from a few trips to Chingford Plain I have been looking for local walks that are easily accessible to where we live. I opened up my trusty Epping Forest map and found a small forest area called Knighton Wood and Lords Bushes which included a long main pathway called Monkhams Lane, which takes you right through the heart of the woods.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes

So, with the promise of muddy puddles and the chance of meeting lots of dogs we set off from the barrier where Monkhams Lane joins Farm Way and headed north up to Knighton Lake and Knighton Lane.

Tedi walked the whole length of Monkhams Lane, taking us just under an hour to cover just under a mile.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes – Monkhams Lane

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes – Bivouac

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes – Knighton Lake

About Knighton Wood And Lords Bushes

Lords Bushes and Knighton Wood form an ‘island’ of Epping Forest located in Buckhurst Hill and surrounded by houses. Together they cover some 53 hectares of mature woodland located on the eastern edge of the Epping Forest ridge. A number of water-filled hollows on the higher ground indicate the location of former gravel workings, the largest of which have been landscaped into attractive ponds.

Glacial sands and gravels cover the western segment and the ground slopes gently down onto the London Clay towards the east. Several small streams emerge at the junction of the gravels and the clay and flow eastwards towards the River Roding.

You can find out more about Knighton Wood and Lords Bushes here.

 

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route

It has been months since I have been able to make the short trip up to Epping Forest because of all the rain, snow and family commitments but with the weather and my diary finally clear I jumped on the tube and made my way up to Theydon Bois.

Since I received the Epping Forest Focus Spring 2013 newsletter I have been itching to do their new Gifford Wood Appeal walking route. ‘A circular walk crossing both Forest and Buffer Land, including the latest addition to Epping Forest, Gifford Wood.’ As the starting point was in Lodge Road, and with no lift or use of the car, I decided to start the walk at Theydon Bois London Underground Station and turn their 5 mile walking route into a 10 mile one.

From Theydon Bois tube I walked out of the station and turned right all the way up the B172 road to the Sixteen String Jack pub keeping to the right hand side of the road just passed Birch Hall Road where I then cut through the forest on my right hand side to join a path. I then turned left up this main track until I reached a car park on my left hand side where I kept straight ahead to the next car park at Jack’s Hill.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Jacks Hill

Where the main track goes right I walked straight ahead following a narrower path that zig-zagged across the rough land until I reached Epping Road where I turned right and walked along for a short while before turning left into Lodge Road and the start of the Gifford Wood Appeal walking route.

Here are the instructions for the walk from the Epping Forest Spring 2013 newsletter, which you can find here.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route Map

Starting from Lodge Road car park, walk down the closed road towards the Lodge Road gates at Copped Hall.

1. At the end of the road, cross Crown Hill Road and enter Copped Hall Estate via the pedestrian gate to the left of the
main vehicular access gates. Continue along the track through Warren Plantation and cross the motorway bridge.

2. On the other side of the motorway there is a small conifer plantation. At the end of it turn left and follow it along to
where it meets a hedge.

3. Bear right from the hedge and follow the wheel marks which lead to the far corner of the hill, providing great views of
Copped Hall.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Copped Hall

4. In the corner of the field there is a narrow track, only about 50m (55 yds.) long, which leads onto a surfaced road. Turn left and pass through the gate, continue along the track to the left and head up to Long Street.

5. Here turn left and continue to the end of the road, bearing left once again into Fernhall Lane and up to the main road. Then turn right and follow the verge until it opens up – look for a small kissing gate on the right, go through it to enter Warlies Park.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Warlies House

6. Head downhill towards Warlies House and go through the gate past the front of the house. Exit the field through the kissing gate adjacent to the private access road. Turn left for approximately 150m to the Upshire Road, cross over onto Sergeants Green and head left along the unmade track.

7. To the left and right of the track are the three fields recently acquired by the City of London and now added to Epping Forest and where you can find Gifford Wood.

8. Follow the track past the cottages, after around 180m the track joins another bridleway. Turn right and follow the track uphill bearing left at the top, running parallel to the M25, turn right at the end and cross the motorway.9. Follow the track past two bungalows and then at the corner take the left branch. Follow the track past two bungalows and then at the corner take the left branch along the track to the bottom, dog legging left then right. The path then heads up towards the Forest. Where the path reaches the Forest there is a posted ride which continues uphill onto the surfaced ride, turn left and follow the ride back to the car park at Lodge Road.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Gifford Wood Walking Route – Fallow Deer

I then retraced my steps back to the Sixteen String Jack pub and crossed over the road to the track by Birch Hall Farm where I popped by the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary and took some pictures. After a few great close up shots I walked back down to Theydon Bois tube station after a very enjoyable 10 miles, taking me just just over 3 and a half hours to complete.

Walks And Walking – Long Walks in Epping Forest

Walks And Walking – Long Walks in Epping Forest

These walks are typically between 5 to 10 miles long and can be quite challenging. These types of walks can take between 3 to 5 hours to complete at a good walking pace. Epping Forest has a myriad of pathways so always make sure you have a paper or digital map with you and take refreshments and plenty of liquids with you to keep hydrated. There are plenty of Epping Forest Fallow Deer, Muntjacs and other wildlife to be found on these walking routes so it is always worth keeping as quite as you can to avoid scaring them off  before you get to see them!

Walks And Walking – Long Walks in Epping Forest

Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge Walk
An easy 6 mile circular walk from Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge to High Beach and back via the Epping Forest Green Ride walking routes.

Chingford Walk
An easy 6 mile circular walk from Chingford to the famous Epping Forest Bikers Cafe.

Pole Hill Walk
An easy 6 mile circular walk from Chingford to Pole Hill Obelisk and back via the Epping Forest Centenary Walk.

Gilwell Park Walk
A good 6 mile circular walk around Gilwell Park, home of the Scout Association, with a Secret Bluebell Wood Video as an extra bonus!

High Beach Church Walk
A simple 7 mile circular walk from Chingford to High Beach Church and back via the Centenary Walk, one of Epping Forest’s most well known walking routes.

Oak Trail Walk
A gentle 7 mile circular walk along The Oak Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, including buffer lands, deer sanctuary and Ambresbury Banks.

High Beach Walk
A good 7 mile circular High Beach walk from Connaught Water in Chingford including a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.

Upshire Walk
A good 7 mile circular walk from High Beach, in the heart of Epping Forest, following The Forest Way walking routes through to Upshire and Copped Hall Gardens.

Waltham Abbey Walk
A leisurely 7 mile circular walk from Waltham Abbey through the Epping Forest Lee Valley Park walking routes and the Royal Gunpowder Mills.

Chipping Ongar Walk
A good 7 mile circular walk in Chipping Ongar starting at the unique Log Church in Greensted following the Essex Way walking routes and back via the Three Forest Way to Ongar Castle Motte and Baileys.

Jacks Hill Walk
A good 7 mile circular walk from Jacks Hill in Theydon Bois including a visit to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Kates Cellar Walk
A decent 7 mile circular walk starting and finishing in Chingford, exploring Epping Forest’s Kate’s Cellar at Loughton Camp.

Ambresbury Banks Walk
A solid 8 mile circular walk from High Beach to Ambresbury Banks Fort and then following the main Epping Forest walking routes to Loughton Camp near Loughton.

Essex Way to Epping Walk
A solid 8 mile linear walk along The Essex Way walking routes from Chipping Ongar to the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest.

Deer Sanctuary Walk
A solid 9 mile circular walk starting in Debden following popular walking routes to Abridge, Theydon Bois and then back via the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary at Birch Hall.

Epping Green Walk
An easy 9 mile linear walk starting in Epping Green following The Forest Way walking routes to the Centenary Way and ending at Chingford Plains.

Hainault Forest Country Park Walk
An easy 9 mile linear walk from Hainault Forest Country Park folloowing the Three Forests Way and London Loop walking routes to Chingford.

Waltham Abbey to Epping Walk
An epic 9 mile linear walk from Waltham Cross to Epping Town via Waltham Abbey and Epping Forest following the historic Green Lanes walking routes.

Walks And Walking – Easy Short Walks in Epping Forest

Walks And Walking – Easy Short Walks in Epping Forest

These are easy short walks in Epping Forest that are suitable for all of the family. They are walking routes that are mostly up to 5 miles which should take a leisurely 2 to 3 hours to complete. Epping Forest can be quite muddy so it is advisable to wear a good pair of walking boots, wellies or waterproof walking shoes. Facilities can be quite limited in Epping Forest with High Beach being the most central location for refreshments and toilet facilities.

Fallow Deer Epping Forest Walking Routes

I have highlighted my favourite easy short walks in Epping Forest in bold below:

Knighton Wood and Lords Bushes Walk
An easy 1 mile walk suitable for all of the family and small children through this small island of Epping Forest, can easily be extended by an extra few miles if required.

The Ditches Epping Forest
An easy, but very muddy, walk from The Ditches car park to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary and back.

Gunpowder Park Walk
A simple 2 mile circular walk in Gunpowder Park offers leisurely walking routes in an area of conservation near Waltham Abbey.

South Woodford Walk
An easy 3 mile linear walk from South Woodford to Chingford following the Epping Forest Centenary Walk.

Willow Trail Walk
A simple 3 mile classic family circular walk following The Willow Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, around Connaught Water.

Epping Forest Family Walk
A 3 mile family stroll randomly around the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest from High Beach.

Holly Trail Walk
A simple 3 mile classic family circular walk following The Holly Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, starting in Chingford.

Chestnut Trail Walk
A simple 4 mile classic family circular walk following The Chestnut Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, starting in Wanstead.

Wanstead Park Walk
A gentle 4 mile circular walk in Wanstead Park, lakes and woodland on well maintained walking routes, tracks and paths.

Family Favourite Walk
An awesome 5 mile circular walk from Chingford taking in all of the best sights of this part of Epping Forest. Following the main walking routes this walk starts at Chingford Plain and takes you to High Beach, Loughton Camp, Kate’s Cellar, Strawberry Hill Ponds, Connaught Water and the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.

For more information about Epping Forest visit their official website here.

Walks And Walking – Day Walks in Epping Forest

Day Walks in Epping Forest

These are challenging day walks in Epping Forest and typically over 10 miles. A really long walk means you can truly immerse yourself in these ancient woodlands and try some of the lesser known walking routes. You can also explore some of the real hidden treasures found in Epping Forest. Always be fully prepared for good long walks and long distance walking routes by taking plenty of fluids, refreshments and plenty of plasters just in case. I have highlighted my favourite day walks in Epping Forest in bold below, both great walks with plenty of sightings of the Epping Forest Fallow Deer.

Epping Forest Fallow Deer

Copped Hall Walk
A great 10 mile circular walk from Loughton to Copped Hall House, using some of the most popular walking routes in Epping Forest.

Loughton Walk
A solid 10 mile circular walk from Loughton to Jack’s Hill and Copped Hall House following well-known Epping Forest walking routes.

Abridge Walk
An easy 11 mile circular walk from Hainault Forest Country Park to Abridge and back following popular Essex walking routes in Epping Forest.

Queen Boudicca Walk
An epic 12 mile circular walk, and one of my Epping Forest favourite walking routes, from Epping Town to Ambresbury Banks and the Queen Boudicca Obelisk with plenty of sightings of the Epping Forest Fallow Deer at Copped Hall.

Theydon Bois Walk
A solid 13 mile circular Epping Forest walk from Theydon Bois following The Essex Way walking routes to the Roman Road and Gernon Bushes Nature Reserve.

Epping Forest District Walk
An easy 14 miles circular walk from Epping Station to Birching Coppice, North Weald Bassett, Hastingwood and back via Thornwood. This is another of my favourite Epping Forest walking routes.

The Forest Way Walk
The Forest Way is a 25 mile long distance linear walk along the walking routes, footpaths and green lanes of Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest.

I have taken quite a few photographs of Fallow Deer in Epping Forest but this one was taken by Iain West, you can find his website here.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Oak Trail Epping Forest Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Oak Trail Epping Forest Walking Route

The Oak Trail offers an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful area of Epping Forest and some of its surrounding Buffer Lands. The route passes some magnificent veteran beech pollards, areas of wood pasture, Ambresbury Banks and the Deer Sanctuary covering just under 7 miles taking me exactly 2 hours to complete.

When I left the house for the short drive up to Theydon Bois it was a chilly day with clear blue skies. I was hoping to see some deer and capture some really good Autumn photographs of Epping Forest but it soon turned grey and started to rain.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Oak Trail Epping Forest Walking Route – Autumn Path

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Oak Trail Epping Forest Walking Route – Autumn Trees

The walk starts at Theydon Bois tube station and quickly takes you onto Great Gregories, one of the City of London’s Buffer Land areas currently used for in-house grazing of our conservation cattle. A lot of the trail will follow defined paths, surfaced rides, fields and Forest with directional posts as guides. When I walked The Oak Trail today there were no sign of any of the green arrow signposts so I was glad I had my OS map with me.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Oak Trail Epping Forest Walking Route

AMBRESBURY BANKS

The remains of an Iron Age Hill Fort and, according to legend, it is the site of the last stand by Boudicca against the Romans in AD61. The fort covers an area of approximately 11 acres and was once surrounded by a 6ft single bank and a ditch.

DEER SANCTUARY

Founded in 1959, it is home to a herd of black fallow deer. The Sanctuary covers approximately 140 acres. Forest Keepers lead Guided Walks around the Sanctuary: please see the Epping Forest Events Diary. For further details telephone 020 7332 1911.

BUFFER LANDS

Some 1778 acres of Buffer Land has been acquired to protect the Forest from encroaching development and to maintain the links between the Forest and the wider countryside. Regular inhabitants include fallow and muntjac deer, hares and skylarks.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Oak Trail Epping Forest Walking Route Map

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Chestnut Trail Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Chestnut Trail Walking Route

This is a walk in Epping Forest that I completed back in March that we decided to do today as the weather was so nice. So Mrs Walks And Walking got the child carrier out and we strapped Tedi in for this very gentle family walking route in Wanstead Park. It’s well signposted, very flat and covers just under 3.5 miles taking just under an hour and a half to complete. Below are the pictures from today and to see the full walk description and map please click here Epping Forest Chestnut Trail.

As we made our way from the entrance we followed the pathway and the distinct green arrow waymarkers seeing many large white egg shaped balls in the water, which we thought were probably Swan eggs, as well as not only one Heron we actually spotted two!

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Entrance

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Lake

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Swan Egg

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route 1st Heron

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route 2nd Heron

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Duck

 

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route

Finally it has stopped raining. Every day for the last 6 weeks has seen low humid black cloud ruining every weekend so when I saw the weather was due to break in to glorious sunshine I got my Ordnance Survey map out and planned a walking route in Epping Forest. I plotted out 10 miles from Epping Station to Birching Coppice, up to North Weald Bassett, Hastingwood and then back down through Thornwood to Epping. As usual I got the mileage wrong and this Essex walk ended up doing 14 miles but I was so happy to be out walking again in such beautiful weather that I wasn’t that bothered about the miles or the time.

So far this year I have been ditching my walking shorts in favour of walking trousers, I found I was getting too many insect bites and stings so I was pleased to receive some Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard through the post. I’m not contractually obliged to say this but I will anyway…. Beyond just fighting off the bugs outdoors, Avon’s Skin So Soft Bug collection also helps you swat them away virtually with the first-ever Bug Guard game!

I will post a full review of the Avon products I received in the next post but let’s get back to today’s walk.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route Map

When I exited the station I went in to my ViewRanger app on my smartphone only to realise that my Ordnance Survey maps had disappeared after a software upgrade I noticed last week. I suppose I should have checked before I left the house it was all in good working order but I was so glad I still had my paper map with me otherwise I would have had to go home, meaning I then wouldn’t have had time for a walk. I continually cursed ViewRanger for the rest of the walk…

So, map in hand… from Epping Station I turned right and walked up the hill turning right at the Essex Way signpost across the bridge over the railway tracks walking through the residential area turning right at the road and then left at the next signpost by Bower Court continuing to follow the Essex Way signposts where I then entered one of many fields harvesting Broad Beans no less. It was here that I breathed in the fresh air and thought “Good afternoon Essex!” as I surveyed the clear blue skies ahead.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – Essex Way Epping

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – Broad Beans

When the Essex Way track joined the road I walked left and then turned left at Stewards Green to join Stewards Green Lane, a muddy track that climbed gently uphill still soggy from all the rain to the next road where I walked right following the signpost to Fiddlers Hamlet and Toot Hill passing the Theydon Oak on my left hand side passing Gaynes Park on my left hand side turning left at the gate and signpost over the M11 bridge to the other side of Gaynes Park where I then followed the signpost for Epping Country Walk.

I continued my walk along Banks Lane keeping left at Tawney Common turning left in to Mountwood Lane to then follow the waymarker to North Weald through Mount Wood all the way up to Carisbrooke Farm up the road underneath the railway line turning right at the main road and then left up Wellington Road leading to Church Lane. I then followed Church Lane all the way up to the next road where I crossed over to join the Bassett Millenium Walks waymarkers signposted Bassett Millenium Walk 2000 and Stewards Hall through the North Weald Golf Course crossing over the tarmaced bridge where I then walked through the tunnel continuing to follow the Bassett Millenium Walk waymarkers and signposts “The 5th Tee” keeping left at the waymarker across the footbridge where I then joined the Stort Valley Way.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – Bassett Millenium Walk

It was here I found a very over grown bridleway track, what better way to test out the Avon Bug Guard insect repellent spray. I fought my way through to the next Bassett Millenium Walks and Stort Valley Way signpost keeping left at the next waymarker up to Paris Hall Farm keeping ahead at the Stort Valley Way and Hastingwood Country Walk yellow topped waymarker where I then turned left at the road and then right at the metal barrier signposted Stort Valley Way walking left at the footbridge and stile to the next stile and footbridge where I then walked right in the short gap in the wood (careful you dont miss it!) to the underpass taking you under the M11 where I then turned sharp left at the exit in to Harlow Park turning left at the end of the woods all the way to the road through another small gap in the woodland by the various metal posts across the field to the next road by the petrol station.

I crossed over the road to the petrol station opposite and then turned right up the track by the disused building in to Latton Park and Mark Bushes where I then exited the woods and turned left to follow the field edge rejoining the Stort Valley Way all the way down until I then joined the Forest Way by the signpost at the end of the thin strip of woodland. I then walked along the track turning right at the next junction by the telegraph pole along the overgrown wide grassy path following the next Stort Valley Way waymarker to the next Forest Way signpost turning left all the way down the road to the metal gate ahead passing Hill Farm on my left hand side to the next road where I crossed over the footbridge to the Thornwood Trout Fishery where I then followed the exit to the road.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – The Forest Way Signpost

I then turned right at the main road passing the Epping Forest information board for The Lower Forest on my left hand side all the way down in to Epping where I then turned left at the slip road turning left at the end in to Station Road and back to Epping Station some 14 miles and 4 hours 30 minutes later. My legs were bite free so I was pleased the Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard had worked!

 

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Rochford Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Rochford Walking Route

This is a walk I completed some time ago but on the day I forgot my camera so did not have any photographs to accompany the walking route. As the weather has been so rubbish over the Diamond Jubilee I thought I would finally get round to writing it up in the absence of me being able to get out for a decent walk over the long weekend. This Essex walk is very flat, suitable for all the family, covering 8 miles and takes about 2.5 hours from the centre of Rochford along the banks of the River Roach and back around to Rochford via some traditional Essex countryside paths. You can find a walking route map of this walk here.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Rochford Walking Route Map

From Rochford car park I walked up between the houses to the market square walking right on to South Street turning left in to Watts Lane joining the Roach Valley Way with the River Roach on my left hand side. I continued my walk following the main track up to and over the footbridge to Stambridge Mill walking around the mill by the concrete pathway to Mill Lane where I then turned left and then walked right across the field to the next footbridge over the fishing lake. I then walked through the kissing gate and on to a gravel track keeping straight ahead through the trees and field with Broomhills House on my right hand side following the waymarker through another kissing gate to join the walk along the river bank path climbing up to the grassy banks and sea wall. On my left hand side was Great Stambridge Church and Saxon Tower, I found this photograph here.

Walks And Walking Essex Walks Rochford Walking Route Great Stambridge Church and Saxon Tower

I continued my walk along the Roach Valley Way in to Bartonhall Creek walking right at the bottom of the creek turning left down the banks to the waymarker walking towards Great Stambridge where I left the Roach Valley Way walking along the field edge track towards the houses and Ash Tree Court to then join Stambridge Road. I then walked right in to Great Stambridge passing the pub and post office where I then walked left in to Stewards Elm Farm Lane following the waymarker over the footbridge keeping straight ahead through the paddocks to a kissing gate where I then turned left following the field edge track with Ragstone Lodge and Rectory on my left hand side.

I continued my walk across the field following the waymarkers walking right, then left, then right to Stambridge Road where I then walked right at the pub turning left in to Mill Lane and right across the field joining Rocheway in to East Street and the pub on my right hand side. I then turned left in to South Street back to the car park.