Roydon to Sawbridgeworth via Henry Moore Foundation walk

Open countryside with wheat fields, woods and waterways; stretches of the River Ash in the morning and the Stort Navigation near the end. Passes Henry Moore Foundation.

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sun, 19-Sep-21 Sunday Walk: Roydon to Sawbridgeworth 5 sunny start increasingly cloudy
Sun, 05-Jul-20 Sunday Walk - Wheatfields, Woods, Waterways & Optional Sculptures: Roydon to Sawbridgeworth (via Henry Moore Foundation) 6 sunny but blustery
Sun, 02-Jun-19 Sunday Walk: Roydon to Sawbridgeworth (via Henry Moore Foundation) 4 sultry heat partly cloudy
Sat, 19-May-18 Saturday Walk - Wheatfields, Woods, Waterways & Optional Sculptures: Roydon to Sawbridgeworth (via Henry Moore Foundation) 14 sunny and warm
Wed, 22-Jun-16 Midweek day walk - Roydon to Sawbridgeworth 12 dry but grey and very humid day with drier and sunny evening
Sun, 30-Aug-15 Sunday Walk 1 3 overcast and humid but dry
Sat, 31-May-14 Roydon to Sawbridgeworth 0
Wed, 02-Oct-13 Roydon to Sawbridgeworth
Sat, 27-Oct-12 ? Roydon to Sawbridgeworth via Henry Moore Foundation
Sat, 22-Sep-12 Roydon to Sawbridgeworth
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

22.9 km (14.2 miles), shortenable to 11.75 miles

Toughness: 4 out of 10

A stile-free walk. Stretches of the River Ash in the morning and the Stort Navigation near the end. In between there’s tracks, green lanes and quiet country roads. The walk passes the Henry Moore sculpture park (see below).

Trains: 09:57 Cambridge train from Liverpool St (Hackney Downs 10:03 Tottenham Hale 10:10) arriving Roydon 10:27. Get a return to Sawbridgeworth. Return at xx:05 and xx:34.

Lunch: The Hoops Inn (01279 843 568), a charming pub in Perry Green, next to The Henry Moore Foundation’s sculpture park. Open 12.00-18.00. Food served all day Sunday

The Henry Moore Foundation Outdoor sculpture grounds with many monumental works by Henry Moore in 70 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. Some are visible from the walk. For a better look you’ll have to pay (£12.25). The website advises advance booking but tickets are usually available at the desk. Details here

Tea: Plenty of choices in Sawbridgeworth – see notes

Walk Directions: here

t=swc.164



  • 20-Sep-21

    5 at the station. Dire weather had been predicted but we had a sunny start increasingly cloudy with only the faintest sprinkling of water near the end.

    Your correspondent had been keeping up but the others managed to shake him off at Halfway House (old print-out, new route, and NOT signposted). I then had trouble finding shortcut 1. This again due to the old printout. When will I ever learn? I don’t like to use the L word but I was off-piste most of the way to Widford, following what turned out to be bridleway 20. Near Perry Green, the others finally caught up with me. (I don’t understand it either – something to do with space and time). All was OK at the Hoops apart from they were missing a cider delivery :( Luckily they had some bottles. Those who ate liked what they got. Looked posh.

    There was a little bother leaving the pub (down to both sides looking like they could be the front). Once sorted the others shot off. They had heard from the landlord (who has a dog called Poppy) that torrential rain was expected. But it never came, just a few drops here and there. Mostly there.

    So again, yours truly was left to his own devices, idling along, slow and dependable, whistling a happy tune and smiling at everyone he met. He never saw the others again. Maybe they’re still wandering the Stort.

    Yours truly didn’t find Shortcut 2 either. There is a crucial but easily overlooked left turn in the sentence directing you to Shortcut 2. (I say ‘easily overlooked’ because I remember overlooking it before). But I found the station ok and got the 17:05.

  • Anonymous
    21-Sep-21

    Smiling? Breach of Trade Descriptions there. Great report, as ever. Unmissable.

Length: 22.8 km (14.2 mi) [shorter walk possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent: 249/223m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.57 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (Hackney Downs 10.03, Tottenham Hale [Victoria Line] 10.10), arrives Roydon at 10.27.
From Stratford, take the 09.54 Meridian Water service (Lea Bridge 10.00), changing at Tottenham Hale (10.03/10.10).
Return trains: xx.05 and xx32. Buy a Sawbridgeworth return.
“This walk leads mainly through rolling Hertfordshire countryside, either along tracks and green lanes or quiet country roads, featuring wheat fields, woods and waterways, the best of which are stretches of the River Ash in the morning and of the Stort Navigation near the end. Lunch is had at a charming pub in Perry Green, next to The Henry Moore Foundation’s sculpture park and studios (ticketed entry only: full price £11.00, 25% off with Art Pass, other concessions available, Pre-Booking needed, see here).
The walk doesn’t feature any stiles, industry or offensive field crossings, and it is very low on the conurbation count as well.”
Two Shortcuts possible, see the webpage linked below or the pdf.
Covid-compatibility: should be perfect - straight from the platform into countryside, with predominantly wide tracks and lanes.
Lunch: The Hoops Inn in Perry Green (14.0 km/8.7 mi into the main walk, food served all day, booking recommended).
Tea: Henry Moore Foundation Café (this year: ticket holders only, and please pre-book your order) and plenty of cafés and pubs in Sawbridgeworth, see the pdf for details.
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here. T=swc.164
  • 05-Jul-20

    Five familiar faces met on the platform in Roydon, making the Covid formalities straight forward...We set off under sunny but blustery conditions on this picturesque walk through rolling countryside with views far and wide...A late starter caught up with us fairly early on as we were correcting for a slight navigational glitch -- making for 6 . Picnic lunch with views of one of the large Henry Moore works followed by a drink in the garden of the charming Hoops Inn...A pleasant afternoon stretch brought us to Sawbridgeworth in time to visit one of the local hostelries before a quick journey back to London...An enjoyable Sunday outing...

SWC walk 164. 22.9 km (14.2 ml), shortenable to 11.75 ml. Toughness: 4 out of 10

We’re going on a walk though Herts
Where we might see works of arts
We won’t care if feet are sore
Seeing stuff by Henry Moore

A stile-free walk mainly through open countryside, along tracks, green lanes or quiet country roads, featuring wheat fields, woods and waterways, You got stretches of the River Ash in the morning and the Stort Navigation near the end. Lunch is at a charming pub in Perry Green, next to The Henry Moore Foundation’s sculpture park.
Trains
09:43 Cambridge North train from Liverpool St arriving Roydon at 10:20
Return xx 05 and xx 32
Get a return to Sawbridgeworth
Lunch:
The Hoops Inn, Perry Green (01279 843 568).
Open 12.00-18.00. Food served all day.
Tea
Plenty of choices in Sawbridgeworth – see notes
The Henry Moore Foundation
Outdoor sculpture grounds with many monumental works by Henry Moore in 70 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. Some are visible from the walk. For a more intimate experience you’ll have to cough up £12.70. 25% less with an Art Pass. Details here.
Walk Directions available here
T=swc.164
  • Anonymous
    05-Jun-19

    4 weather=sultry_heat_partly_cloudy

    Best wishes to the walker feeling ill at lunch, who summoned a taxi to the station.

  • Anonymous
    05-Jun-19

    sultry heat partly cloudy

Length: 22.8 km (14.2 mi) [shorter walk possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent: 249/223 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.28 Cambridge North train from L’pool Street (Tottenham Hale [Victoria Line] 09.40), arrives Roydon at 09.57.
From Stratford you could take the 09.00 Bishop’s Stortford service, arrives 09.37.
Return trains: xx.03, xx.20 (chg Harlow Town) and xx.52 (chg Harlow Town).
Buy a Sawbridgeworth return.
“This walk leads mainly through rolling Hertfordshire countryside, either along tracks and green lanes or quiet country roads, featuring wheat fields, woods and waterways, the best of which are stretches of the River Ash in the morning and of the Stort Navigation near the end. Lunch is had at a charming pub in Perry Green, next to The Henry Moore Foundation’s sculpture park and studios (ticketed entry only: full price £12.60).
The walk doesn’t feature any stiles, industry or offensive field crossings, and it is very low on the conurbation count as well.”
Shortcuts: It is possible to shorten the walk in two ways:
· Shortcut I cuts out 2.6 km (1.6 mi) before lunch,
· Shortcut II cuts out 1.4 km (0.9 mi) after lunch.
Taking Shortcut I & II reduces the length of the walk to 18.9 km (11.75 mi).
Lunch: The Hoops Inn in Perry Green (14.0 km/8.7 mi into the main walk, food served all day).
Tea: Henry Moore Foundation Café and plenty of cafés and pubs in Sawbridgeworth, see the pdf for details.
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here.
T=swc.164
  • 20-May-18

    14 in sunny and warm weather. 1 walked the morning shortcut, a couple of others the one at the end. The Hoops was mercifully empty as large parts of the nation indeed seemed to watch the tellies. Sad. At least 6 went into the sculpture park plus their café afterwards. Yellow everywhere from dandelions buttercups and rape oil seed fields. Very pleasant day with plenty of shady green lanes to hide from the sun.

  • 20-May-18

    Mr M Tiger - as I said to you yesterday, your photo captions are always very droll and good value. I thought "wooden enemies" (instead of "wood anenomes") couldn't be topped, however, you've done it with your tree photo - " arrival of the mother ship.." brilliant! Great walk too, a bit of art and lovely countryside - perfect...

Mike A
Mike A

Roydon to Sawbridgeworth via Henry Moore Foundation

A Summer Solstice (well just after) walk through open countryside with wheat fields, woods and waterways - stretches of the River Ash in the morning and the Stort Navigation near the end. Also, the Henry Moore Sculpture Park at Perry Green.

Book 3* Walk 164 *online only

Length : 23 km or 14 miles

Toughness : 5 out of 10

Getting there : Catch the 10:28 am Cambridge train from London Liverpool Street to Roydon (10:40 am Tottenham Hale)

Meeting point : Roydon Station at 10:57

Tickets : Buy a cheap day return to Sawbridgeworth

Brief Description

On this walk you may clear your head of EU referendum issues and, as this is a request from the SWC gastro sub-group, anyone eating at the Hoops Inn should be rewarded with good food.
One of the main attractions of the walk is the Henry Moore Foundation Sculpture Park at Perry Green. The public footpath through the grounds is open as usual with some external sculptures in view. But do note that the visitor centre is closed for a revamp until 1st July.
As ever, you may find full details of the walk here and a PDF here

Suggested Lunch stop

The Hoops Inn Perry Green, Herts, SG10 6EF t: 01279 843 568

Suggested Tea stops (you're spoilt for choice here!)

George IV 81 London Road/Knight Street, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9AT t: 01279 723 527
The Queens Head 26 Knight Street, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9AT t: 01279 836 057
La Provence 23 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9AR t: 01279 726 495 (Closes 4:30pm)
The Old Bell 38 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9AN t: 01279 721 050
The White Lion 28 London Road/Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9EN t: 01279 836 118
King William IV (The Willy) Vantorts Road, Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 9AJ t: 01279 722 322
The Railway Hotel Hatfield Health Road (opposite station) Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, CM21 9LD t: 10279 724317

Maps

OS Explorer : 194

Return train times

Trains return from Sawbridgeworth to London Liverpool Street at the following times 15:20* | 16:03 | 16:20* | 16:48* | 17:03 | 17:20* | 17:35 | 18:03
* Change at Harlow Town
  • Anonymous
    17-Jun-16

    A few from the Gastro sub group are considering having an early dinner at the Orange Tree pub, 166 West Road, Sawbridgeford. It's a little ways off the route when you hit Sawbridgeford but easily accessable by footpath. All welcome.

  • Marion
    17-Jun-16

    Intend going and will stay for dinner

  • Anonymous
    19-Jun-16

    website says HM garden is closed!

    "We will reopen on 1 July

    Our new facilities are nearing completion and we are planning to open the Studios, Gardens and Moore's former home from 1 July."

  • 19-Jun-16

    Here's the Email from the Foundation

    "Good Morning Mike

    There is a public footpath that you are able to take around the outside of the grounds where you will be able to see some of Henry Moores sculptures.

    I do hope this information helps.

    Kind regards

    Lynn

    Lynn Wortley

    Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

    "

    I think that's what I indicated in the Post

  • Anonymous
    19-Jun-16

    That footpath is indeed the route the walk takes, and - as the Walk Poster says - you will be able to see about a handful of the sculptures from the footpath, mere meters away. The Walk Author

  • Marc Ricketts
    21-Jun-16

    Now I might do the Walk Tomorrow. But I can,t Gurantee I will.

  • Marion
    22-Jun-16

    Leave early as there's train delays shown on the news. I've got signal failure and delays but the Vic line changing at Tottenham Hale is a great option.

  • 24-Jun-16

    12 on this lovely walk through the Hertfordshire countryside on a dry but grey and very humid day with drier and sunny evening . Most did the full walk plus an extension on a footpath that circumnavigates the sculpture park and allows some up close inspection of a number of the fabulous sculptures (which can also mostly be seen on the main route). All agreed that lunch at the Hoops Inn was one of the best on a SWC outing -- amazing food, friendly staff and pleasant patio. Some made a detour towards the end to sample the fare at another pub -- but did find the offerings paled in comparison to the Hoops. A fine day at the office....

Sun, 30-Aug-15 : Sunday Walk 1 3
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Roydon to Sawbridgeworth SWC walk 164
22.9 km (14.2 mi), shortenable to 11.75 mi
Toughness: 4 out of 10
A stile-free walk through fields and woods, along tracks, green lanes and quiet country roads. You got stretches of the River Ash in the morning and the Stort Navigation near the end. The walk visits Perry Green, home to The Henry Moore Foundation’s sculpture park, and once home to the man himself..Lunch is at a Foundation-run pub in the village.
Trains
Take the 09:57 Cambridge train from Liverpool St (Tottenham Hale 10:10) arriving at Roydon 10:27
Trains return from Sawbridgeworth at xx:05 and xx:32
Get a return to Sawbridgeworth.
Lunch:
The Hoops Inn, Perry Green (01279 843 568, ).
Open 12.00-18.00. Food served all day. Tea served 15.00-17.00.
Tea
Plenty of pub choices in Sawbridgeworth – see notes
The Henry Moore Foundation
Outdoor sculpture grounds with many monumental works by Henry Moore in 70 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. Some are visible from the walk, but, for a proper look round you need to pay admission. Details here. Note that due to development work, the Aisled Barn and Sheep Field Barn Gallery are not open this year. There’s a reduced entry fee to compensate.
Directions available here
  • 30-Aug-15

    3 overcast and humid but dry

    Slow morning pace, as tupperware boxes had to be filled with berries, then sumptuous lunch on the terrace of The Hoops. Off to the Sculpture Park, back to The Hoops for tea. Later a pint in the Old Bell in Sawbridgeworth. Uneventful, but a nice day out.

  • Anonymous
    01-Sep-15

    A lovely peaceful walk with fantastic blackberry picking opportunities!

    Excellent pub for lunch with plenty of choice to suit every appetite and budget.

    The Henry Moore Foundation was well worth a visit, and there was a good selection of pubs in Sawbridgeworth.

    All-in a very enjoyable day.