Footpath Common

Downs, Moorland in Essex Uttlesford

England

Footpath Common

Junction and Sign The meeting of Hatfield Forest Road/ Wood Row/ Greenhill. — Junction and Sign Credit: David Bremner

Footpath Common, located in Essex, is a picturesque area characterized by its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Covering an extensive area, it encompasses both downs and moorland, providing visitors with a unique and varied experience.

The downs in Footpath Common are expansive grassy areas that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These gently rolling hills are dotted with wildflowers and provide an ideal setting for leisurely walks and picnics. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the numerous footpaths that crisscross the downs, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the countryside.

On the other hand, the moorland in Footpath Common presents a striking contrast to the downs. This rugged terrain is characterized by its heather-covered hills and rocky outcrops. Here, visitors can witness a rich variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. The moorland is also home to several species of rare plants, adding to its ecological significance.

Footpath Common is renowned for its well-maintained footpaths and trails, ensuring easy accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities. The area is often frequented by walkers, joggers, and cyclists, who can take advantage of the network of paths that meander through the breathtaking landscapes.

With its stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and well-preserved footpaths, Footpath Common in Essex is a haven for those seeking solace in nature and a place to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.

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Footpath Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.837873/0.23581679 or Grid Reference TL5417. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Junction and Sign

The meeting of Hatfield Forest Road/ Wood Row/ Greenhill.

David Bremner

Cannons Lane, Hatfield Broad Oak

The Broad Street Green part of the village.

Robin Webster

Field north of Crabbs Green Farm

Taken from Crabbs Green Lane looking west. The tractor track dead ahead shows the line of the public footpath crossing this field.

Trevor Harris

Footpath through The Marsh

This area north of Hatfield Broad Oak, formerly apparently common grazing, is a good wildlife habitat. Though there are some areas of standing water (one can be seen to the right here), most of the marshy area was dry today - as was Pincey Brook, whose course the path runs beside.

Trevor Harris

View from the lane north of Copperfields

Trevor Harris

Field, lane and a bit of hedgerow

Taken on the lane between Copperfields and Forest Hall.

Trevor Harris

Pillars of an ecclesiastical dispute

Or maybe not. This is the east end of St Mary the Virgin. The pillars here are the remaining two of four pillars which supported the central tower of the Benedictine Priory church - which until the Dissolution was twice as long as the present church. So much is not in dispute; however notes in the church say the church was divided by this east wall following violent disputes between the parish and its priest, and the monks - who the parishioners accused of not maintaining the then-shared. This was supposedly carried out on the orders of the king as a solution to the dispute. I can't find any reference to these events on-line, in Victoria County History etc although other disputes are recorded concerning the priory. I suspect that maybe the east wall was constructed in 1536 when the priory was dissolved in order to reduce the church to more manageable proportions - though I stand to be corrected.

Trevor Harris

Straight road near Forest Farm

This very straight section is about a kilometre in length and may mark the route of a Roman road heading for Takeley Street (several other straight sections occur between here and Takeley Street). "Street" in a place name often denotes a settlement on a Roman road and indeed Takeley Street is on Stane Street running east to west. I think it's not too fanciful to see this as a Roman route to Stane Street.

Trevor Harris

Finger post at junction near Bridgefoot Farm

Directions shown are left to Takeley and Hatfield Forest, right to Hatfield Broad Oak, and towards the photographer, to Woodside Green and Hallingbury. For a close-up see photo from contributor David Bremner TL5418 : Junction and Sign

Trevor Harris

Little Barrington Hall Farm

Trevor Harris

Field south of Greenhill

Is beside, or was part of Brumsted Common.

Trevor Harris

Hatfield Forest.

Now a popular park cared for by the National Trust.

Robin Hall

Village pump and main street, Hatfield Broad Oak.

The village pump is a feature of many rural villages in Essex. The signpost is a fairly new one made in a traditional style.

John V Nicholls

The Shell House, Hatfield Forest

Jacob Houblon III built The Shell House in about 1754. It was attached to a cottage by his new lake and was occupied by a housekeeper who kept poultry and peacocks. The cottage was later demolished. The Shell House has recently been restored by The National Trust.

Janine Forbes