Winter Walks

The Hundred Parishes Society helps to raise the level of appreciation and enjoyment of the Hundred Parishes, an area that encompasses around 450 square miles of northwest Essex, northeast Hertfordshire and some of South Cambridgeshire. Here Ken McDonald shares two walks in the Hundred Parishes ideal for a winter stroll, and that also make use of public transport. More walks, with full descriptions and maps, can be found at www.hundredparishes.org.uk

THE WALK: AUDLEY END TO GREAT CHESTERFORD

Leave Audley End Station by the main exit. If arriving on a Cambridge-bound train, cross the footbridge before leaving the station. Audley End Station is situated in the village of Wendens Ambo, but was named after Audley End House which is about 2 kilometres north. Bear left through the car park, passing Nevill House, along the station approach road to the mini roundabout. Turn left past a garage. Cross the road onto the pavement and continue past the terrace of Victorian cottages faced with flintstone and then over the railway line. Wendens Ambo church is just visible after a while over to the left. Keep on the right, passing several attractive cottages. When the pavement runs out, keep on the right for a short distance, until the road turns left. Here, turn right onto the public footpath, climbing steadily for about 700 metres. When the path reaches a wood, turn left, keeping the hedge on the right.