Brawit two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Brawit here.

Common features of this route are the River Brain and the Braintree to Witham branch line, two important links between these historic Essex market towns that we cross a few times. The route surface is good, even in Winter with no deep mud. There are a few stiles on fences and bridges to climb over, so it's not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Leaving Braintree Railway Station this route follows and crosses the River Brain for the first time. Heading South East of out of the town, we follow paths and pavements towards a handy underpass that takes us below the busy Galleys Corner roundabout on the A120.

From here it's countryside all the way to Witham, and next to the Garden Centre we take a footpath South West to the old part of Cressing. The beginning of this footpath is temporarily closed during building works at the time of writing, so detour along the B1018 through Tye Green Cressing and get back on the route at Wright's Farm.

In the old part of Cressing we pick up the Essex Way as it passes All Saints Church and heads South East towards White Notley. After crossing the B1018 the route heads down the Brain River valley through lovely countryside to Fambridge Hall.

Heading South East along footpaths, the route reaches the hamlet of Frambridge. A short section of 30mph village road links with the next footpath, there is a pavement in places and decent grass verges to walk on.

Wide footpaths along farm tracks lead North East to Whitehead's Farm, crossing the River Brain again at a fast flowing ford or footbridge. Then under the Braintree to Witham branch line and across the B1018. The road is 50mph in this location and locals use the field edges for the short 50m section that links to the next footpath. Alternatively along the side of the road is a grass verge suitable for walking along.

From here the footpaths follow a mixture of farm tracks, wide grassed field edges maintained for horse riding, then a delightful old lane. For a couple of miles this lane is flanked by ditches and trees, making it ideal for spotting wildlife in the surrounding fields. As we enter the outskirts of Witham, the lane becomes Rectory Lane a 'Quiet Lane' on the opposite side of the cross roads.

New housing connects our route all the way to the railway line with new walking paths and green public spaces. These are partially shown on the OS map, so don't worry it all connects up. From here it's a nice route on almost entirely off road paths and lanes to Witham Railway station

Common features of this route are the River Brain and the Braintree to Witham branch line, two important links between these historic Essex market towns that we cross a few times. The route surface is good, even in Winter with no deep mud. There are a few stiles on fences and bridges to climb over, so it's not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Leaving Braintree Railway Station this route follows and crosses the River Brain for the first time. Heading South East of out of the town, we follow paths and pavements towards a handy underpass that takes us below the busy Galleys Corner roundabout on the A120.

From here it's countryside all the way to Witham, and next to the Garden Centre we take a footpath South West to the old part of Cressing. The beginning of this footpath is temporarily closed during building works at the time of writing, so detour along the B1018 through Tye Green Cressing and get back on the route at Wright's Farm.

In the old part of Cressing we pick up the Essex Way as it passes All Saints Church and heads South East towards White Notley. After crossing the B1018 the route heads down the Brain River valley through lovely countryside to Fambridge Hall.

Heading South East along footpaths, the route reaches the hamlet of Frambridge. A short section of 30mph village road links with the next footpath, there is a pavement in places and decent grass verges to walk on.

Wide footpaths along farm tracks lead North East to Whitehead's Farm, crossing the River Brain again at a fast flowing ford or footbridge. Then under the Braintree to Witham branch line and across the B1018. The road is 50mph in this location and locals use the field edges for the short 50m section that links to the next footpath. Alternatively along the side of the road is a grass verge suitable for walking along.

From here the footpaths follow a mixture of farm tracks, wide grassed field edges maintained for horse riding, then a delightful old lane. For a couple of miles this lane is flanked by ditches and trees, making it ideal for spotting wildlife in the surrounding fields. As we enter the outskirts of Witham, the lane becomes Rectory Lane a 'Quiet Lane' on the opposite side of the cross roads.

New housing connects our route all the way to the railway line with new walking paths and green public spaces. These are partially shown on the OS map, so don't worry it all connects up. From here it's a nice route on almost entirely off road paths and lanes to Witham Railway station