Roxwell Good Easter and Chignall St James Walk – A Countryside Loop with Challenges
Index
- Introduction
- Starting the Walk – Roxwell and the Horses
- Across the Fields Towards Good Easter
- Exploring Good Easter Village
- The Long Stretch to Chignall St. James
- Chignall St. James – A Quiet Stop
- Benches, Breaks, and Rest Points
- Terrain – Fields, Lanes, and Hidden Paths
- A Blocked Route and Our Detour
- Navigation Challenges – Why This Route Wasn’t Easy
- No Cafés, No Tea Rooms – Be Prepared
- Final Thoughts and Recommendations
- A Little Note About Julie’s Walking Recipes
- Walking Gear for Seniors – Our Top Tip
1. Introduction
The Roxwell Good Easter and Chignall St James Walk is a good example of the way We’ve always loved discovering new circular routes, especially those that connect smaller villages and less-trodden paths in Essex. This time, Julie and I set out on a countryside loop that took us through Roxwell, Good Easter, and Chignall St. James. While the walk was certainly scenic, it wasn’t without its challenges. From crossing fields with horses to detours after blocked paths, it was a day full of surprises. If you’re thinking of tackling this walk, here’s a detailed account of what to expect.
2. Starting the Walk – Roxwell and the Horses
We began our walk in Roxwell, a charming Essex village surrounded by farmland and quiet lanes. Almost immediately, we found ourselves walking across a large open field that had several horses grazing. For those not used to walking near horses, it can feel a little daunting, but they were calm and simply watched us pass. It set the tone for the day – rural, open countryside, with very few people around.
3. Across the Fields Towards Good Easter
From Roxwell, the footpath led us across more fields, stiles, and hedgerows. The ground was uneven in places, and depending on the season, it could be muddy underfoot. We enjoyed the wide skies and the sense of space that only the Essex countryside can give. There was a real feeling of walking through agricultural land, with crops on either side and the occasional tractor in the distance.
4. Exploring Good Easter Village
Good Easter is a small, quiet village, but it has an undeniable charm. We passed by St. Andrew’s Church, with its peaceful churchyard and lovely views across the fields. The village green and the scattering of old cottages gave us a chance to pause and take in the atmosphere. Unfortunately, there were no pubs or cafés open on our route, so we had to rely on the water and snacks we’d brought with us.
5. The Long Stretch to Chignall St. James
From Good Easter, the path stretched out towards Chignall St. James. This was one of the longest sections of the walk, with a mixture of farm tracks and narrow footpaths. Occasionally, we walked along quiet country lanes. The hedgerows were alive with birdsong, and we spotted a few hares darting across the fields. Still, this section began to feel a little monotonous, especially as the sun came out and we hadn’t seen a place to sit for quite some time.
6. Chignall St. James – A Quiet Stop
Chignall St. James is another traditional Essex village with a simple charm. Its St. James’ Church is a lovely landmark, with a peaceful setting that invites reflection. By the time we reached it, we were ready for a rest – but again, there were no facilities for food or drink. If you attempt this walk, pack generously!
7. Benches, Breaks, and Rest Points
In total, across the entire 12-mile route, we found only two benches where we could stop and rest properly. One was near Good Easter, and the other closer to Chignall St. James. For senior walkers or anyone who prefers regular breaks, this is something to plan for. We ended up sitting on a grassy bank at one point just to stretch our legs.
8. Terrain – Fields, Lanes, and Hidden Paths
The terrain on this walk is varied. We crossed arable fields, wooded tracks, and quiet lanes. There were sections where the footpaths weren’t clearly marked, and we had to check our map carefully. In summer, tall grass and nettles can make the going slower. In winter, expect mud. Sturdy walking boots are a must, and poles wouldn’t go amiss for balance in the uneven sections.
9. A Blocked Route and Our Detour
Around the 10 km mark, we hit an unexpected snag: the route was blocked. A footpath that should have cut through farmland had been fenced off, with no clear signage for an alternative. After a few frustrating minutes of checking maps and backtracking, we ended up taking a detour along a country lane that added about half a mile to the walk. It’s worth being prepared for changes like this.
10. Navigation Challenges – Why This Route Wasn’t Easy
Overall, this walk was not the easiest to follow. Waymarkers were scarce, and paths often disappeared into fields with no obvious exit. We had to rely on GPS at several points to stay on track. For anyone who doesn’t enjoy constant map-checking, this could feel tiring. That said, it did give us a sense of achievement when we finally looped back to Roxwell.
11. No Cafés, No Tea Rooms – Be Prepared
Unlike many of our favourite routes, this walk didn’t feature a handy café at the halfway point. There were no refreshment stops at all, which made us appreciate the flask of coffee we’d brought even more. If you’re a fan of tea rooms along the way, this route may feel a little bare. Still, it’s a good chance to enjoy a proper picnic – just remember to bring your own supplies.
12. Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Would we recommend the Roxwell, Good Easter, and Chignall St. James walk? Yes – but with some caveats. It’s a great choice for those who want quiet countryside, open fields, and traditional Essex villages. However, the lack of seating, cafés, and clear signage means it’s not the most relaxing walk. For us, it was a day of problem-solving, detours, and making the best of things. If you’re well-prepared, it’s still a satisfying rural adventure.
13. A Little Note About Julie’s Walking Recipes
One of the highlights of our longer walks is packing something from Julie’s Walking Recipes – her flapjacks always keep the energy levels up! You can find some of her easy and tasty ideas over on our Walking Recipes from Julie page.
14. Walking Gear for Seniors – Our Top Tip
Because of the tricky terrain and lack of facilities, this is one of those routes where good walking gear really matters. If you’re a senior walker, check out our page on Walking Gear for Seniors – it’s full of advice on supportive boots, lightweight jackets, and essential kit to make walks like this more comfortable.
