INTRODUCTION

I stumbled on this area of Essex by accident. The templar’s have always fascinated me and I have been to many of their locations in England and France. I learnt that Witham was originally Templar property and not far away are their barns at Cressing, which I had never explored. I began to look closely at the area’e history and discovered that one of the first witch’s to be hung, Agnes Waterhouse - on July 26th. 1556, came from Hatfield Peverel. But I could find no plaque of moment there. I had just finished walking to all the Protestant Martyr sites in Essex and knew of them in the Notley’s. So bearing all this in mind I worked out this route and walked it! What struck me most was the countryside was unusual for Essex. Wide flat open fields, good paths and tracks and unspoilt villages. The icing on the cake was the Cressing Templar Barns.

I didn’t rush and did the walk over two days, checking the paths and exploring the villages and churches. I used Hadfield Peverel as my break point - rail station - for there is little public transport after until Silver End, off the route, near Cressing. There is minor road walking, mostly on pavements to join the rights of way together. The road to Terling is a delight, tree-lined and very quiet. There is a scattering of inns, cafe’s and shops along the route. I met nor saw any other walkers!

You see several fine unspoilt churches with fine monuments. The villages have historic houses and conservation areas. As you re-enter Witham you pass Dorothy Sayers Drive. The popular Crime  Novelist - 1895 - 1957 - lived in Witham. Overall this is quiet circuit in the Heart of Essex and will come as a surprise to many.

Have a good walk and enjoy the places you see and pass.

……..May I wish you Happy Walking!

John Merrill