Saffron Walden Walks
This circular walk tours the countryside around the Essex town of Saffron Walden. You'll visit the ruins of the 12th century Waldren Castle and one of the highlights of the area at Audley End.
The trail starts in the centre of town and follows the Harcamlow Way to the splendid Jacobean mansion at Audley End. After exploring the fine parkland and gardens you continue south along the Beechy Ride track to Brakey Ley Wood before turning east to the Debden Road. Here you turn east and follow public footpaths and minor roads back into the town centre.
You can extend the walk by continuing south from Brakey Ley Wood along the Harcamlow Way towards Newport . Around here you can pick up a nice trail along Debden Water to Debden Park.
Also of interest is the long distance Saffron Trail which starts in Safron Walden. The Icknield Way Path runs just to the north of the town and can also be easily picked up to explore the area.
Saffron Walden Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Saffron Walden Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Saffron Walden OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Saffron Walden Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Saffron Walden
- Audley End - Explore the stunning gardens surrounding this spectacular Jacobean mansion in Saffron Walden, Essex
- Saffron Trail - A walk through the Essex countryside from the coast at Southend-on-Sea to Saffron Walden
- Thaxted - This attractive Essex based town is a very pleasant place for a stroll
- Harlow - Harlow is located in West Essex in a nice spot in the River Stort Valley
- Haslingfield - This attractive village in South Cambridgeshire is a pleasant place for an easy riverside stroll
- Clavering - This circular walk explores the countryside to the north of the Essex village of Clavering
- Cambourne - This walk visits the Cambourne Nature Reserve before heading to the neighbouring villages of Caxton and Bourn.
- Sawbridgeworth - This Hertfordshire based town is located near Bishop's Stortford and Harlow close to the border with Essex
- Newport Essex - This historic Essex based village includes a train station and some fine Tudor timber framed buildings
- Shepreth - This South Cambridgeshire village is located south of Cambridge and north of Royston
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the Old English Gentleman for a great pub experience in the town. The noteworthy pub dates from the 19th century and was named CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year 2012. There's a charming interior with a cosy fire and wood burner. Outside there's a sun trap patio garden for warmer days. You can find them on Gold Street with a postcode of CB10 1EJ for your sat navs.
At Audley End there's two nice on site cafes which make an ideal stopping point on the walk. The tea room does lovely soups made from vegetables grown in the organic kitchen garden. There's also lots of nice outdoor seating for finer days.
Dog Walking
With lots of lovely woodland, parkland and country trails the area is ideal for dog walking. Please keep them on leads in the Audley End grounds though. The Old English Gentleman pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head to the lovely Bridge End Gardens for an easy stroll in the town. There are seven delightful 19th-century gardens here including a particularly fine Dutch garden. There's also statue fountain, fine topiary and beautiful herbaceous borders to see here. You can find them on Castle Street with a postcode of CB10 1BE for your sat navs.
If you follow the Harcamlow way south from the town you could pay a visit to the worthy town of Thaxted. Here you'll find a number of historic half timbered houses, a 14th century Guildhall, 16th century almshouses and a picturesque windmill.
Following the trail south west will take you to Clavering where there's a noteworthy 14th century church and some delightful almshouses dating back to the 15th century. You'll also pass picturesque Arkesden which is well worth exploring.
Just to the south there's the neighbouring village of Newport to explore. There's several photogenic Tudor buildings to admire in this historic settlement. You can also enjoy a walk to nearby Debden where there's a pretty lake and waterfall to see.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Essex Walks page.
Photos
Walden Castle, Saffron Walden. Built sometime between 1125 and 1141 little remains today except the flint walls of the keep.
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Audley End House, Saffron Walden
Market Cross and the black and white Town Hall. The town takes its name from its former trade in saffron - used in dyeing and in medicine. The Town Hall was rebuilt in the 19th Century.
Duck Pond. Located next to the long stay car park.
Attractive old cottages off Church Street
Saffron Walden Museum. The Museum, set in an enclosed grass meadow, was opened in 1835. It is located close to the castle.
Spring blossom at Saint Mary's Church. The church is the largest parish church in Essex. It dates mainly from the end of the 15th century and is a Grade I listed building.
A view of the Dutch Garden at Bridge End Gardens. Here you'll find seven interlinked gardens, including a maze, rose garden and walled garden.