Sunday Walk: Great Chesterford to Audley End

SWC walk 130
14.25 km 8.9 miles, finishing at Audley End
Difficulty 4/10
A varied walk through the rolling fields of north Essex to historic Saffron Walden. The town has many interesting features - half timbered buildings, an impressive church, the remains of a Norman castle, and an ancient turf labyrinth. The afternoon takes you through the parkland of Audley End then, mindful of the dwindling daylight, follows the shorter ending to Audley End station.
Trains: 
9:57 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (Tottenham  Hale 10:10), arriving Great Chesterford at 11:10.
Return from Audley End at xx:10 and xx:47.
Get a return to Great Chesterford.
Lunch: There's plenty of choice in Saffron Walden. The 8 Bells 01799 522790 is recommended.
Here's a couple more:-
The Cross Keys  (01799-522207) and a Wetherspoons, The Temeraire (01799-516975)
Tea: 
You pass the Fighting Cocks (01799-541279) on the way to Audley End station, alternatively, continue past the station turn-off to find The Bell (01799-540382), an attractive country pub. Both come recommended.
Audley End The gardens, stables. and service wing are open to visit 10-4  (£13:50 unless an English Heritage member). The house itself is closed at present.
Additional travel info:
If anyone is up for the whole 11.7 miles to Newport, trains leave there at xx:13.
Any Weary Willies wanting to finish early could take the two-hourly 132 bus from Saffron Walden to Great Chesterford station at 13:05, 15:05 17:05. (Unfortunately, once there, there's a 45 minute wait for the xx:04 to London).
Walk Directions here
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