Saffron Walden - Newport - Wendens Ambo - Audley End

This area of rolling countryside has changed little over the centuries. Saffron Walden is only forty miles from London, yet it is an unspoilt place with many superb mediaeval houses (including its youth hostel). The town got its name and its wealth from growing saffron, which was used as a medicine and a dye, used on its other main source of income - wool. There are innumerable houses and cottages of a variety of periods scattered through the town. The High Street has many Georgian houses and the first part of your route takes you close to Repell Ditches, a great earthwork beloved by archaeologists (200 Saxon skeletons have been unearthed there). The tiny village of Wendens Ambo attracts many photographers (its church and cottages are featured on the cover of the OS map of the area). Jacobean Audley End House is approached by a stately Adam bridge over the River Cam. Built in 1603, James I said of it that it was 'too big for a king!' It contains much work by Adam, lovely 18th Century furniture and a collection of stuffed birds as well as a magnificent entrance hall and staircase. In the grounds you will pass or glimpse the Temple of Concord, Springwood Column and several decorative lodges. The village itself was planned as an estate and is mainly Georgian, but has Jacobean almshouses.

England - East England - Essex - Countryside

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Walk id: 932

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

9 Miles

Height gain

30 Metres

Duration

3 Hours 40 Mins

Average rating

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