Circular Walks in Farnham

Walks around Farnham

Ten circular walks are included in this booklet, all starting at the Village Hall, where parking may be available. They are rated as easy, moderate or long, cover all parts of the Parish and visit all the features mentioned in this introduction. To achieve the best possible circuits, the walks also take in parts of Albury, Manuden and Stansted Mountfitchet parishes.

All the paths and bridleways are in good condition, but the inevitable mud of winter can slow progress somewhat. Boots or wellies are advisable for all but the driest conditions. To help walkers find routes, waymarkers are placed at strategic points within the Parish boundaries. Most surrounding parishes are also waymarked. Yellow arrows designate footpaths, blue arrows indicate bridleways. For your assistance, alphabetical pointers (A), (B), (C), etc. are included on each map and are referenced in the text for that walk.

Although Farnham has an extensive rights of way network, there is no route to beat the bounds and so walk 10 is called “The Farnham Round” and very roughly beats the Parish Boundary, visits some pubs, pays respects to neighbouring parishes and will suitably exercise the legs of the most energetic! It’s a good day out. Take your time and enjoy the Hertfordshire/Essex border countryside.

Acknowledgements

This publication is supported by the Parish Paths Partnership, sponsored by Essex County Council. The walks were originally devised by Dr. Nigel Wright. For this first amendment 2007, thanks go to Ian Pinder, Ian DelValle, Malcolm Willis, Barbara Jarman, Chris and Kitty Barrett and our Clerk Peter Jarman, for their contributions.

Key : ------Footpath --- . --- . --- Bridleway

Farnham’s Rural Landscape

Despite its proximity to Bishops Stortford, Farnham is one of the least populated parishes in Essex with about 350 people resident in its 860 hectares. Farnham - meaning the place where ferns grow - has a history dating back to the Domesday Book. It is situated in one of the most attractive parts of the Hertfordshire/Essex border and has always been primarily a farming community.

The legacy from careful land management by Farnham’s forefathers is an attractive rural area, which, unusually for Essex, boasts sheep farming as well as the usual arable crops. Farnham’s sheep population outnumbered humans by around three to one until recently! The resultant landscape around the village is very appealing. Small fields and mixed hedgerows are common and trees of every size, shape and variety are always to be seen on the horizon.

There are a number of ancient woodlands of special interest, notably Bailey Hills and also ancient hedges, the stretch between Walnuttree Cottages and Wickham Hall being an example. Perhaps the jewel in Farnham’s crown, however, is Hassobury Park to the east of the village centre. It is a beautiful stretch of parkland, typifying classic English landscape. The view across the park can be appreciated from many directions, but probably nowhere better than from Farnham Church.

Watery Features

Farnham is built on a thick bed of clay which overlies chalk. This clay, which sticks like glue to wellies and boots in wet weather, is also proficient at holding water. There are, therefore, a number of ponds, with nice examples at Levels Green, Farnham Green and particularly Hazel End. The principal water-course is Bourne Brook, which is a tributary of the River Stort and flows through the centre of the parish. It contains no water for most of the year, but in times of flood can produce startling volumes, sufficient to block the roads to Hazel End and Bishop’s Stortford. Farnham’s newest and largest stretch of water is man-made and just to the north of Wickham Hall. Here a lake has been created and its immediate environment has matured well and is rich in wildlife.

Habitation and roads

The main village centre is Rectory Lane, which is practical rather than pretty. Life revolves around the Village Hall, Church and School. The church is beautifully situated adjacent to Hassobury Park. Farnham’s outlying hamlets are much more pleasing to the eye. Farnham Green has an attractive flower meadow, which is common land. Hazel End is a conservation area and the farm at Levels Green is a microcosm of rural England. The sunken lanes which connect the various parts of the village are a special feature of the parish and are subject to conservation orders.

Local Wildlife

The mature hedges, meadows and woodland have encouraged a wide range of wildlife to reside in the parish. All the usual small and large mammals found in eastern England can be seen by those with the patience to be quiet and watch. Muntjack deer are frequently seen, Fallow and Roe pass through. Birds are plentiful. The call of skylarks is a feature of spring, encouraged by fallow ground for their nesting. Herons are common visitors, the “mew” of buzzards can be heard over the common to the west of the village, barn owls, short eared owls and others can be heard and sometimes seen in the late evening.

In good summers, the environment around Thrimley Lane attracts a host of butterflies, particularly noticeable when thistles are in flower. Farnham is also fortunate to have a wide selection of wild flowers. They are in hedgerows and woodland and resplendent in the churchyard.

The people of Farnham are keen to maintain and enhance the trees and wildlife of the parish. Partnerships between the landowners, farmers and residents are forged and maintained, as part of our strategy to maintain and improve this environment, for the enjoyment of others in this and later centuries.

Please note: this Booklet was amended before any decision on construction and routing of the A120 Little Hadham By-pass was made.

Walk 1

Walk No. 1.

Chatter End * Uppend * Farnham Green

An easy 4km (2.5mile) walk north of Farnham, reaching Uppend, a quiet hamlet just beyond the Parish Boundary. It also passes through Farnham Green, which has attractive thatched cottages around a large and picturesque meadow which is Common Land. Watch for butterflies in summer.

Turn R at the Village Hall and after 50m, R again at the footpath sign marked ‘2’. Pass between the houses, down a narrow path between hedges and alongside a field. At the hedge-end, turn L across the field to reach the houses of Chatter End. Turn L at the road and then immediately R opposite the house named Friarton at the footpath sign marked ‘1’. The path crosses under oak trees, over a bridge and then a small plantation to its R, before rising up to a gap by a waymarker sign (A). At the gap, turn L onto the wide farm track. After 200m, where the track turns L, carry straight on to the end of the field. Butterflies abound here in season.

The path now dog-legs L and R, passing the parish boundary and waymarkers. With a mature hedge on the L, descend to the road, crossing a bridge just before reaching tarmac. Turn L and stroll along the tree-lined road through Uppend. Just after the strangely-named Frog Hall (B), turn L to the grassy bridleway which climbs up past an attractive copse. This was once an ancient by-way and is very pleasant walking. At the end of this field, pass through a hedge-gap ahead, which is waymarked. Continue along the next field, alongside another fine hedge, which has an excellent crop of rose-hips in autumn.

Farnham Green is entered between thatched cottages, just after negotiating a muddy stretch in the field corner. Head diagonally across the wide green onto the road and then turn left at the T-junction (C). This portion of the Green has a profusion of wild flowers in spring and summer. Now walk along the quiet lane towards Chatter End. On reaching Friarton, retrace your steps back towards Farnham village on footpath ‘2’.

Walk 2

Walk No.2.

Thrimley Lane * Upwick Green * Farnham Green * Chatter End

A moderate 5km (3 mile) walk in open country to the west of the village. There are splendid views on the Hertfordshire side of the county boundary and much to interest the observant wildlife enthusiast.

Turn R outside the Village Hall and follow the bridleway sign ‘32’, which starts initially as a road but after 200m continues as a track with attractive hedges and trees on both sides. This is Thrimley Lane, an ancient route and one originally used by horse-drawn carriages. The next 800m are a haven for wildlife with a range of birds, plants and, in a good summer, colourful butterfly population. Muntjac deer are often seen by those who walk early or late in the day. There is a waymarker at the point where the lane reaches an open field (A). Turn R and follow the field edge keeping the hedge to your R. Pass under the pylons and cross the county boundary at the field end.

This is another good vantage point for wildlife. The route now climbs steadily towards the trees on the skyline. Over the brow of the hill the easy path drops down to a wooded area ahead. It reaches a path crossroads at Brooms Farm (B). Those with the time to spare can profitably turn L and make a 200m detour to admire the traditional architecture of some of the houses at Upwick Green before returning to the footpath crossroads at (B). Back at the crossroads, turn north keeping Upwick Wood to your L. The track now falls and rises over a surprisingly undulating stretch. There are good views to the west. After passing through a small wood, the path follows the R side of a field for about 200m and then turns R through a gap in the hedge (C). You are now heading east and Bogs Wood is soon passed on the L. It has a brilliant display of daffodils and bluebells in spring.

The path now leads towards Shaw Wood. There are excellent early spring flowers such as violets and cowslips in the ditch on the L. Turn R at Shaw Wood and follow the ditch and ancient bank around its perimeter for two sides before passing under the pylons and back into Essex. The road is soon reached at Farnham Green, with Farnham Hall showing prominently on the R. Continue along the road, passing Thrifts Farm, to reach the hamlet of Chatter End. Turn R at Friarton at the footpath sign ‘2’ (D) and return to Farnham Village as described in Walk No.1.

Walk 3

Walk No.3.

Levels Green * Bailey Hills Wood * Wickham Hall * Thrimley Lane.

A moderate 5km (3mile) ramble on the south side of the village, the highlight of which is the half circuit of Bailey Hills Wood one of the finest ancient woodlands in the area. There are no public rights of way across this wood but much of its beauty can be seen from its perimeter.

Leave the Village Hall in a southerly direction with Thrimley House to your R. The lane winds away from the village with Walker’s Farm on the L. On reaching the triangular Levels Green, continue in a straight line past Earlsbury house on the left. There are good views to the R towards Bailey Hills as the fields here, often dotted with sheep and horses, fall gently away to the south west. At the corner by Earlsbury, continue in a straight line onto a rough farm track. Proceed down this tack for 300m and then turn R at the waymarker (A). Follow the edge of the field for 50m and pass through the gap at the end. Turn left at the waymarker, up the hill to the right of the ditch for 50m.

Waymarkers now lead you back across the ditch. Now follow the R edge of this field and soon Bailey Hills Wood joins you on your R (B). It has a wide variety of trees and is actively coppiced. Deer are frequently seen. After 200m Bailey Hills is left behind, and very soon, at a gap in the hedge, turn R at the waymarker. Walk south towards Wickham Hall. Before reaching the Hall, a major bridleway crossroads C) is reached by a tall and very distinctive mast. Take the route which forks back sharply to the R on the L edge of a field. Bailey Hills is soon reached again, and on this, it’s sunny south west flank, there is evidence of the old bank and ditch at the edge of the wood. There is plenty of birdlife around here.

At the end of the wood, keep straight ahead on the track between the fields until the Upwick road is reached. Cross directly over the road and join the track between the hedges. At the end of the track, turn R at the waymarker (D) and follow the R edge of the field which zig-zags for 400m to reach the waymarker at the end of Thrimley Lane bridleway. Now stroll slowly and quietly for the final kilometre back to the Village Hall. The observant will find much of environmental interest in all seasons. On windy days, the shelter of the hedges and trees can be a welcome relief!

Walk 4a

Walk 4b

Walk No.4.

Levels Green * Walnuttree Cottages * Wickham Hall * Upwick Green -Thrimley Lane

A long 12km (7.5 mile) walk which takes in the southern part of the parish and skirts the Hertfordshire/Essex border. Points of interest include the ancient hedgerow near Walnuttree Cottages and the attractive hamlet of Upwick Green.

Follow Walk No.3 as far as Levels Green. Carry straight on the quiet road keeping the fine old house, Earlsbury, on your L. With good open views ahead, take the rough farm track off the bend. Continue down this track for 300m, turn left at the waymarker (A) on the other side of the ditch and hedge at the bottom. Walk 800m down this bridleway until a tarmac road is reached and a pillar box is seen on the L, turn R onto the narrow lane. The way goes uphill, and after about 400m, reaches Walnuttree Cottages, a short terrace of houses standing in pleasant countryside. Continue straight past the cottages and join the wide grassy bridleway (signposted) with a tall hedge to its R. This is an excellent example of an ancient hedgerow, and may well have marked the boundary of earlier woodland. The bridleway skirts the edge of the field for about a kilometre. A small lake can be seen to the L. Walk towards the huge mast, under which a waymarker shows a bridleway crossroads (B).

Head directly forward towards Wickham Hall which can be seen ahead. After 100m, at a small stable, turn R and walk into the fields. Another signpost is soon seen. Ignore the track here to the L and walk straight on towards Bloodhound Wood which is about 800m ahead. Bloodhound Wood has a colourful display of primroses and bluebells in the spring. Continue to the end of the wood and turn R (C) to follow the line of pylons. After 250m turn L and follow the field edge 200m and then turn R to face a pleasant stretch of woodland. Here the county boundary is crossed into Hertfordshire. Skirt the edge of the wood for 100m and then follow the wide track which heads away to the L, reaching the Farnham-Upwick Green road at a bridleway sign. Here turn L and walk down the quiet road through Upwick Green for 800m. Ignore the road to the L leading to Upwick Hall.

On reaching Brooms Farm, which is signposted, and opposite a quaint small white boarded building, turn R. Pillar Box Cottage is on your R and a large attractive pond is soon seen on the L. Keep directly ahead, with a hedge on the L, and after 100m, a bridleway crossroads is reached at a gap in the hedge (D). Turn R and stroll up the gentle slope of the Common towards the R edge of the long woodland on the skyline. This is fine open country with good views. Walk over the top of the brow by the wood and down the other side, crossing the border into Essex at the gap in the hedge before passing under the pylons. Keeping the hedge to your L, continue for 200m to the end of the field and turn L at the waymarker (E) into Thrimley Lane. Return to the Village Hall down this attractive enclosed green lane, which is the same final stretch as Walk No. 3.

Walk 5

Walk No 5.

Savenend * Manuden * Harcamlow Way * Chatter End.

This moderate 6km (4mile) walk needs careful route-finding in places, includes meadows and stretches along some of the most picturesque woodland in the area. There are open views, a sunken lane, secluded fields and two bridges across Bourne Brook. Save it for a clear sunny day.

Head down the village street, turning L at the school and follow the road towards Farnham Green. Note the damsons in the hedge on the R in the late summer. At the first bend in the road, turn R to Savenend and take the L fork to a gate marked bridleway (A). Cross the attractive meadow diagonally, through a gate in a wire fence and then across to the hedge on the L. Follow the hedge to the far L corner. Cross the bridge and climb up through the wood. Watch for deer and squirrels. The path soon reaches a field almost totally surrounded by trees. Keep on the path on the R of the field, ignoring the tempting route seen on the R through the wood (B).

At the end of the field, turn R and follow the edge of strangely named Oozes Wood for 150m. Here the path turns L and there are excellent views east over the Stort Valley. After a copse on the L, the path turns R (C), passing a line of three oaks and turning L at a fence before a large barn. Manuden lies ahead and the path descends steps to the Mallows Green road. Cross directly over and up a dark sunken lane. Turn L at the graveyard(D) into an enclosed field. The route carries straight on, crossing Dogden lane and skirting the edge of the next field before descending sharp L into another sunken lane which leads back to Mallows Green lane by ‘Little Croft’. You are now on the Harcamlow Way, one of the recognised long distance footpaths in England.

Cross the road and head diagonally across the field for 50m. Pass through the gap in the hedge (E) and cross diagonally across the next field with Parsonage Farm barn to the R. At the field corner, turn slightly R and walk along the L edge of the small field. An improving track appears in front and continues downhill. Bourne Brook (F) is crossed again and the track climbs to reveal fine views in all directions. At the field end, by a waymarker, the path drops sharply to the L through a gap in the hedge. With a plantation on the L, the path crosses a wooden bridge and stretches up between two fields to reach the hamlet of Chatter End. Descend carefully to the road and turn L and then immediate R past Friarton at the footpath sign ‘2’(G). Continue back to Farnham Village as detailed in Walk No. 1.

Walk 6a

Walk 6b

Walk 6

Savenend * River Stort * Bentfield Green * Hazel End * Levels Green

A long 10 km (6 mile) walk, but easy underfoot, which visits the outskirts of Stansted Mountfitchet near Bentfield green and the upper reaches of the Stort Valley. The return takes in Farnham cricket field, the conservation areas Hazel End and the southern boundary of Hassobury Park. It is a route which boasts many fine mature trees.

Follow Walk no. 5 into the wood beyond Savenend. After reaching the field which is almost totally surrounded by trees, take the bridleway along its R hand side, and turn R down the tempting track between Home Wood and Oozes Wood (A). There are mature Scots pine on the R. After about 200m, the path leaves the woodland and heads directly down hill into the Stort valley, with a line of oaks on the L of the path. The winter silhouette of the trees towards Hassobury on the R is particularly attractive. The Manuden – Bishop’s Stortford road lies in front.

Take care on reaching the road and zig-zag R&L then on to the bridleway ahead, marked ‘32’ on the signpost. The way ahead is clear and drops down to a substantial bridge over the River Stort. The river bed is dry for much of the year, but in flood can submerge the bridge. Continue directly up the field, and on reaching a gate at the field boundary at Hole Farm, turn L and after 40m turn R (B). Keeping the hedge to the L descend 200m down a well used bridleway to a double road junction near Bentfield Green. Turn R and go slightly uphill past Hole Farm Cottage. (not the road past Hole Farm) and stroll along the attractive lane ahead.

There are good views over the Stort Valley on the R now, and at the next junction (C), above the old watercress beds, take the R fork and walk down the sunken lane. Watermill Farm appears on the L just before the road crosses the River Stort. On this occasion, expect to see plenty of water even though you are less than a mile from the previous river crossing. This is a peaceful spot and there are unusual tall grasses in the hedgerow on the L near here. Where the road turns sharp L, head straight on to a footpath sign ‘12’. Another line of oaks is encountered as the path climbs up between two fields to reach Farnham Cricket Club.

The Cricket Club is blessed with a fine setting, and on a match day in summer, it is a good opportunity to linger and watch the activities of others at play! Skirt the R edge of the cricket-field to reach Hazel End. If the weather is either hot or wet, the temptations of the Three Horseshoes pub to the L may attract those of a weak disposition. The strong willed, however, will cross the road, admire the beautifully situated pond on the R, enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the Hazel End conservation area and stride purposefully forward.

Turn L at the pond, (D) and follow the winding road for about 800m. An unusual pargeted house – The Pepper pt- is passed and then a woo d at the edge of Hassobury Park on theR. This area has abundant wildlife, the road drops steeply down to Bourne Brook. Where the road turns L. at the ford, go straight on, through the hedge and over a concrete footbridge, then uphill acroos the middle of the field, aiming for the lone tree on the horizon. At the footpath crossroads waymarker (E), carry directly on towards “The Globe”, which was once the village pub.

Cross over the road and continue on the footpath on the L. field edge. After about 100m at a gate with waymarker, pass through the gate diagonally L. On reaching the next field, turn right and follow the R. headland for 400m, reaching the road at Levels Green by way of a small bridge. Turn right and walk along the road, passing the ancient, moated, Walkers Farm on your right. The Village Hall appears ahead after 200m.

Walk 7

Chatter End * Savenend * Farnham Church * Bourne Brook * Levels Green

This is an easy 4km ( 2.5 mile) circuit of the village, taking in some of Farnham’s sunken lanes. It is the least muddy walk in the book and is mainly on quiet metalled roads, all of which are classed as Grade 1 0r 2 Protected Lanes.

Take walk No.1 to Chatter End, turn R. and follow the sunken lane, which has a tall hedge to the left and a high bank on the right. Birdsong is much in evidence along here. After 300m, turn R. at Savenend (A), follow the road past the village school and then turn L. down towards Farnham Church, going straight into the churchyard.

Farnham’s original and ancient church was demolished and rebuilt in 1859, in typical local style using flint from adjacent fields. It is an idyllic setting and has a churchyard full of botanical interest. There are superb lime trees on the north side and many wild flowers, some quite rare. Linger awhile and enjoy the peace and solitude.

Leave the churchyard by the same way as you entered and turn immediately L. Follow the churchyard hedgerow and then 150m across the field to a waymarker (B). Turn L again and walk downhill across the field to Bourne Brook. The views to the L across Hassobury Park to Hassobury are excellent. Cross the stile at the field end, over a narrow bridge and turn R on to another sunken lane. This is a ford and the banks of Bourne Brook near here show evidence of Farnham’s underlying white chalk. Follow the lane around to the R and up about 400m to Windhill. Here ther is an extensive view towards Bishop’s Stortford to the South. On reach the T-junction head sharp L down hill towards another road junction. Take care with the traffic along this stretch. Now turn R and follow the next sunken lane, signposted Albury and Upwick (C).

This lane climbs steadily and veers R at the attractive house Earlsbury. The triangular shape of Levels Green soon appears to the L. Follow the road straight on, signposted to Farnham. This area of the parish is thought to have been its earliest settlement. Walkers Farm, the next house of the R is partially ‘moated’ and was mentioned in the doomsday book. Note the line of ancient hawthorn trees in the field on the L and walk the last 200m back towards the Village Hall straight ahead.

Walk 8

Levels Green * Wickham Hall * Walnuttree Cottages

This walk is about 3 miles and visits three of the smaller hamlets in the parish.

Take the lane opposite the Village Hall, and follow it for 400m. At Levels Green, turn R and follow the road R past the farm and down the hill. Opposite the houses on the R at the bottom of the hill, turn L onto a bridleway for 50m. On reaching the open field, turn L. Straight on is not a R.O.W. Follow the hedge on your L for 300m to the next corner of the field, where you turn R. You now keep the deep ditch and hedge and then the wood to your L. A dog leg after 300m takes you over a bridge and uphill for 200m, until a muddy gateway is reached. Pause here and turn round to see the Church, Hassobury and many other features laid out before you. Turn L and continue to walk with the wood on your L. Bloodhounds Wood can be seen across the field to the R. At the end of the wood, the Bridleway angles left towards Wickham Hall. This is a heavily used bridleway and is muddy and uneven in winter.

On reaching Wickham Hall, turn L and follow the broad path downhill, with a nature reserve and lake to the R. Ignore the path L back to the wood, carry on down the hill, keeping the ancient hedge to your L. After 800m, you arrive at Walnuttree Cottages. Join the tarmac road L down the hill. Just before the junction at the bottom, next to a post box, turn L and follow the Bourne tributary, which here forms a 4m deep gully. Keeping the tall hedge to your R, follow the Bridleway for 800m, until a farm track crosses the brook on the R. Take this track up the hill to Earlsbury. On reaching the road, continue ahead, retracing your steps from Levels Green to the Hall.

Walk 9a

Walk 9b

Walk 9

Bailey Hills * Wickham Hall * Upwick

This walk, on paths and bridleways, is 5 -6 miles and takes about two and a half hours, allowing time to watch the wildlife. If recent rain has fallen, parts can be muddy.

Leaving the Village Hall, take the road opposite the Hall and R at Levels Green Farm. Where the road bears sharp right, take the footpath directly in front of you, to the L of the farmhouse. Carry straight ahead across the grass field to the bottom of the hill, cross the bridge and then turn L. After 100m, dogleg L then R onto a bridleway. Follow this along a hedge uphill, crossing the ditch after 50m, then pass Bailey Hills Wood on the R. At the end of the field, turn R towards the phone mast. Here you join a metalled track which leads through the barns of Wickham Hall. At a small stable, turn R onto a concrete track out of the farm and into open country.

Keep straight on this farm track, ignoring the bridleway leaving to the left. Appearing in the far distance to your right is Albury Church. On your left you pass Bloodhounds Wood (known locally as Bluddens). At the far end of the wood turn L for 50m, then turn R. Follow the farm track across the fields, towards a small reservoir and plantation called Newwood Springs. After 200m, the farm track turns L, but you carry straight on to the reservoir. Turn L here and follow the field edge for 100m, then turn R. Continue on a farm track until you pass behind Hadham Hall. Turn R here, this is the signposted Hertfordshire Way taking you north, passing an old mound on the L and bearing left via a hedged track through Upwick Hall to the road. Turn L and walk 150m along the road, which brings you to a sign for Brooms Farm where you turn R, again on the Hertfordshire Way.

Passing a secluded pond you then, before reaching a wood on your left, turn right and expect to meet cantering horses, as the path takes you over gently rolling hills known as The Common. At the top of the hill, avert your gaze from the ugly airport buildings visible in the extreme distance and enjoy the song of the skylarks which abound in this area. After crossing a narrow bridge you soon come to another path junction. In the distance, straight ahead of you is the church and, on a clear day, the sails of Stansted Mountfichet windmill. Turn L here on to Thrimley Lane which leads into the village and back to the Hall.

Walk 10a

Walk 10b

Walk 10c

Walk No.10

The Farnham Round – Beat the Boundary and visit the pubs

Savenend * Manuden * The Yew Tree Inn * Bentfield Bower * Hazel End – The Three Horseshoes * Walnuttree Cottages * Wicham Hall * Upwick Green * Patmore Heath * Farnham Green * Chatter End.

To call this fine 29km (18mile) round walk from Farnham as ‘ Beating the Boundary” is perhaps a misnomer, but it is designed to roughly follow the boundary of the parish. Deliberate excursions are taken to provide refreshment on route at two of the local hostelries – The Yew Tree Inn at Manuden and The Three Horseshoes at Hazel End. The walk has also been planned to take in some of the best of the natural features of Farnham Parish and the immediate surrounding countryside. In sunny weather in April or May, when the paths are drying out and nature is bursting into a frenzied activity, it is a rewarding day out.

Part 10A. Farnham to Hazel End

Head down the village street, turning L at the school and follow the road towards Farnham Green. At the first bend in the road, turn R to Savernend and take the L fork to a gate marked bridleway (A). Cross the attractive meadow diagonally through the pedestrian gate in a wire fence until you reach the hedge at the L of the field, follow this hedge to the gate in the far L corner. Cross the bridge and climb up through the wood.

The path soon reaches a field almost totally surrounded by trees. Keep on the path on the right of the field ignoring the tempting route seen on the right through the wood. (B) At the end of the wood turn R and follow the edge of Oozes Wood for 150m. Here the path turns L and there are excellent views east over the Stort Valley. After a copse on the L, the path turns R (C), passing a line of three oak trees and turning at a fence before a large barn. Manuden lies ahead and the path descends steps to the Mallows Green road. Cross directly over and up a dark sunken lane.

Turn R at the graveyard (D) and follow its R edge. Manuden churchyard is soon reached. Keeping the church on your L, walk to a road by footpath sign “23”. Turn L and The Yew Tree Inn is immediately ahead. After taking the opportunity for the first refreshment of the day, continue on your way to the R of the pub over the River Stort bridge and then turning immediately R by footpath sign ‘21’. The path is initially a concrete drive and the sewage works is directly in front! Keeping the sewage works on your L (not the path which heads across its centre) the route forward now passes alongside the River Stort for about 300m.

On reaching the country road, turn L walk uphill for 1km along this quiet highway through Bentfield Bury and Bentfield Bower. After passing the imposing Bentfield House on your R, a crossroads is reached by a letter box (E). Follow the direction signpost Hazel End. The route now goes slightly uphill past Hole Farm Cottage (not the road past Hole Farm). The stroll along the lane ahead has good views west over the Stort Valley, and at the next junction (F), above the old watercress beds, take the R fork and walk down the sunken lane. Watermill Farm appears on the L just before the road crosses the River Stort. This is a peaceful spot. Keep walking a little further on the road until it turns sharp L. Here head straight forward at the footpath signposted ‘12’. A line of oaks is encountered as the path climbs up between two fields to reach Farnham Cricket Club. Skirt the R edge of the cricket field to reach Hazel End . Cross the road and admire the surroundings of this conservation area, which is very attractive by the pond. Here you can sample the wares of Farnham parish’s only pub, The Three Hourseshoes.

Part 10B: Hazel End to Upwick Green.

After leaving the pub, head towards Manuden, turning L by the pond into a quiet road and follow its winding route alongside woodland at the side of Hassobury buildings and Farnham church prominent in the view. The road drops steeply down to Bourne Brook. Keep on the road as it turns sharp L across a ford, which can be very wet after heavy rain. This sunken lane soon turns R and goes upwards onto Windhill. Here there is an extensive view to Bishop’s Stortford to the south. At the T-junction head L sharply down the hill. Take care with the traffic along this stretch. Carry straight on at the junction at the bottom of the hill (G).

Where the main road swings off to the L, and a postal box is seen on the R, walk directly ahead on a narrow lane. It rises uphill, and after 400m, reaches Walnuttree Cottages, a short terrace of houses in pleasant countryside. Continue straight past the cottages and join the wide grassy bridleway (signposted) with a tall ancient hedgerow to its R. This bridleway skirts the field edge for about a kilometre and a lake can be seen on the L. Walk towards the huge mast, under which a waymarker shows a bridleway crossroads (H). Head directly forward towards Wickham Hall which can be seen ahead. After 100., at a small stable, turn R and walk into the open country. Another signpost is soon seen. Ignore the track here to the L and carry directly on towards Bloodhound Wood which is about 800, ahead.

Bloodhound Wood has many wild flowers. Continue straight ahead to the end of the wood and turn R (I) to follow the line of the pylons. After 250m turn L and follow the field edge for 200m and then turn R to face a pleasant stretch of woodland and the county boundary into Hertfordshire. Skirt the L edge of the wood for 100m and then follow the wide track which heads away to the L, reaching the Farnham – Upwick Green road at a bridleway sign. Here turn L and walk down the quiet road through Upwick Green for 800m. Ignore the road to the L leading to Upwick Hall. On reaching Brooms Farm, which is signposted, and opposite a quaint small white boarded building, turn R and head once more into the country. (J)

Part 10C. Upwick Green to Farnham

The track passes Pillar Box Cottage on the R and a large attractive pond is seen on the L. Keep directly ahead, with a hedge on the L, and after 100m, a bridleway crossroads is reached at a gap in the hedge. Continue straight forward, keeping Upwick Wood to your L. The track now falls and rises over an undulating stretch and there are good views to the L. After passing through a small wood, the path follows the R side of a field for about 300m to the metalled road (K)

Turn R and then immediately L on a good track just before a thatched cottage. This has been signposted as a public footpath by local people. In pleasant countryside, the track goes downhill, over a ditch, and then uphill to Patmore Heath by another thatched cottage called The Lanehouse. Patmore Heath is a Nature Reserve of outstanding natural beauty. It has a grass heath habitat with a number of ponds. On reaching the road at the heath, turn L and follow the road around to the R past a large pond, until it reaches a junction (L) by a Patmore Heath information board erected by the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Thirsty walkers will turn L and proceed down the hill for 100m to the newly restored and built Catherine Wheel pub for refreshment. Those of a nobler disposition will turn R keeping the heath on the L. At the next road junction bear R and take the road passed Mill Cottage and Woodside on the R.

This narrow road leads away from the heath and has attractive woodland on its R. After about 400m, go through the distinctive gap in the hedge on the R. (M). Cross straight over the field for 300m. At the corner of the wood (N) turn R and walk 30m to a bridge into the wood. The path on the other side leads directly out of the trees.(O). Turn R and walk along the good track for 70m, keeping the wood on your R. Turn L and follow the L edge of a field, with a good hedge to your L.

There are pylons directly ahead which mark the county boundary back into Essex. After 700m the path passes underneath one of the large pylons and then turns L at the hedge. Walk for a further 50m and turn R through a gap in the hedge. The way ahead is clear and follows the R edge of a field with a hedge on your R. After about 250m the path crosses over and through the hedge to follow the L side of another field until it reaches a farm track some 200m further on. Walk along the farm track for 50m past a house on the L to reach the road near Uppend at a bridleway sign ‘26’. Turn R and follow the road for 200m. Just after some distinctive railings on the R, a good track can be seen on the R. The bridleway sign for this route is almost hidden in the hedge on the opposite side of the road.(P)

This grassy track was once an ancient by-way and is pleasant walking. On reaching the end of the field, pass through the hedge-gap ahead, which is way marked. Continue along the next field with a fine hedge on your R. Farnham Green is entered between thatched cottages just after negotiating a muddy stretch in the field corner. Head diagonally across the wide Green onto the road and then turn L at the T- junction. If walking in spring or summer, admire the wild flowers on the Green.

The quiet lane leads to Chatter End. On reaching the house Friarton on the R, turn R at the footpath sign and follow the path across the field and then along the hedge on the L. The houses of Farnham village can be seen ahead. The path passes between two hedges before reaching the road. Turn L and the Village hall is 50m further on to the L. It is now time to rest your weary feet and reflect upon what we hope was an enjoyable walk around Farnham’s boundary!