** updated as a result of the final test on Sat 05 Oct 2024 **

A circular walk of 9 miles entirely in West Essex, close to the border with Herts, an extraordinarily rural part of the county, isolated from much development, featuring big, exposed fields covering rolling countryside. Our route ascends one side of the Stort valley, descends to cross the river, and repeats the ascent on the other side of the valley. We shall wander through some of the quietest countryside possible, miles between settlements, very few people – if any – taking an idle walk.

Altitude ranges from 449ft (137m) to 583ft (178m), with some gradients being long.

Just about all of the route is exposed. Depending on the weather, wear sunscreen and/or windproofs and/or waterproofs. A small patch of tree cover is available for one of the lunch spots.

Wear sturdy boots. Whether wet or concrete-dry, the ground will be too uneven for trainers. Expect mud, either wet mud (if it has rained in the preceding three days) or hard, uneven mud. A lot of the route is crossing fields, most of which have just been freshly-ploughed/tillered, without the footpath being marked in.

Bring packed lunch, plenty of water and something to sit on. Lunch is going to be sat on the ground and shall be later than normal, so bring a packed snack, too.

The start point is accessible only by private transport. The route on its final approach to Clavering includes some of the most beautiful rolling countryside. The most appropriate accompanying music for driving on this leg of the journey ought to be light English classical, perhaps Williams or Walton.

Optional pub stop at the end of the walk. Pub has a good food menu at reasonable prices, worth of consideration for those staying behind for longer after the walk. Expected end time of the walk, on arrival at the pub, is ~16:00. The meeting point is 10 minutes walk on pavement from the pub.