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
To quote the words of Donovan, "I'm just mad about Saffron" (Walden). And who wouldn't be?
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 may even be mud, but there is far more to this underrated county than many of us think.
We begin late 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.
There will be ample time to enjoy the stunning Bridge End Gardens and an historic walk (maps supplied) 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.
The finish time is an estimate and will be dependent upon the size and speed of the group, the conditions on the day and how long we stop in each town.
Drop out points:
- Saffron Walden - regular buses to Audley End Station and hourly trains at 40 past the hour
- Newport - return trains to London at 43 minutes past the hour
Please use the toilets on the train as there are no toilets at Great Chesterford Station. There are public toilets in Saffron Walden and at Audley End Station.
As the weather is likely to be warm, please ensure you have adequate water. Water is available in Saffron Walden.
Travel
Take the 10.21 am train to Cambridge North from London Liverpool Street (Seven Sisters 10.36am) arriving in Great Chesterford at 11.35am. We shall meet in the station carpark which is reached via the overbridge.
Return trains from Audley End Station are hourly at 40 minutes past the hour.
Buy a return ticket to Great Chesterford.
Great Chesterford Station. Meet in the station car park which is reached via the overbridge.
Audley End Railway Station
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