Sawbridgeworth to Bishops Stortford via Henry Moore Foundation Walk

23.8 km (14.8 mi), with 187/176m ascent/descent. For a shorter walk, see below Walk Options.

After passing through the centre of Sawbridgeworth, much of which is a conservation area, this East Hertfordshire walk leads mainly through open countryside, either along tracks, green lanes or quiet country roads, providing extensive views across the gently rolling countryside of arable fields, woods and waterways.
The most attractive parts are then a scenic stretch of the Ash Valley around Much Hadham, one of Britain’s longest villages, including a fine bluebell wood, and the long peaceful ending along the Stort Navigation past a couple of Marshland Nature Reserves.
The pretty town centre of Bishop’s Stortford with its many tea options can be explored on an optional extension.

The Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green is passed in the morning. The walk features a substantially shorter version to enable an extended visit of the Henry Moore Sculpture Park, Studios and House. This version cuts out some of the most attractive parts of the walk, though. Note: The Henry Moore Foundation is usually closed from end October to Easter.

Bus 35/35C (Bishop’s Stortfort – Hertfort, broadly hourly Mon-Fri and two-hourly Sat) takes you from Much Hadham to either Bishop’s Stortford Interchange or St. Margaret’s Station (Hertford East line to Liverpool Street, run by the same train operating company).
If not intending to go the lunch pub in Much Hadham, you can cut a (charming) 350m each-way out-and-back.

Shortcuts: It is possible to shorten the walk in a further four ways:

• Shortcut I cuts out 0.7 km (0.4 mi) at the start,
• Shortcut II cuts out 5.5 km (3.5 mi) and 84m ascent around lunch (and gives a rating of 2/10),
• Shortcut III cuts out 1.0 km (0.6 mi) after lunch,
• Shortcut IV cuts out 0.5 km (0.3 mi) near the end.

Taking all shortcuts reduces the length of the walk to 16.1 km (10.0 mi), with a 1/10 rating.

An optional loop through the historic centre of Bishop’s Stortford (1.6 km) passes many tea places and old buildings.

Saturday Walkers’ Club: Take the train closest to 9.30 hours.

The Hoops Inn Perry Green, Herts, SG10 6EF (01279 843 568). The Hoops Inn is located 7.5 km (4.7 mi) into the full walk and 6.8 km (4.3 mi) into it if taking Shortcut I. Currently closed.
Rosey Lea Café Dane Tree House, Henry Moore Foundation, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Herts, SG10 6BEE (01279 843 333). Located 7.4 km (4.7 mi) into the full walk.
The Bull Inn High Street, Much Hadham, Herts, SG10 8BU (01279 842 668). Located 10.8 km (6.7 mi) into the full walk.
The Prince of Wales Green Tye, Much Hadham, Herts, SG10 6JP (01279 842 139). Located 13.0 km (8.0 mi) into the full walk (12.3 km if skipping the out-and-back to the pub in Much Hadham).

Too numerous to list here, see the walk directions pdf for details.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Apr-24 Thomas G