Hadleigh Circular Walk – Castles, Woodlands & Bluebells

Route Highlights

• Hadleigh Castle – Perched on a hill overlooking the Thames Estuary, this 13th-century ruin offers stunning panoramic views. 
• Hadleigh Country Park – Covering over 500 acres, this park is a mix of open meadows, marshland, and woodlands, home to a variety of wildlife. 
• West Wood & Starvelarks Wood – These ancient woodlands are rich in biodiversity, with a mix of oak, hornbeam, and sweet chestnut trees. In spring, carpets of bluebells can often be seen along the trails.
• Pound Wood & Great Wood – Part of the Essex Wildlife Trust, these woods are a haven for wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Pound Wood in particular is known for its traditional coppiced trees, which support a wide variety of wildlife.

This is a moderate walk with some gentle hills, woodland paths, and open countryside. 
Expect a mix of terrain, including some muddy sections if there’s been rain.

Lunch & Breaks: There will be a coffee/snack/loo break after apx 1 hour, we will also stop around halfway somewhere convenient for a picnic lunch.

Bring: Water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing

Parking & Meeting Point: Castle Lane Car Park (Free), Hadleigh, Castle Lane SS7 2AN. For those that want to get there early for coffee and/or a spot of breakfast, there are various places i'd recommend within a 5 min walk. 'Plant Faced Coffee Shop', 'Yemek', plus there is a Costa Coffee and even a Mcdonald's!

There will also be the option to unwind at a nearby pub after the walk.