GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Thaxted Walks

6 miles (9 km)

This attractive Essex based town is a very pleasant place for a stroll. There's a number of historic half timbered houses, a 14th century Guildhall, 16th century almshouses and a picturesque windmill to admire. There's also a series of good countryside footpaths with scenic views of the River Chelmer to enjoy in the surrounding area.
This walk from the town follows a section of the Harcamlow Way south to Dutton Hill and the remains of the abbey and mill at Tilty.
The walk starts in the village where you can pick up the Harcamlow Way and follow the waymarked footpath south towards the windmill. You continue past Stanbrook and Follymill before coming to Dutton Hill and Tilty. Here you can enjoy views of the old Tilty mill and the ruins of Tilty Abbey which dates back to the 12th century.

Postcode

CM6 2LT - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Thaxted OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Thaxted Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Maypole is a good choice for some post walk refreshment. The stylish pub does a great Sunday roast and has a nice garden area to sit out in on warmer days. You can find them at 31 Mill End with postcode CM6 2LT for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country trails make for a fine dog walk and the Maypole mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

On the northern side of the town you can pick up the circular Turpin's Trail. The waymarked paths will take you to nearby Great Sampford and Hempstead, the birthplace of Highwayman Dick Turpin.
If you follow the Harcamlow Way north west you could visit Saffron Walden and the splendid Audley End park. The long distance Icknield Way Path and the Saffron Trail can also be picked up in this area.
To the south there's the expansive Hatfield Forest, Great Dunmow and the Flitch Way, a shared cycling and walking trail along a disused railway line.
A few miles to the west you'll find Clavering where there's a noteworthy 14th century church and some delightful almshouses dating back to the 15th century. You'll also pass picturesque Arkesden which is well worth exploring.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Essex Walks page.

Photos

Thaxted Railway Station - geograph.org.uk - 973404

Thaxted Railway Station. The station closed to passengers on 15th September 1952 and completely on 1st June 1953 well before the Beeching "Axe". It was the terminus of a branch line from Elsenham. What remains are the main station building with the shelter for passengers and an engine shed nearby.

Thaxted Guildhall - geograph.org.uk - 845293

Guildhall. Built c1390 by the Cutler's Guild, the Guildhall has had numerous uses and restorations in the intervening 600 years and continues to be the most important civic building in Thaxted. To the right, Stoney Lane leads to St. John the Baptist's church.

Thaxted Almshouses - geograph.org.uk - 845584

Thaxted Almshouses. Single storey almshouses by St.John the Baptist's church with John Webb's windmill in the distance The thatched building is known as The Chantry and was a priest's house until 1589 when it was converted to four almshouses. The tiled row was originally built in the early 18th century as 8 dwellings, though converted in 1975 into three.

Clarance House - geograph.org.uk - 845289

Clarance House. Handsome early 18th century 'Queen Anne' house on Watling Street opposite St.John the Baptist's church, the rainwater heads have a date of 1715. Also known as Clarence House

Harcamlow Way and River Chelmer - geograph.org.uk - 564388

Harcamlow Way and River Chelmer, south of the town. The way-mark indicates the Harcamlow long distance footpath beside the River Chelmer at Duton Hill looking upstream.

Tilty Mill (geograph 3370151)

Tilty Mill

Remains of Tilty Abbey - geograph.org.uk - 1973636

Remains of Tilty Abbey

John Webb's Windmill - geograph.org.uk - 846196

John Webb's Windmill

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Thaxted.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')