MODERATE HIKE 17.5KM | Saffron Walden, Audley End & Essex Countryside
Details
🍂 A beautiful autumn hike through the Essex countryside, visiting historic Saffron Walden, Audley End Park and peaceful rural landscapes before finishing in Newport.
This 17.5 km linear walk is ideal for anyone looking for a proper countryside hike without an extreme level of difficulty.
Coming alone? Absolutely fine. Many people join our hikes on their own — it’s a great way to meet new people while enjoying a day outside London.
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## 🥾 THE HIKE
Distance: 17.5 km / 10.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate — 4/10
Walking time: Approx. 6 hours 50 minutes including stops
Route: Linear
Start: Great Chesterford
Finish: Newport, Essex
We start at Great Chesterford Railway Station and head into the rolling Essex countryside.
Our route takes us towards Saffron Walden, one of Essex's most attractive historic market towns, with medieval streets, historic buildings and the remains of its castle.
From Saffron Walden we continue towards beautiful Audley End Park, passing through parkland and open countryside before continuing south towards Newport.
We finish at Newport Railway Station, where we take the train back to London.
Expect:
🍂 Autumn countryside
🏘️ Historic Saffron Walden
🏰 Audley End Park
🌳 Woodland and open fields
🥾 Quiet rural trails
👥 A friendly social hiking group
## 🚆 MEETING & TRANSPORT
### London meeting point
📍 London Liverpool Street Station
Main concourse, by the departure boards
⏰ Meeting time: 8:00 AM
🚆 Train departure: 8:24 AM
We expect to arrive at Great Chesterford at approximately 9:31 AM, where the hike begins.
## 🎟️ PRICE
### £12 — Guided Hike Only
Join us directly at Great Chesterford and arrange your own transport.
## 👟 WHO IS THIS HIKE FOR?
This is a moderate 17.5 km hike.
You should be comfortable walking for several hours over countryside paths and uneven ground.
You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness.
There will be breaks during the day, including time around Saffron Walden/Audley End depending on our progress.
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## 🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Please bring:
• Comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Water
• Packed lunch
• Snacks
• Warm layer
• Small backpack
November conditions can be wet and muddy, so appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.
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## 👋 NEW TO THE GROUP?
You're very welcome.
Most people don't need to know anyone before joining. Hiking is one of the easiest ways to meet people naturally, and we make sure newcomers feel part of the group.
Come for the countryside, stay for the company. 🙂
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Hiking in London Club
Exploring the countryside around London and beyond since 2016.