This circular trail in Coggeshall enjoys all that is best about an Essex break. The Colne Valley truly showcases the best of the British countryside and is the ideal location for a relaxing holiday experience – one that is filled with plenty of adventure and fresh country air!

This walk starts from one of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings via the Essex Way along the River Blackwater footpath to Paycocke’s House. If you are interested in history there is all sorts you can learn about to keep you or children interested.

The walk has the added benefit of a fabulous vineyard café half way round, so you can stop for a breather. You can also enjoy well-earned refreshments at Paycocke’s House and in Coggeshall’s vibrant cafés and pubs, many of which are dog friendly.

The Lowdown

Walking along the Essex Way, Coggeshall

Terrain: Easy flat walk on generally well maintained paths. Please note however that some of the footpaths may become overgrown.
Most of the walk is flat but the path can be tricky after wet weather.
Start point/parking: Parking at Grange Barn National Trust Car park in Coggeshall – post code CO6 1RE, Grid ref: TL848223.
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Distance: 3 mile circular route.
Maps: Landranger Map 168.
Other info: Dog friendly; plenty of rest stops.
Follow this link for a detailed description and map of the walk.

Highlights along the route

Grange Barn by Brian Snelson

The circular walk starts at Grange Barn, one of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings. Previous owners include King Henry VIII. It was built to store the crops from 13^th-century Coggeshall Abbey, which once stood nearby, and was on the brink of demolition when the local Coggeshall community managed to save it in the 1980s.

Grange Barn, Coggeshall

This magnificent building has an astonishing cathedral-like interior as well as an interesting collection of old farm machinery. There is also a special display of The Saunders Tools Collection in a separate building opposite the barn, with traditional woodworking tools used by local master carver Bryan Saunders until his death in 1975.

Walking along the Essex Way, Coggeshall

Expect beautiful countryside and river views throughout the walk. After visiting Grange Barn, turn right onto the Essex Way, a long-distance path stretching right across the county of Essex from Epping in the south-west to the port of Harwich in the north-east. Look out for rabbits and pheasants in the fields either side. And try not to get tempted to ‘do a Theresa May’ by running through the fields of wheat!

Nunn' Footbridge & the River Blackwater, Coggeshall

Once off the Essex Way, there’s the opportunity to see (and cross!) Nunn's footbridge which was originally made in 1896 by local blacksmith and public rights of way campaigner, Dick Nunn. Recently the footbridge has been repaired and strengthened. Look out for a variety of wild flowers and watch out for boggy areas after rainfall.

Once across, the path follows a short, clean stretch of the River Blackwater. Look out for bird-life, such as swans. Other wildlife including otters, water vole and mink have all been seen by locals at various times.

West Street Vineyard, Coggeshall

At West Street Vineyard, take a well-earned breather in the modern café for a glass of English wine and a bite to eat, all served with a backdrop of the stunning vineyard and the River Blackwater beyond. After becoming run-down and neglected, the vineyard was bought in 2009 by the Mohan family, and the existing 800 Faber wines extended to include 3000 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It also offers wine walking tours and wine tasting.

Paycocke's House L to R by Peter Kemp and Brian Snelson

From the vineyard, carry on towards Paycocke's House. Built on top of a Roman road around 1500 for Thomas Paycocke, the house is a grand example of the wealth generated by the cloth trade in the 16th-century. Marvel at the stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling inside this merchant's house.

Paycocke's House, Coggeshall

Outside there's a beautiful and tranquil cottage garden. Enjoy a stroll through the garden simply sit, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, or enjoy a coffee in the new coffee shop.

Victorian Clock Tower, Coggeshall

On exiting Paycocke's, turn right along West Street towards the town. In Coggeshall, discover the speaking bench and admire the Victorian Clock Tower. It was decided that a clock tower would be built in Market Hill for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. However, the money raised fell short of the sum required, so it was decided to increase the height of the existing old tower and install a new clock. The clock was made by the Midland Clock Company, now owned by Smiths of Derby, who still service and repair it.

Once back at Grange Barn, you can follow the Essex Way eastwards to see both St Nicholas Chapel (originally part of the Abbey and restored in 1956), and, after another ten minute walk, the ‘guesthouse’ Abbey ruins. The Abbey was founded in 1140 by King Stephen of England and Matilda of Boulogne as a Savigniac house, but became Cistercian in 1147 upon the absorption of the order. The Abbey finally closed in 1538 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. St Nicholas chapel dates from c 1220-1225, and was originally part of the Abbey. It was restored in 1863-4, 1896-7, and again in 1996. Services are held once a month.

Make a break of it

Wakes Colne Lodges (sleep 2 - 4), near Colchester, Essex.

For the opportunity to enjoy the Grange Barn and Paycocke’s House circular walk and other lovely walks in the area, why not check into one of our 5 star Essex holiday lodges? Tucked away in an ancient meadow in the breathtaking Colne Valley on the Essex/Suffolk border, just seven miles from Coggeshall, our five luxury holiday lodges provide you with the perfect base for a walking holiday in Essex and Suffolk. Situated in 500 acres of rolling private grounds with stunning two-acre fishing lake, take advantage of the long countryside walks on site too. Or simply unwind on your decked veranda with bubbling hot tub, and lap up the lake and countryside views. Our dog friendly lodges sleep two or four and group bookings are welcomed.