Great Chesterford to Audley End (Booking Required)

We’ll begin the walk by following a section of the Icknield Way, believed to be one of the oldest continuously used trails in Britain, dating back around 4,000 years. Steeped in mystery, legend, and genuine ancient history, we will walk in the footsteps of Bronze Age traders, Saxon pilgrims, and Roman legions.

The route (mostly flat) takes us along a mixture of ancient paths, quiet country lanes, field edges, and through peaceful hamlets and villages, including Strethall, Elmdon, and Arkesden.

• Strethall - a tiny hamlet, with deep Saxon roots and almost no modern development. We’ll visit the Grade I listed Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to the 11th century, possibly even earlier. It’s said to be one of the oldest churches in Essex still in regular use.
• Elmdon ("hill of elms") sits on relatively high ground for Essex (the hills here rise over 100m above sea level), offering great views of the surrounding area. It is another untouched medieval village, dating back over 900 years.
• Arkesden is a hidden gem, a picture-postcard village boasting over 30 Grade II listed buildings, many of them timber-framed houses and thatched cottages dating from the 16th and early 17th centuries. It’s widely regarded as one of the prettiest and best-preserved villages in Essex.

We’ll conclude the walk at Wendens Ambo, another charming village with roots stretching back to Saxon times. From here, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Audley End Station. Alternatively, there will be the option to unwind at a nearby pub with a large beer garden, which also serves excellent food.

Bring: Snacks, a packed lunch, and plenty to drink to sustain you for the whole day. 

Travel & Parking: Since train services can be unreliable (and there is only 1 per hour) the best option (if you are coming by car) is to park at Audley End Station where the walk finishes - and take the train to Great Chesterford. There is a scheduled train at 10:00 AM from Audley End (Greater Anglia, Platform 2 towards Cambridge North) which I intend to catch, arriving at Great Chesterford at 10:05 AM.

You can pay for parking using PayByPhone (Audley End - Location: 803983).
Address: Audley End Station, Station Road, Wendens Ambo, CB11 4LB (500+ spaces available).

Meeting Point: Outside Great Chesterford Station at 10:15 AM (postcode: CB10 1NY)

Once you have booked I will add you to a WhatsApp group for this walk where any last minute changes will be posted (in case train is late/cancelled etc)