South Woodham Ferrers to North Fambridge Walk
Varied walk out of the Crouch valley through undulating parts of Essex with a serene riverside finish, passing RHS Garden Hyde Hall, some woods and vineyards.
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SWC Free Walk 159, South Woodham Ferrers to North Fambridge.14/10/12.amib, Oct-12
Sadly, the last 'longer' walk of the season; this 'finale' being around 16 miles in the Essex countryside.
Starting out from South Woodham Ferrers station, the walker is soon climbing fields to the lofty height of around 50m for fine views across the Crouch Valley. Shortly afterwards, the walk passes by the RHS garden at Hyde Hall and then across more fields and along green lanes to a rather spooky wood full of headstones! Lunch is taken in the church grounds at East Hanningfield, though a pub alternative exists.
After lunch, the route crosses more fields, and runs parallel to the morning route for a while, with views across the valley on the right now. The walker passes a former WW1 airfield, which is currently being restored, before walking along a disused rail line.
Thereafter, it's a southerly stroll through some familiar territory (Free Walk 162) back to North Fambridge station.
A very nice walk, which is pleasantly varied (for Essex!) and not too high on the pylon count. Options exist to shorten/extend the walk, but diminishing light prevented this walker completing the latter.
