Manningtree - Nayland - Wormingford - Bures: Part 1

Douglas Owens

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Part 1: the walk is in three main sections. Firstly a fairly flat section (about 10km) along the valley floor as far as Thorington Street, secondly a 'switchback' section (about 15km) as far as Wormingford, followed by a return to the 'flat' valley floor for the third section.

There are stiles to contend with (although not a great number) and there are kissing-gates, one of which (between Stoke-by-Nayland and Nayland) is very restrictive. It will normally require at least the removal of your backpack and possibly necessitate climbing over the gate. A little roadside or road-walking is required, but I have found there to be hardly any traffic on the majority of the roads or farm tracks.

Meadowland, pastureland and arable land are the predominant conditions underfoot. There are wide open spaces, woodland areas and country lanes bordered by hedgerows, in addition to some villages with mediaeval buildings and churches.

For those who do not intend to walk the full length in one go, there is the option of boat hire (Flatford) and there are bus services (www.travelineeastanglia.org.uk) serving many of the villages. Flatford Mill (NT) and Thorington Hall (NT) may be worth a visit and a short circular walk at Nayland incorporating Court Knoll (ancient monument, site of original settlement and Roman connections) may be of interest.

Download Walk 4152 for Part 2 of this walk.

England - East England - Essex - River Walk

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
7/21/2019 - Sid Marks

Re-walked this one after 9 years,still an enjoyable walk.This part of the walk is 11.5 miles. A couple of updates.The footpath at the start can no longer be accessed by the station due to a building works.Walk back down the road from the station to the T junction,turn right,and the footpath is immediately on your right.

8/13/2010 - Sid Marks

11-08-10.The car park costs £6.30 for the day. Really enjoyed this walk. Here are just a few pointers to watch out for. At the start of the walk there's no no entry sign. Turn right out of the station, go down to the lower car park and sign post to Dedham/Flatford is on the left. At waymark 8 there is no tree lined path, just follow the river to Dedham bridge. At waymark 14 there is no waymarker post, just follow well defined path to the sandy gallop. At waymark 14 the path is badly overgrown towards oak tree. At waymark 15 the path is clearly visable. At waymark 24 take the 1st path to cherry wood, but ignore the 2nd path to cherry wood.