Ashdon

March 24 2022

 Spring is sprung and the Walking Boys are at it again, with a spring in their step and renewed vigour. This time to Ashdon, a pretty and traditional style of village in Essex which was the start of a 5 mile walk through pleasant countryside. 

We took an anti-clockwise route from The Rose & Crown at Ashdon, past Holden End, Newnham Hall Farm, Ricketts Farm, to Bowsers, where we turned back.

"Bowsers" is a place where the fuel tankers used at the local airfield were housed. It was a Word War II USAAF bomber base and was closed in January 1946. The name may predate WW2 and not be named after the fuel tankers, see: https://www.recordinguttlesfordhistory.org.uk/ashdon/ashdonhistory.html

 From Bowsers we went to Harecroft Grove, Ashdon Street Farm, Puddle Wharf then zig-zagged to bypass Ashdon Hall and finally back to Ashdon.

Here is what used to be to be a railway carriage and was used as the waiting room at Ashdon Halt, on the Saffron Walden Line which led from Audley End to Bartlow. The line closed in 1964.

We were interested to pass by the Marpa House Tibetan Buddhist retreat. It was established in 1973 and is run by the Dharma Trust.

And just to confirm where we were, here is the signpost opposite the Rose and Crown where we had lunch.

And the Rose and Crown itself, freshly decorated and furnished, which while elegantly fashionable in its cool grey-and-offwhite way may have removed the old pub character which we usually look for.

Nevertheless a good choice of menu and of beers.