About

A delightful circular walk of approx. 1 mile taking in many of the famous sights of Thaxted and enjoying the rolling North Essex countryside.

Leave the free public car park at Margaret Street in Thaxted, and with the car park behind you turn right up Margaret Street. After a few yards you will pass the entrance to the Clarance House Conservation Garden and Orchard, this walled garden is maintained by volunteers and is open at weekends during the Spring,Summer and Autumn.

After leaving the garden continue up hill to the junction with Newbiggin Street and cross over. Turn right along the pavement for a short while and then turn left to follow the short alley way into Watling Lane. Turn right and walk down hill for a few yards until you see the footpath sign on your left pointing down hill. Follow this footpath, (or take the permitted path on the right side of the hedge which is a bit less slippery) down Piggot’s Hill and cross over the river Chelmer.

Turn left to follow the footpath to Bolford Street and cross over and continue forward following the way marker post back over a concrete bridge and after a short distance follow the hedgerow back up the hill. At the top of this short hill turn left towards the Windmill and Church. The Windmill is also maintained by volunteers and is open on Sundays and Bank Holidays during the Summer months.

Pass by the Almshouses and turn right into the Churchyard and after having visited Thaxted’s magnificent Church continue down hill with the church on your left, through the gate and into Stoney Lane.

At the bottom of the lane visit Thaxted’s Guildhall, also open on Sunday’s and Bank Holidays, and then walk up Watling Street passing the Memorial Garden to AM Audus. Cross over the road to the wider footway and turn right into Bell Lane passing Margaret Gardens before reaching the car park and your starting point.