Albury & Patmore Heath Walk, Herts

 

Off-topic, but Gill and I enjoyed a lovely circular 5.38-mile walk in Hertfordshire earlier this month (we also did it a couple of years ago).

The route starts and finishes at Patmore Heath, a rare example of acid grass heathland in South East England. We managed to get lost a couple of times, but it was well worth it for the great views, peaceful surroundings, and gently rolling countryside. Along the way there are historic churches, thatched cottages, and even a few Tudor mansions.

It was a little muddy after the recent rain, but honestly, what’s not to like?

The route is available via the OS/Country Walking app. Recommend OS but you may have to pay to subscribe.

More photos coming soon on Facebook 📸

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

Lambourne End Walk

Off message. For various reasons (winter lergies, holidays, work, rotten weather etc) I have not been on any walks for a while. Two weeks ago was the first proper local walk, Gill and I, had been on this year - and it was marvellous. Blue skies, sunshine and pretty countryside. A little cold, some ice and mud but nothing too difficult. 

The start of the walk is only just over 20 mins by car from East London (Public transport links not great). You can find the walk and download a map via the Ordinance Survey site https://explore.osmaps.com/ (subscription needed but well worth it). 

It is a circular route about 5.19 miles (my Zepp app recorded 6.14 miles but it does overestimate). Mostly flat or gentile up and downs, with fine views. Nothing too strenuous. Very few other walkers. Peaceful apart from occasional planes. 

We stopped off at the historic 12th Century Church in Lambourne. There was an a Sunday service going on at the time so we could not look around. Next time. It is telling that this church was built next to the local landowners hall but some distance away from the nearest village in Abridge. 

Country Walking: Harlestone, Northamptonshire walk

On way back from Wales yesterday, Gill and I broke the journey by stopping off for this 4.71 mile circular walk on the OS site (pay wall) via Country Walking magazine. 

A fantastic walk, we have never been to this part of the world before and were amazed at the scenery and the beautiful, historic villages and hamlets. 

The weather was warm but no thunder or rain which had been forecast as possible. We stopped for coffee in the forest which turned out to be a mega ants nest, which was not a good idea. 

I enjoy driving up to a point but long car journeys are really boring. Breaking up a journey with a 4-5 mile walk is a great way to sneak in another walk during a weekend away and a chance to explore somewhere you might have otherwise never planned to visit. We will be back. 
 

Blackmore, Essex - Walk Feb 23

Gill and I went on another Big Essex Skies and Sunshine walk today, starting and finishing in Blackmore. This was a "moderate" 7.41 mile walk only 35 minutes by car from East London (public transport not great but possible). Considerate parking on street available. 

We started off with a coffee and tea outdoors at the Blackmore Tea Rooms (I "had to" have a hot sausage roll as well). This cafe was full of brightly clad cyclists also enjoying a drink or bite to eat.

Blackmore and the surrounding villages, hamlets and cottages are simply lovely, with lots of ancient duck ponds, green lanes, footpaths, forests and heathland. 

There is even a pub, The Cricketer" run by "Gray and Sons" breweries (no known relative unfortunately).

The birdsong was marvellous and we heard at least 3 different woodpeckers. Lots of signs of spring. 

There was some noise from local non commercial planes but nothing major. We saw 3 road motorbikes riding along a public footpath, but they were travelling quite slow. I took a picture but the number plates are not clear, so I have not been able to report to Police/Council. 

There was an unusual warning notice in a wood "Caution Archery practice in progress" but we could see no such activity at this time. 

Apart from the marvellous spring like weather, the walk had lots of variety, walking through fields, Common land, forests and villages. A little bit of up and down but this is Essex. 

I finished off with a pint of Doombar in the "Prince Albert" (the only ale available at that time on tap)

I downloaded this walk via the Ordnance Survey site for free (a subscription service but definitely recommended and it originated from the Country Walking site).  We just used the app to navigate and for once did not get lost (apart from few "mishaps" which were easily corrected)

This post with further pictures and map will be on my personal Facebook page but also on https://www.facebook.com/walksinandaroundlondon/. This site has nearly all our walks listed. 

Nazeing Common walk

Off message but on Sunday Gill and I went for a 5 mile circular walk around Nazeing Common in Essex. Only 30 minutes drive from East London (not great for public transport), we have done several versions of this walk but this one was taken from the Ordnance Survey (OS) app supplied by Country Walking magazine (no route instructions, map only).

It was quite a dull and cold day but it was great to get out of London, stretch your legs and fill your lungs with fresh country air. An easy walk with a little bit of up and down to get your pulse working. Highlights of walk was coming across a herd of deer in a wood, who ran off but remained within sight while we had hot drinks and snacks. 

Near the marvellously named "Bumbles Green", we were amazed at spotting tractors hauling trailers full of parents and and small kids to go and pick, then get chopped down, Christmas Trees. On the trailers, they all had to sit on bales of hay, which looked most unsafe but must have been great fun for the kids.

As normal, we saw very few other people apart from the Crimbo tree brigade and the occasional dog walker. Walking through Nazeing golf club was a little dodgy since the path was not clear but the golfers were patient with us. 

Didn't go for beer at end of walk since we had get to supermarket to pick up a decent Sunday Roast (Forerib) before it closed. 

Check out other pictures of walk (not that exciting since overcast) on Facebook here