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.
Join me for another stage of the Essex Way, picking up our journey in Willingale and exploring some of the green lanes and villages of Essex. Whether you are accompanying me as part of the complete 95 miles or this is a foray into the unknown I can promise expansive vistas, picturesque villages with historic moats, churches and a likelihood of mud.
Today we spend much time on established green lanes, however without much effort mud will certainly be found. A ford near the end of the walk serves as a useful and timely boot washing facility.
From the hamlet of Pepper Green, the timber spire of St Andrew's Church in Good Easter beckons. Good Easter holds the World Record for the longest daisy chain (2.12km), set in 1985. After a brief stop we join another green lane to Stagden Cross before reaching the charming village of Pleshey, a settlement rich in history. The Norman castle, owned by the Duke of Gloucester who was disposed of by King Richard II in 1397, is mentioned by Shakespeare in Richard II. The village is encased by the outer rampart and the moat is visible as we pass through. Following Walthambury Brook, we approach our destination, Great Waltham where there are refreshments available and hidden treasures to discover whilst we await our bus to Chelmsford.
Please bring a picnic lunch.
There are toilet facilities at Chelmsford Station behind the ticket barriers and at pubs in Pleshley and Great Waltham, as well as an abundance of hedgerows and other natural cover along the way.
As Essex is well known for being damp in places, waterproof footwear is advised and walking poles may be useful in the event of mud navigation.
Dogs are welcome with well behaved owners who respect other walkers, riders and cyclists. Please note that at times we cross private land and there are sections of country road walking requiring dogs to be on leads however there is ample opportunity for off lead time.
Travel details:
Take the 09.18 train from Liverpool Street, arriving in Chelmsford at 09.51. The Chelmsford bus station is sign posted from the railway station and is a 2 minute walk. There are cafes and a supermarket close to the stations.
The 46 bus to Ongar leaves from Stand 6 at 10.15, arriving in Willingale at 10.48. £3 via contactless payment. I have investigated ticket options and purchasing a single fare each way is the only option available to us today.
There are hourly X10 buses from Great Waltham to Chelmsford; 16.52, 17.52, arriving in Chelmsford at XX.10 past the hour. £3 via contactless payment.
Regular trains return to London Liverpool Street each hour. Buy a return train ticket to Chelmsford.
Freedom pass holders will require a ticket from Shenfield to Chelmsford.
No booking is required.
The finish time is dependent upon several factors including the speed of the group, the number of breaks taken and weather conditions. I am hopeful of catching the 16.52 bus from Great Waltham to Chelmsford, and the 17.25 train to Liverpool Street however this is an estimated finish time. Anyone choosing to linger in Great Waltham will be shown the bus stop which is a short walk from the Six Bells and the church.
Willingale, Essex
Great Waltham, Essex
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