Epping Green Walk 14.2.26

 

Went for a lovely 5 mile circular walk with Gill last Saturday in Essex only 30 mins drive from East London. Some nice views, different terrain and somewhat stretching climbs (for Essex). Wet and muddy in parts after recent rain. 

We have done different versions of this walk a few times now but the new sign saying there was iron age pig roaming free was very exciting but alas none were seen on this occasion. 

Stopped off at The Travellers Friend on way home for a pint of London Pride. Hat tip route OS site and Country Walking magazine

Lynn Brenig Walk to the valley of death

Yesterday (Sunday) was very wet in East London, so no local walk. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago, when Gill and I went to sort out some family business in North Wales. 

We had time for a short but still demanding 2.5 mile walk via Ordinance Survey and Country Walking. Check my Facebook for more photos. 

We walked to a valley near the Lynn (Lake) which had been a significant Bronze age cemetery to the dead. There was no-one about and the sound of nearby wind turbines was was just a little spooky. We got soaking wet feet walking back through bog land. 

But still a lovely walk and will return to Lynn Brenig. 

Country Walking: Kelvedon Hatch, Essex

On Saturday, Gill and I went for a 7.64 mile circular walk starting at Kelvedon Hatch outside the Eagle Pub. Only 40 minutes drive from East London. 

Courtesy of subscription to OS Maps on line which has selected recommended walks for free provided by Country Walking magazine. Must visit former nuclear bunker next time. Nice rolling countryside. Super quiet, saw hardly anyone else walking. Cold beer at end in Eagle's beer garden. 

"Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker was designed to house hundreds of people, including the Prime Minister, in the event of a nuclear war. The early part of the walk has good views of the 50m radio mast above the bunker. The final stretch, looping through beechwoods along country lanes around the bunker site and themed obstacle course, is spectacular in autumn. In between, there are miles of Essex countryside; look out for deer, rabbits, buzzards and lots more wildlife. By Phoebe Taplin Route Start/parking: The Eagle in Kelvedon Hatch, postcode CM15 0FA, grid ref TQ572986 Is it for me? Some roadside walking including a couple of short, but awkward stretches on busy roads. Rural hazards including mud, brambles, livestock or ploughed fields in season Stiles: 9 Planning Nearest town: Chipping Ongar Refreshments: The Eagle pub (01277 373472) and Village Store Public toilets: None Public transport: Bus 21 (NIBS) Brentwood-Ongar stops hourly (not Sun) at the Eagle and near church Maps: OS Explorer 183 & 175; Landranger 167 From Country Walking magazine,
 

Country Walking: Albury & Patmore Heath, Hertfordshire Walk

 

Off message but a post on a walk in Hertfordshire near Ware earlier this month. 45 minutes drive from East London (and possible by public transport). Check out description via OS maps app (paid) provided by Country Walking magazine.  Very quiet, some nice views and some ups and downs but not a lot of contrast but enough to do again. 

It was sad to read about the (short) lives and deaths of village soldiers in Little Hadham church. Also,  it was interesting to see the expensive memorials on the sides of the church, remembering rich parishioners who left money for the "deserving" (in their eyes) poor in their wills. The money was invested in Government gilts or annuities (loans) and the income (3 or 4% pa) used to pay for this relief. Leaving aside the morality of this, I wonder what happened to the capital they had left? This practice of leaving money for the "poor" was relatively common. Will try and find out. 

Description

The tiny area of acid grass heathland that survives at Patmore Heath is a now-rare example in south east England of this kind of terrain, with a big variety of plants packed into its nine hectares and newts in the rushy ponds. This circular walk through the nearby countryside also packs in gentle rolling paths with lovely views, picturesque churches, thatched cottages, Tudor mansions and a classic country pub. By Phoebe Taplin ROUTE Start/parking: Patmore Heath; parking on the north side, grid ref TL442258 Is it for me? Mostly good paths and lanes. Can get quite muddy; a couple of gentle climbs. Stiles: One PLANNING Nearest town: Bishop's Stortford Refreshments: The Catherine Wheel pub near start/end (www.thecatherinewheelalbury.co.uk, 01279 771191) Public toilets: None Public transport: Buses from Bishop's Stortford (not Sun). C G Myall runs a couple of buses (No.20) a week to Albury. The 386 (Richmonds) and 351 (Trustybus) run several times a day to Little Hadham (near point 4). Maps: OS Explorer 167; Landranger 194