Welcome to Capital Walkers, the friendly London Ramblers group for people aged 40+. We walk every weekend and usually at least once during the week.
Angela K.
If you are looking to bring some jingle to your festive season then I have the walk for you. A fabulous day in the often underrated county of Essex, an extended lunch stop with an indoor Christmas Market and much more.
I can promise mud, mirth and much merriment as we make our way towards Saffron Walden from Great Chesterford.
Saffron has been grown in the area surrounding Saffron Walden since 1444 and often features in the ornate plasterwork, pargeting, which we will see on many homes. Oliver Cromwell had headquarters here and the architecture alone makes it well worth a visit.
Join me on an amble through part of Essex from Great Chesterford passing through villages with 13th century churches and pargeting to Audley End Station via the market towns of Saffron Walden and Newport. Discover some of the treasures held within Saffron Walden and enjoy the views across Essex. Yes, there are pylons and fields, some road walking and there will absolutely be mud, but there is far more to this underrated county than many of us think.
We begin mid morning in order to enjoy lunch in Saffron Walden. Please do feel free to either bring a picnic lunch or take advantage of a long lunch break in order to explore the vibrant market, art gallery, pubs, local ice cream and cake shops. The last time I visited there was an oyster & champagne bar in the market! Some of the market stalls may prefer cash, please consider having cash with you if you are intending to purchase goods.
There will be ample time to enjoy the stunning Bridge End Gardens and an historic walk (see link below) for those who wish to explore. We shall then walk via Audley End House towards Newport, joining the Harcamlow Way for a time. The Saffron Trail becomes our path as we continue, discovering some final examples of pargeting in Wendens Ambo before reaching our final destination of Audley End Station. The Bell Inn, a 5 minute walk from the station will provide an opportunity to stop and enjoy a drink for those who have a thirst which needs quenching.
Any walkers intending to walk the entire walk are advised to carry a headlamp/torch. The last 2 miles from Newport are on a concrete farm track and roads through Wendens Ambo which are easily navigated with additional light. Please ensure that you are suitably equipped for the weather conditions.
BYO mistletoe and tote bags. The walk leader shall not be responsible for your overspending, over-indulging or assist in carrying your purchases. There are various options for the return trip to London, please read the travel details.
Travel Details:
Take the 09.28 train from London Liverpool Street (Tottenham Hale 09.40) to Cambridge North, arriving at Great Chesterford at 10.35.
Return trains from Audley End are at XX.19 and XX.40 past each hour.
Other options include taking a bus from Saffron Walden to Audley End Station or walking from Saffron Walden to Audley End Station (XX.19 & XX.40 past each hour). This shorter option veers off from the main walk shortly after lunch, and directions shall be given.
Trains from Newport are at XX.43 past each hour.
Buy a return ticket to Great Chesterford.
No booking is required.
The finish time is an estimate and dependent upon many factors including the number and speed of walkers, the breaks taken and I suspect the purchases made in the market which may hamper our progress after lunch. I anticipate reaching Newport during daylight hours and the pace of the afternoon shall be adjusted as necessary to ensure that we achieve this.
Great Chesterford Railway Station
Audley End Railway Station
