We are the Hike Essex Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
The John Ray walk between Witham and Braintree traces the history of this reknowned, 17th Century Botanist. We travel through Black and White Notley and lots of lovely countryside before arriving in Braintree.
We will stop for a picnic along the way. Bring good boots as it will get muddy.
We will end up in Braintree where there are hourly trains back to Witham and onwards to Chelmsford and Colchester
Many of the foundations of modern scientific study were laid down in the 17th century and John Ray played a significant role in the field of botany. Indeed, his influence proved to be so profound that he is now widely regarded as the father of British Natural History.
The northern part of the walk passes the countryside local to where Ray grew up in Black Notley: the cottage where he was born, the paths he would have used to walk to school in Braintree and the local countryside where he collected many of his specimens. It also passes the place of his birth and Faulkbourne Hall where he lived for a short time.
More information about John Ray and the walk in the link below.
Meet at the front of Witham Station. There is plenty of parking at the back. Trains look good from both Chelmsford and Colchester at the moment
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