Gregre two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Gregre here.

Both the Essex Way and the Flitch Way provide a link between Dunmow and Great Notley using the route of a long since closed railway line. Much of this slowway is following the Flitch Way as it heads East through countryside and villages, offering a convenient stopping point at Rayne Station Cafe.

In this version of the 'Gregre' route I've picked a nicer walk out of town along Mill Lane and past some historic buildings. We then follow the Essex Way and the River Chelmer heading towards Little Dunmow to pick up the Flitch Way. The little village has a very nice pub if you are already in need of refreshments.

The Flitch Way now heads East in an almost laser straight line into Rayne. The countryside undulates and changes along the way leading us into the middle of Rayne and past the old station. From here we head south to the Great Notley Country Park (previously the Discovery Centre). Using the excavations from building Great Notely, this fantastic park with hills and banks has been created to house play equipment, sports pitches, sculptures and attractions. I've used popular paths in the park rather than just footpaths, to link up with Great Notley near to Tesco, another opportunity to stop for food, or use the cafe and facilities.

From here you will follow some pleasant walking routes created through the middle of Great Notley, linking up with the arbitrary red dot next to a Chinese restaurant.

The Braintree to Bishops Stortford railway line, which makes up most of this walk, was mainly used for moving freight from engineering works and the sugar beet factory in Little Dunmow. Despite closing in the the 1960s, it was not one of Dr Beaching's cuts to the railway network. Instead it was closed due to failing bridges along the route, and the cost associated with repairing them. In fact we are prevented from using one of the failed bridges, instead we detour sideways and cross the road at ground level

Both the Essex Way and the Flitch Way provide a link between Dunmow and Great Notley using the route of a long since closed railway line. Much of this slowway is following the Flitch Way as it heads East through countryside and villages, offering a convenient stopping point at Rayne Station Cafe.

In this version of the 'Gregre' route I've picked a nicer walk out of town along Mill Lane and past some historic buildings. We then follow the Essex Way and the River Chelmer heading towards Little Dunmow to pick up the Flitch Way. The little village has a very nice pub if you are already in need of refreshments.

The Flitch Way now heads East in an almost laser straight line into Rayne. The countryside undulates and changes along the way leading us into the middle of Rayne and past the old station. From here we head south to the Great Notley Country Park (previously the Discovery Centre). Using the excavations from building Great Notely, this fantastic park with hills and banks has been created to house play equipment, sports pitches, sculptures and attractions. I've used popular paths in the park rather than just footpaths, to link up with Great Notley near to Tesco, another opportunity to stop for food, or use the cafe and facilities.

From here you will follow some pleasant walking routes created through the middle of Great Notley, linking up with the arbitrary red dot next to a Chinese restaurant.

The Braintree to Bishops Stortford railway line, which makes up most of this walk, was mainly used for moving freight from engineering works and the sugar beet factory in Little Dunmow. Despite closing in the the 1960s, it was not one of Dr Beaching's cuts to the railway network. Instead it was closed due to failing bridges along the route, and the cost associated with repairing them. In fact we are prevented from using one of the failed bridges, instead we detour sideways and cross the road at ground level