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Saffron Walden Walks

Walk 1 - Cole End Lane Walk

This very pleasant walk over cultivated land starts on the edge of Saffron Walden. Most of the footpaths and lanes are lined with trees and hedges. There are no stiles.

DIRECTIONS

From the Leisure Centre, turn right into Peaslands Road and walk to the end of it. Turn right again along Thaxted Road for 20 yards. Cross Thaxted Road taking great care to the finger post opposite.

Go up the steps, through the hedge and straight ahead along the footpath. At the end of the field go down the steps and turn right along the track. Follow this down to the end beside a double finger post. Cross diagonally left to a narrow path which soon leads you uphill to a distinctive oak tree on the horizon.

Cross the bridge and turn left following the path with the hedge on your left. Cross the farm track turning right and then left through the gap. Go through a further gap and on until you reach point A beside a group of trees. Here you have a choice.

For the Shorter Walk, turn left and walk back to the end of the trees. Turn right in front of a solitary oak tree and continue until you reach Cole End lane, where you turn left and join the main walk at point B.

For the Main Walk, turn right and go along the flat grassy track, past then row of black polars. If the path has been reinstated go left through the hedge to the corner of Cole End Lane; if not, continue down the track towards Thunderley Parsonage. Turn left along Cole End Lane signposted "Sewards End and Ashdon" to point B.

All walkers continue along Cole End Lane past Bears Hall, then turn left to pass Wheel Hall Cottage and down the lane to Thaxted Road. Turn right back to the Leisure Centre on the edge of Saffron Walden.