Index
- Setting Out from Coggeshall
- Across Fields Towards Pattiswick
- Skirting Pattiswick to Ford Street
- First Stop: The Shoulder of Mutton
- Picking Up the Essex Way
- Fields and Meadows to White Colne
- Second Stop: The Half Butt Inn
- Following the Essex Way East
- The Turkey Farm Surprise
- Torrential Rain and Thunderstorm
- Into Boxted
- Arrival at Boxted Church
- Across Fields Towards Langham
- Meeting Rachel at St. Mary’s
- Fields and Tracks into Dedham
- Arrival at The Sun Inn, Dedham
- Drinks, Laughter, and Reflections
- Taxi Back to Coggeshall
- Final Thoughts and Walking Tips
1. Setting Out from Coggeshall
Essex Way Walk (Holmes and Hills Annual Walk)- There were eight of us gathered in the Stoneham Street car park at 9 a.m., with our rucksacks packed and boots laced and lots of food and nibbles. The morning was bright and clear as we headed down East Street and then St. Peter’s Street, soon picking up the Essex Way Walk. The path led us through a new housing estate, then out into open farmland. across the A120 where laughter and anticipation filled the air — the day seemed to be stretching out ahead with promise!
2. Across Fields Towards Pattiswick
The track guided us northwest across wide, open fields, with hedgerows framing our route. On our right, Great Tey’s church spire rose in the distance; to the left, the unseen River Blackwater meandered through the valley. We fell into pairs and small groups, swapping stories as the first miles passed beneath our boots.
3. Skirting Pattiswick to Ford Street
Avoiding Earls Colne and Colne Engaine, we angled directly towards Ford Street. The fields rolled on, and after a careful crossing of Fordham Road, we found ourselves walking into the hamlet. The sign for the Shoulder of Mutton swung gently in the breeze — our first milestone.
4. First Stop: The Shoulder of Mutton
Outside, we claimed a table which accommodated all of us. Most of us had a coffee, and all of us agreed it was the perfect first pause. Over sips, we exchanged banter and discussed what was going to lie ahead of us.
5. Picking Up the Essex Way Walk
Leaving Ford Street via the back of the Shoulder of Mutton, we joined the Essex Way Walk, stepping out into more farmland. Way mark posts reassured us as the path cut across fields and hedgerows. The rhythm of boots and voices soon returned, the eight of us walking steadily.
6. Fields and Meadows to Great Horkesley
The Essex Way carried us over meadows, ploughed fields, and quiet farm tracks. Each stile and gate became a natural pause, where we regrouped before pressing on. Soon rooftops appeared, and the lane into Great Horkseley brought us to our second pub.
7. Second Stop: The Half Butt Inn
By now, boots were muddy but spirits high. The Half Butt Inn offered a warm welcome. Coffee, nibbles and drinks disappeared quickly, and we shared stories of earlier stretches. Energised again, we stepped back out for the longer haul towards Boxted.
8. Following the Essex Way East
The Essex Way guided us across rolling farmland and hedgerows, giving us wide views of the Colne Valley. But the weather was beginning to change, and the sky grew heavy with cloud.
9. The Turkey Farm Surprise
We’ll never forget the turkey farm. Hundreds of turkeys spotted us and came running, wings flapping, gobbling loudly. They followed us along the fence line as we walked past, filling the air with noise. The whole group was in fits of laughter for the next mile.
10. Torrential Rain and Thunderstorm
Moments later, the storm broke. Rain hammered down, soaking us through in minutes. Thunder rolled and lightning cracked across the valley. Hoods were pulled up, waterproofs zipped tight — though some of us didn’t have them. Boots squelched as we trudged on, laughing nervously at our dripping state.
11. Into Boxted
The storm passed as suddenly as it had begun, leaving the air fresh and the hedgerows sparkling with raindrops. The Essex Way led us onwards, until the flint tower of St. Peter’s Church, Boxted appeared.
12. Arrival at Boxted Church
We gathered at the churchyard, grateful for a pause. The centuries-old building felt solid and peaceful after our stormy crossing. But the walk wasn’t done yet — Dedham still called us onwards.
13. Across Fields Towards Langham
Leaving Boxted, the Essex Way cut across farmland again. The soil was sticky underfoot, but sunlight broke through the clouds. Ahead, the spire of St. Mary’s Church, Langham, guided us forward.
14. Meeting Rachel at St. Mary’s
As we neared the churchyard, Rachel was waiting with a big smile. Suddenly our group of eight became nine. Stories of storms and turkeys were exchanged quickly, and the renewed energy pushed us forward together.
15. Fields and Tracks into Dedham
The final stretch carried us across meadows and quiet green lanes. Sunlight flickered through hedgerows, and the path gradually dropped towards the Stour Valley. Conversation slowed — we were tired now — but the thought of Dedham carried us on.
16. Arrival at The Sun Inn, Dedham
Dedham greeted us with its timbered houses and church tower. As we walked down the main road the light was gradually fading into night and The Sun Inn stood waiting, and stepping inside felt like the day’s true reward.
17. Drinks, Laughter, and Reflections
We filled a table with glasses — beers, wines, soft drinks and 4 bowls of chips! — and toasted the day. Laughter came easily (especially from Ben J who does possess the most infectious laugh), stories flowed, and the storm and our friendly turkeys had already become legends. The plates of chips had disappeared in minutes, and the sense of satisfaction was immense.
18. Taxi Back to Coggeshall
As evening settled, our 3 taxis pulled up outside. Boots and bags were bundled in, and we rode back to Coggeshall not quite in convoy though. The miles we had walked shrank quickly into a half-hour ride, but the memories will stretch long into the future.
19. Final Thoughts, Walking Tips and Theme Tune !
👉 For walkers planning a similar route:
- OS Explorer Map 195 is invaluable.
- Expect muddy stretches after rain.
- Pubs at Ford Street, White Colne, Great Horkesley and Dedham make perfect waypoints.
- Group walking brings laughter and support — the best way to tackle a 20+ mile route.
And if you’re planning a big day out like this, don’t forget to check our Walking Recipes from Julie for energy-packed snacks, and our Walking Gear for Seniors page for boots, poles, and kit ideas.
