Description: A walk along the course of the ancient Roman road (Margary number 35) which runs close to Cratfield. It is flat, and fairly easy going. There are 2 options, 4 or 6 miles.

Distance: 4 miles (short), 6 miles (long)

Elevation Gain: 191 feet (long walk)

Time to complete: 1.5 hours (short), 2 hours (long)

Refreshments: no cafés or pubs en route

Directions

Turn right at the end of the Holly Tree Farm Barns driveway towards Cratfield Village. Take the first right (Manse Lane) past the village hall. Follow the road round to the left at The Firs, then take the track (Tongs Lane) on the right.

The track roughly follows the course of the old Roman road for a mile, narrowing into a path before widening again as it approaches Silverley’s Green.

At the road turn right, then immediately left on a metalled road to follow the path of the Roman road again.

For the short walk, turn left over the cattle grid after 600m. Bear left at the fork and cross the open Chippenhall Green to Elm Lodge.

For the longer walk, continue on the road until you see the road to Gissings Farm on the right. Take the track opposite on the left. The track bears right then left through a muddy yard with caravans.

Turn sharp right once you reach the field and follow the line of trees along the edge. Shortly after a hedge begins on your right, but before the gate, turn left on a path between fields. At the junction of fields cross the footbridge over the dyke, then turn left and walk alongside the dyke (which is on your left) towards a clump of bushes/trees, where there is a big ditch/pond.

Turn right, to keep the bushes/trees on your left, and follow the path across the field towards the farm buildings on the horizon. The path dips then rises again towards the farm.

At the farm (Common Farm) bear left along the field edge to a stile. Crossing the stile you are on Chippenhall Green, an open area. It is just 10m to the road. You will see a grassy track across the road bearing slightly left. Follow this to Elm Lodge where you join back with the short walk.

At Elm Lodge, cross the cattle grid on the road leading away from the green and bear right at the junction. Continue to Grove Farm. Just last the farm a signed lane (Jones’ Lane) bears left. This is a muddy and rutted track.

The track narrows and becomes a path between lines of trees. At the end of the trees the path briefly chicanes right then left to pass between fields.

Follow the path round the field edge to rejoin the Roman road track (Tongs Lane). Turn right to emerge again on Manse Lane. Turn left back to Cratfield and Holly Tree Farm Barns.