To walk into Saffron Walden using the footpath on the main road leave Littlebury by the bridge and turn right at the top of the Walden Road to go south via Windmill Hill (the B184). Alternatively strike south at Holy Trinity Church (B1383) and at the end of the twin hedges continue with the Audley End park walls and house on your left – turn left at the Adam Bridge and continue around the park until you reach the town. Parents of small children please note that You can push most types of buggy (you don’t need an off-roader!) on the round pavement loop into Saffron Walden, but be aware that the pathway can be rutted and narrow at times.
To avoid traffic as much as possible, it is very pleasant instead to turn left at the end of the hedges and walk down Home Farm Lane. Cross the river and just ahead to your right is a discreet and leafy pathway with a stream running alongside leading to open parkland. Follow the path keeping Audley End House on the right to emerge through large gates, practically in the centre of Saffron Walden.
The Icknield Way Littlebury Green – Procession way Howe Wood from Batts Lane
There is a footpaths map in the bus shelter at Littlebury, but any walk out of Littlebury village will mean using the road. A brisk walk past Howe Wood by way of Merton Place will take you towards Strethall, England’s smallest parish, with its tiny and well cared for ‘Church in the Farmyard’. Unless you pay it a visit, keep Howe Wood on your left and you will approach Catmere End using Batts Lane. Walk due east after going through the village and descending the hill, and you will eventually arrive back in Littlebury. The Catmere End loop is a great one for buggies, although be aware of speeding traffic, including bicycles. This applies equally to walkers – there are two or three blind corners to watch out for.
Littlebury residents often drive to Littlebury Green and park there in order to enjoy the countryside around the hamlets where there are many footpaths and decent walks which children and adults alike will enjoy.
A lovely round loop (just a couple of miles) begins by the postbox in Littlebury Green. Follow the pathway round to the left and join a track that leads you across fields towards the mobile phone mast – Procession Way. Turn left to join a farm road that will bring you out at the bottom of Littlebury Green – take another left to walk back up the road to reach your starting point. A fabulous cycle path in the summer – it is a bridleway (as far as is known) so bikes also are allowed.