THE MANDEVILLE MONK'S WAY (ESSEX) - 42 MILES

ABOUT THE WALK AND MY STORY -

It all began with a newspaper story, showing the Vicar - Revd. Stuart Owen - of All Saints church, Edmonton Green, London, standing on the church tower, extolling it’s 875 year history; and that it was in need of urgent restoration. Whilst I had visited the church to see Charles Lamb gravestone, I had not appreciated that the church had been founded in 1136, and has a rich history. Sadly, the
outside of the building gives little away of it’s foundation. A little while later another news story about the church created headlines. The vicar and some of his congregation walked 42 miles in 15 hours, from the church to Saffron Walden, whose monk’s of Walden Abbey (now Audley End House), founded All Saints.

Knowing most of the route they had taken, i decided to do it over two days, so I could photograph the places passed and make notes. So, at the end of July I left All Saints church at 7. 30 am and set off for the River Lea Navigation via the final section of the Pymmes Brook Trail. The sun shone brilliantly and became a perfect hot summers day. Apart from a “ten minute lunch”, I just kept going for 8 hours to Sawbridgeworth. I was keen to reach Bishop's Stortford, but I knew I was over halfway and if I pressed on I might miss the bus back!

Whilst the monks would have initially travelled down to Edmonton Green in the 12th. century to this small hamlet, surrounded by fields. They would also have travelled back on foot and by horse. I choose to walk “back” to their abbey site and onto St. Mary’s church, Saffron Walden; the finest church in Essex, on purpose. For you leave the environment of London and slowly work your way into the countryside, which becomes more and more unspoilt by every step you take. So it is a meditative and contemplative walk as you
leave the shackles of modern life and rely solely on your footstep, first by the navigation's and then across the fields to Saffron Walden. You have to be self-sufficient as the route keeps to paths as much as possible, skirting the villages.

I took 112 photographs, on the first day, as I walked, and apart from a few narrowboats cruising along, I had the countryside to myself. The sun shone brilliantly, mallards, coots and moorhens rushed away as i passed. Blackberries were in profusion and cabbage white butterflies flitted here and there.

The next day I carried on from Sawbridgeworth, taking another 80 photographs, in fine weather, passing the final locks of the River Stort
Navigation to Bishop's Stortford. Then on beside the River Stort and passing Waytemore Castle, which the monks will have seen complete on their journey. Pleasant paths led to the outskirts of Stansted Mountfichet, which likewise has an impressive Norman castle, but off the route. Bypassing the village the route led into the fields with combine harvesters bringing in the grain. Then on past woodland and halls to Rickling and remains of a moat and where Llamas were grazing. One mile later was the remote but attractive All Saints church at Rickling.

Then it was along a track to the surprise of the walk, the 10th. century St. Helen's Chapel with a thatched roof. Passing under the MI the route skirts Newport and picks up delightful paths leading northwards to Audley End House, passing reminders of Walden Abbey along the way. Then the final mile over the estate down into Saffron Walden and its treasure trove of buildings and the spire of St. Mary’s church piercing the skyline. Like the church party before, I had taken 15 hours and taken just over 85,000 strides. and no blisters!

The walk is a journey of the spirit and a discovery of yourself as the miles pass by. But it is also an end to end walk, whereby you walk a major section of the River Lee Navigation and the whole of the River Stort Navigation. both delightful waterways. Edmonton Green and Saffron Walden are full of loca! history and well worth exploring. Like all walks, you should expect nothing: just walk along and let the miracles flow.

Have a magical time.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS -

| am grateful to Revd. Stuart Owen, a keen walker, to use his walk and follow in his footsteps for this book. He gladly shared the route they had taken; for the church it will be an annual endeavour.

if you would like to donate to the All Saints Church Tower Restoration Appeal

http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/donate
and look for - All Saints Church Edmonton to make your donation.

There were many amazing synchronistic moments over the last year all pointing to this walk. First i felt the urge to visit Audley End House, not realising its history and association with Edmonton Green. Later, another voice in me said, go to Saffron Walden and see St. Mary’s church and walk the maze. I had been subconsciously encouraged to make the trip from a Christmas Card, showing St. Mary’s church in the snow, from a marathon walker, Danny Long,
who lives in Saffron Walden. Then, after completing the walk, another voice said, go to the Temple Church in London. I have been before, but again not appreciating fully what was there. Here lies the body of Geoffrey de Mandeville. For the last six years I have walked down to Enfield Lock Rail Station, via Mandeville Road! Another remarkable fact is that Walden Abbey was dedicated to St. James the Greater, whose pilgrim route to his shrine in Santiago de Compostela, I have walked five times, via different routes.. Finally, my Quaker history
teacher later became the headmaster of the Friends (Quaker) School in SaffronWalden.

Maybe the “ghost” will now rest?

A5 walk guide, spiral bound. 86 pages and signed by John Merrill.

Special embroidered monk badge and signed certificate fro successful pilgrims from John Merrill.

All walkers added to me Walkers Roll of Honour page.