Castle Hedingham Walk

0.9 miles (1.5 km)

This walk explores the Essex based village of Castle Hedingham and its historic castle grounds.
The castle includes the circular Moat Path which will take you around the grounds and the pretty lake, where you can see a splendid miniature replica of Hedingham castle. On the way you will pass the beautiful landscaped gardens and the impressive 12th century Norman Keep which is considered one of the best preserved in the UK. The castle today is family owned but the public can explore the grounds from Easter to October. Look out for snowdrop walks in the winter and the popular jousting events in the summer too.
The walk also includes a stroll around the attractive village which includes many interesting old buildings such as the 12th century Norman church and a 15th century pub where you can enjoy some rest and refreshment after your exercise.
To extend your walking in the area head south through the River Colne Valley to visit neighbouring Sible Hedingham and nearby Halstead. Here you can enjoy some pleasant riverside trails and a trip to the peaceful Broaks Wood with its wonderful Giant Redwood Grove.

Please click here for more information

Castle Hedingham Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Castle Hedingham Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Castle Hedingham OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Castle Hedingham Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Castle Hedingham

Halstead - This Essex based town has some nice trails through the Colne Valley and some attractive local woods to visit.
Sudbury - This circular walk takes you around the delightful Water Meadows in the Suffolk town of Sudbury
Braintree - The Essex town of Braintree has some nice walking trails along the�River Brain�and River Blackwater which run through the town
Chalkney Wood - This area of ancient woodland near Chappel is a lovely place for a peaceful stroll
Great Notley Country Park - A short walk or cycle around the 100 acre Great Notley Country Park in Braintree, Essex.
Finchingfield - A nice circular walk from the Essex village of Finchingfield, visiting Great Bardfield, the River Pant and the Finchingfield Brook
High Woods Country Park - This country park in Colchester includes woodland, open spaces, ponds, a lake and wildflower meadows
Ardleigh Reservoir - This pretty reservoir near Colchester has a nice country lane running along its northern side
Clare Castle Country Park - This pretty country park is situated on the River Stour in the Suffolk town of Clare
Stour Valley Path - Follow the River Stour from Newmarket to Cattawade on this delightful walk through East Anglia
Gosfield Lake - This walk visits the village of Gosfield in the�Braintree�district of�Essex near Halstead
Sudbury Railway Walk - This route takes you along the Sudbury Valley Walk in the Suffolk town of Sudbury.

Pubs/Cafes

The Bell Inn is an historic pub dating all the way back to the 15th century. Formerly a coaching inn the pub still retains a charming interior with original beams. Outside there's a particularly lovely outdoor space with an orchard, walled garden and a hop garden. You can find them at 10 St James' Street with a postcode of CO9 3EJ for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

Dogs are allowed on leads in the castle grounds and the Bell Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just a few miles to the south you'll find Gosfield Lake where you can enjoy more easy trails around the parkland of the Grade I listed old Gosfield Hall.
Head north and there's Clare Castle Country Park and some pleasant riverside trails along the Stour Valley Path.