3 set off at the appointed time. A chilly start but sunny all day.

The Axe and Compasses has indeed been reborn. Maybe a bit too reborn. No longer the sleepy run-down pub I remember. They were fully booked and, according to the landlord, they are on Saturdays too. So no food at the inn. We had a drink anyway. A quick look in the church, then on to shortcut 1

Nearing Wendens, the others sped up to catch the 16:10. Poor Mr Tiger, who had thought it was at 16:17 anyway, just missed it.

While waiting on the platform, for a whole 37 minutes - thinking about how he could have been in the Bell - he encountered walker number 4 who, unbeknownst to everyone, had also done the walk.

As told today: "about a handful", "never put my waterproof jacket on". So, let's say 5 dry

4, which is in fact a massive upturn in numbers compared to previous Sunday postings of this walk. Under grey skies we walked all day, until the clouds eventually broke up to reveal blue skies, but that was while we were waiting for the return train at Audley End station. Then, after an hour on the train, at Liverpool Street, it was all hands to the zippers of the waterproof jacket: three seasons in a day!

The walk: an orgy of greens, with loads of cereal fields swaying in the breeze, and lots of people out and about everywhere. The church in Arkesden was visited, one keen walker chose the extended version and was cajoled by the walk author into 'volunteering' to check the text for that stretch, while he text-checked the main walk (all for one and one for all). Two then turned right to follow the shortcut, and walk author and keen walker reunited in Chrishall.

The Red Lion has indeed turned plans into reality: the formerly half-fallen down historic barn next to the pub has been turned into a top-notch rooms annexe, a large outdoor area had been Covid-secure designed and the menu looked (and was) more appetising than ever. Chrishall had its annual Scarecrow Festival on today, so we had already admired some of the scarecrows en route and could then watch the punters walk past with their scoring sheets.

All that investment by The Red Lion of course means only bad news for the ex-Elmdon Dial, which by now should have been back as The Maltings. But it isn't. Money must have run out at some point during the eternal refurb, as plenty of new double glazing windows are in place, but many other important bits are obviously still missing. What a shame.

Us two just about missed the 18.10, so the (faster) 18.47 it then was, which meant we could roast a little in that short window of sunshine.

Well this was a first for me but 1 today, even with sun and cloud mix with humidity . I suppose the thought of swimming and climbing a cliff on the coast was far more alluring for others. I can’t understand why. The miles of following field boundary after field boundary after field boundary was exquisite.

I do jest, but the first half of the walk was very enjoyable, even if just in my own company. The churches were interesting, especially the Cutte memorial. They were worth the visit, and a bit of a reprieve from the humidity. The road walking wasn’t too bad but the last few miles through the fields was a bit of a slough.

I picnicked so I can’t comment on the pubs but I would personally would recommend getting an earlier train and lunching at the second pub. The first one was too early, even with the later train.

Just one note on the directions and that is that the Harcamlow way is now signed, which must have happened since the last walk check. It does make that section a bit easier.

A nice walk overall.

Walk not possible due to overhead power supply being cut by a fallen tree. Trains were only running as far as Broxbourne. Route was changed due to unrelated engineering work resulting in much slower speed. As a bonus this afforded passengers a slow drive-by viewing of the new Tottenham Hotspurs stadium which looks most impressive.

I saw no other walkers and did the Cheshunt to Broxbourne walk in bright sunshine with just a few showers.

A walk that speaks for itself.

The shorter version of the walk is 10.8 miles long. However the lunch pub is reached after 3 miles. Doing the walk in reverse, one would reach the the pub after 7.8 miles, though they stop serving food at 14.00 hrs.

Perhaps an early and leisurely lunch is appropriate for those wishing to do the shorter version in what promises to be sultry conditions?

The name of the station is Audley End and direct return trains are at 19 and 40 mins. past the hour.

5 off the 9:28. One stayed on the station to “change his socks” and was not seen again – at least not by me. I suspect this “wrong-way-Johnny” followed the map in reverse. Then I dropped back to change the battery in my camera. Not a euphemism. It was saying it was "exhausted" – it was a little too early for me to feel the same but I never caught the others up. The day was very hot and sunny and by the time I reached Duddenhoe End, after a refreshment stop at the Axe and Compasses, I was beginning to empathise with my camera and doubted the wisdom of the full 14.5 mile walk. Realising the version that turned round at Elmsdon was no longer in the directions, I took the short cut. (I regretted this decision later cos once I reached cruise mode I could have kept going, like that battery-related bunny). Note that there is a substantial climb involved in the shortcut. But once you’re up on the ridge, it’s plain sailing. A bit too plain. On return, I made a point of visiting the Bell – a first for me -and disgraced myself by asking for the cold fizzy cider rather than the warm still cider they proffered. It was hot – OK? They have a big garden out the back. Nice day out.

passing clouds with plenty of sunny breaks , combined with a fierce breeze. Almost all of the 10 had not walked this route before. 6 opted for the main walk, 4 for the short version, so we split in Arkesden (one of the many pretty villages en route), with one set going to the pub, the rest to the church (one of three very beautiful churches en route), and then on. Although we didn't walk through any woods, we still got our fill of autumn colours, along the many tree-lined tracks and lanes. Combine that with the sound of the wind in the trees and of the boots on the leaves...perfect.

We had one moment of apprehension when The Red Cow was jam-packed, fully booked and w/o any room to squeeze into. So, an outside table it was gonna have to be, but stoically we ordered food anyway and waited with our drinks in hand near the bar, hoping that a table might become available as and when the food would be ready. And so it came to be. It was a longish wait, but the fare was very tasty as always in this well-run pub. And not particularly expensive either.

On with views into Cambridgeshire and back to the rim of the Wenden valley just in time for the best of the sunset: flaming red clouds and a burning horizon, that stayed with us for a while and we then just about reached Wendens Ambo before darkness. 2 headed straight for the station, 4 to The Bell Inn, where we met 2 of the short walkers. 17.47 train for the last of us.

Just uploaded the video to this walk so a shame that I couldn't do it before you went!

There's still an issue (on top of the bridge one mentioned in the text) with the 'extended' version of this walk, which I didn't do (like you), but was noticeable at Chrishall church; the path up from the B1039 was 'closed' a few weeks ago, for no apparent reason. Did you notice that today?

Hi amib, it's been a long time...

That bridge issue is the reason for the path closure: the bridge over the stream at the bottom of the path by the B road has been broken since at least early 2016 when I wrote the text. And the drop down to the stream is too steep and high to contemplate going through it w/o a bridge. Essex may find some money some day to replace it.

Certainly has Thomas! The old hip's on the mend now though and almost back to 'normal', so I'm following in your footsteps once again.

Thanks for the info and hope to see you on Dec 7th ;-)

Coincidentally, I've led the full version of this walk yesterday for The Ramblers. What can I report? Perfect walk for a sunny day: all streams and ponds dry, the (few) field crossings a doddle, The Red Cow in Chrishall as good as always, the Elmdon Dial still not re-opened, the station kiosk indeed providing for great hot drinks (they have a proper barista coffee machine), chilled chocolate bars, booze etc.. Not sure about their opening hours on Saturday though. Slack walk research, I'd say...

9 for this walk (2 on the early train doing the full walk, 7 on the later) slightly damp start dry later with some sun Not bad at all and nothing like the grim forecast. Wicken Water was bone dry.

The Axe and Compasses didn't disappoint. The walk has been tweaked since map days and I find the tweaks easier to follow. Never saw the others again after Arkesden. The 17:19 was delayed so me and a long walker got the 17:25Stansted Express and changed at the airport for London.

I think I like this walk more every time I do it. The big wide views, the pretty cottages....

p.s The kiosk was open when I passed it - 17:15. Did not sample its wares.

3 who took it easy did the 10 mile walk whilst at least 5 of stronger stuff did the 14 mile

Intend going.

I also intend going. Unchartered territory for me.

I intend going as well but on the 10.28 train as I will do the short option with lunch after 3 miles

HOWEVER I can't get the walk instructions as this messgae comes up

Walk Directions

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Any ideas ?

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I'll join the train at Tottenham Hale...

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pdf and gpx files now linked up, see you on the walk.

Intend coming with both neighbours. Cannot download gpx file (never was able, no doubt due to me, not you). Is there any chance to provide a link to a KML file? No problem if not. Have maps as well.

Feel for David with web problems, we are suffering daily outages, lasting hours, at Somerset House this week, no printing etc so disruptive.

Its not you, it's me :)

Links to the files are there now.

Andrew

I will take the train at tottenham hale. I don't know wich train take to return, some advice?

same train to return

SWC 116

10.28 train 6 of us 

Surprisingly pleasant weather though a bit of a wind 

Lots of snow drops and daffodils and lots and lots of fields that one said reminded them of Waiting for Godot

The villages were pretty and the pub in Arkansas was excellent with good food and very friendly service - so good that we even left them a tip 

We met 5 of the walkers from the earlier train at the station and

they were so clean of mud that it looked like they had hardly walked any distance at all ? ? ?

That said we were devoid of any mud splatter on our gaiters and no clods on our boots. 

This is only my second time with the group and I was priveldged to meet Monsieur Tigra who apparently is rarely seen - oh and we saw birds of prey and were sorely frightened by a canon going off in a field that made our bones rattle as the shock wave went through.

23 (17 long, 6 short)

Perfect sunny winters day !

Delightful lack of mud and fabulous views in the fresh winter sunshine.

Pretty villages, delicious pub and an altogether lovely rabble.

Really wonderful walk but while mostly flat underfoot, we had wide views of gently rolling hills in the distance. Some lovely churches were passed, wonderful lunch and surprisingly lovey dovey company (this will not last). Another great day with the SWC.

arthur, there doesn't seem to be very many instructions - is it easy to get lost follow please?

we'll be fine

Jayne and I intend coming

Thank you Thomas for leading us today. The short cut route passes near a fab fishing lake with bird life. ideal for picnic. Very scenic and a much nicer route than anything else seen in the morning.

If you are re-writng the route could I suggest taking a look at the stately home of Audley End- the foremost Elizabethan manor house run by English Heritage lived in by Queen Elizabeth I? Also Saffron Walden -Essex's foremost village for pubs and medieval buildings-a jewel in the crown of Essex fine villages which outshines the countryside of large fields and featureless vegetation in winter.

I left Jane's purse at the station booking office.

Warning to fellow walkers. If you use a rucksack similar to other walkers check before putting your valuables inside. it was only discovered after the owner looked inside to retrieve a banana and found a wallet purse with money and train tickets! We need to exchange phone numbers and make sure we answer our mobiles otherwise Jane's purse would be in East London now.

Hope the longer walkers enjoyed the Bell pub which only opens after 5pm

The Great Newport to Chesterfield walk goes through Audley End and Saffron Walden, Marion

15 overcast to start then sunny

14 walkers off the train, 1 materialising out of thin air at the lunch pub. How she always does it, we'll never know...

Quite a good attendance for a harmless map lead Essex walk with minimal directions onethinks, especially when considering some Wednesday regulars were said to have gone on a different walk of the 'via Clapham Junction'-variety.

Well, we were rewarded with the perfect weather for the rolling uplands of Northern Essex, incl. some pretty perfect villages with loads of beautiful old buildings, and a very cosy pub serving excellent food with East Med influences (downside: it comes very early in the walk).

No problems with the route finding, but there may be room for a tweak or two to the route, and maybe a longer alternative routing further West, where there are more pubs to chose from, more conveniently spaced throughout the day.

Order taking at the Axe & Compasses was a bit slow in fairness, while food delivery was very fast, so that some people were already eating before everyone else had placed orders.

Inevitably that prompted the sandwichers to move on (well...the sun had just come out). Later three walkers took the shortcut, the rest stayed together and arrived back at Wendens just as the sky turned red. Most settled in at The Bell for a drink or two. The final two standing then ended up at the SuperTuscan in Spitalfields upon return to the Smoke for some more refreshments.

Thank you very much Marion for re connecting me with my wallet.It would have been a long walk back to London from Wenders Ambo .jfk

Aha, all's well that ends well. I would particularly like to express my thanks to John, who had the common sense to bring a torch, and thereby sparing me the inconvenience of falling headlong into a ditch after a wobbly return to the station from the Bell Inn. It really was a 'grand day out'.