A beautiful Essex Walk- The Saffron trail

This is a photo-heavy post (I'll try not to talk too much) but please be assured it really is worth it for some glorious views and sights including the beautiful yellow fields of rape-seed oil.

It was CBC's birthday this weekend and through his Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, he discovered a long series of walks through the Essex countryside called the Saffron Trail.   It runs from Southend-on-Sea to Saffron Walden and is around 71 miles.  We decided to the stretch from Great Waltham to Felsted which is 6.5miles. 

It was a sunny albeit not too warm day.

The path is well signposted with Public Footpath signs and Saffron trail markers.

The first field was full of buttercups and daisies - very pretty.

 There were some beautiful trees- well protected too.

 We saw 'Pemberley' in the distance! Who lives there, I wonder?

 There was always something interesting to look for.  What was this strange building? Was it an old ice house for the grand house?

 There were some gentle cows who looked like they've recently calved.

 I've honestly not seen a metal gate like this. They're usually fairly rudimentary and wooden.

 With ornate curls.

 Some very pleasant flora could be seen at frequent intervals.

 There were some beautiful delicate bluebells ringing their silent song of Spring-joy along the main road.

The joy of walking at a slow pace along the lanes for a few stretches was the opportunity to see some really old and fascinating-looking houses.

 I particularly liked the Stucco-features on this house.

 Even the nettles were putting on their finest show.

Blossoms adorned a myriad branches by the river/streams

 I only noticed this tiny fellow on the blossom later.

 There were frequent stretches of newly ploughed fields, possibly loaded up with new crops.

And then I saw the most glorious sight. A field of rape-seed oil blooms sharing an ebullient golden glow.

 I thought my only view would be from the side but as we continued, it appeared we had to walk through the midst of further fields.

 Continuous as the stars that shine and twinkle on the Milky-Way (sorry Wordsworth), they stretched in never-ending line.

 It was truly magical wending our way onwards through such vivacity.

 I wasn't sure if these were young ones or some other variety of flower?

Eventually and rather sadly, the fields of gold ended and we found ourselves surrounded by verdant emerald crops.

 These Stitchwort flowers were so pretty and delicate- I enjoyed these!

 I heard this little bird chirping. I'm really not sure what he was.  He has a little look of a Chaffinch or a Bullfinch but his song was definitely not Chaffinch! I know Chaffinch when I hear one!

 As we had a tight-schedule, we had to hurry towards Felsted. It's a pity as we would have liked to have continued onto Great Dunmow for the entire walk.

 As the journey cotntinued, we saw a Priory marked on the map.  This historic building is used for wedding receptions I realised as we saw the name on the sign. What a beautiful location!

There were a fair few little bridges towards the end.

And a tranquil lake flanked by already fluffy dandelions waiting to be dispersed by wind.

 A serene lake was a delightful surprise.

Finally, we reached Felsted where we had a taxi waiting to get us back post-haste to our car in Great Waltham.

Felsted is astonishingly pretty and quaint too. Alas, I took no photos!

If you are in Essex and would enjoy a good flat walk, I recommend this.  We had enormous smiles on our faces most of the time.  We are endeavouring to complete more of the 71 miles this Summer!

Have you heard of this trail? Have you enjoyed any walks recently?

xx